“Their sturdy backs bent down, by labor and fatigue, their eyes intent upon the earth, sift through stubble discarded by the reapers.”
—Sister Michaela O’Connor
The Gleaners, by Jean-François Millet (1857), depicts three peasant women gleaning a field of stray stalks of wheat after the harvest
Our Mission
To seek out and advocate for the poor and needy, especially families, for the Kingdom of God since 1872.
Obituaries
The funeral for Sister Michaela O’Connor, SHF, will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Parish Church, located at 43148 Mission Blvd. in Fremont.
Celebrating Our Legacy
Past
As Gleaners, we stood at the edge of society where Christ was encountered in word, silence, and action as the power of His Kingdom pushed out the boundaries of our world. We have been recognized by our simplicity of life and visible presence among the most abandoned.
Present
Our mission as Gleaners is to serve segments of the population who are underserved by Church and social institutions. As we celebrate this time in our history, our ministries will focus on children, homelessness, food insecurity, immigrants, refugees, and healthcare.
Future
Reflecting the heart of our mission our legacy will live on into the future for others through the Gardens at Palmdale, our Opportunity Fund with Abode Services, our Archives Collection, and Early Childhood Education Scholarships.
Scripture Reflection for May 24
Pentecost Sunday
What is the Holy Spirit like? We have some hints in this Sunday’s readings. The Holy Spirit is like a strong driving wind. The Holy Spirit is like tongues of flame. The Holy Spirit is understanding one another, and by understanding them, also loving them and caring for them. What does the Holy Spirit do? The Holy Spirit blows where she will and does what she wants. The Holy Spirit colors everything, and if we are open to the Spirit’s gifts, we are rich in ways unimaginable and can pour out those gifts on others. If we are not open to the Holy Spirit’s gifts, we are poor in ways unimaginable. Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in us all the fire of your love.
Get Involved with Sisters of the Holy Family
There are a number of ways you can join our Family of Friends, including donations, prayer requests, connecting with a Sister, and joining our mailing list. If you would like to request a prayer for yourself or a loved one, please let us know.
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