People often have questions about the Daughters of Charity. We want to share some of those questions and the answers with you. If you have a question that isn't answered here, we encourage you to email us with your question. If you prefer a personal reply, which we are happy to do, just let us know. Some questions will be chosen for our website.
What is the difference between a Sister and a Nun?
A sister is a woman who is a member of an apostolic community, such as the Daughters of Charity, who is committed to an active ministry working directly with people as well as having an active prayer life. Nuns are women who are members of monastic or contemplative communities. A cloistered community's primary ministry is that of prayer; members of monastic communities often give apostolic service beyond the monastery.
Do you wear a habit?
The Sisters wear a simple skirt and blouse or a shirtwaist dress in navy, light blue or white. The veil (coiffe) is optional. From the beginning, the Daughters of Charity dressed in the same fashion as the people they were serving. Over the years that dress has changed. Today some of our Sisters choose the veil (coiffe) as an outward sign of their commitment to this life while others choose to wear only their simple dress and a special cross that Daughters throughout the world wear that represents their community.
What kinds of work do the Sisters do?
Sisters have jobs (ministries) of service for which they are qualified for and which fall broadly under the categories of social services, healthcare, education and parish ministries. You will find Sisters serving in prison ministry, with abused women and children, with victims of hunger and homelessness, substance abuse, in pastoral ministries such as retreat ministry and spiritual direction, counseling, as educators and principals, in healthcare facilities, with social justice issues such as immigration and trafficking issues. Sisters have many options.
What is 'discernment'?
Discernment is a part of every person's life. Each day people discern whether to marry, have children, where to go to school, what car to buy, what movie to see and so on. Some things are easy to discern, some things take more effort. When making life choices such as marrying, remaining single or joining a religious or apostolic community, we have to look into ourselves and truly begin to know ourselves - our likes, dislikes, hopes, dream, fears, interests and abilities. And we have to turn to God. God can speak to us through prayer, nature, scripture and the people and events in our lives but we have to be listening. This listening, or awareness, is all part of discerning.
What does 'charism' mean?
Charism is a gift of the Holy Spirit given to an individual or community for the good of others. We strive to follow the charism of our founders, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Louise de Marillac and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton which is service to persons who are poor.
Do you live in convents?
We don't live in convents but in regular homes within neighborhoods. We live in community with at least three other Daughters and share a common life of prayer.
Where are the Sisters located?
The Daughters of Charity are a worldwide Society of Apostolic Life. We are called to serve and recognize Jesus in persons who are poor and marginalized. You will find us here in the United States and throughout the world serving the needs of the poorest and most abandoned among us.
Here are some more ways to get to know us better.
