Holy Rosary Sisters/ Today's Vision

Founder's Cause History Today's Vision Global Community

Mission and Ministry Works
• Evangelization
• Community Development
• Primary & Secondary Education
• Trade & Craft Schools
• Workshops
• Pastoral Care
• Nursing Schools
• Catechesis
• Agriculture & Farming
• Environmental/Clean Water
• Advocacy & Social Justice
• Community Services
• Nutritional Care
• Primary Health Care
• Hospices
• Hospitals
• Clinics
• HIV-Aids education
• Base Christian Communities
• Youth Leadership Programs
• Refugee Programs
• Literacy Training
• Income building planning

Sr. Terry Shields, with African refugees.

The Holy Rosary Sisters journey with the poor in thirteen countries. We currently provide over 23 different ministries. Many times traveling two by two, we establish a presence of Christian faith, impart knowledge, and foster economic growth and improved living conditions in the communities we become a part of for varied periods of time.

We are committed to fostering the dignity and support of women and families. In so doing, we nurture indigenous congregations, enabling people to recognize their own dignity and develop their capacity. Before the sisters hand over the work, we make every effort to equip and empower the people as Christians of their culture to grow their future within the strength and vibrancy of their heritage.

As you look on the borders of these pages at the services this relatively small group of women are called upon to provide, you will see, as we do, the need to establish expanded structures that allow many more to join us in these important and exciting works assisting others…

And so we share their thoughts below:

Enkindling the Flame (speaking as one voice)
As we look towards the future it is important that as community the Sisters reflect on our own discernment, mindfulness, and the time given to prayer each day. To reach for our new call and new light we will dig deeply. We will foster the development of a deeper contemplative stance, realizing that the disappointments we sometimes face are stepping-stones to greater things. This inner quest is an important part of the balance in our experience as missionaries.

Holy Rosary College in Tala, Kenya.

Religious Life Today in our Global Culture
We envision a tremendous growth of sisterhood in the next decade, be that as vowed religious or laity working side by side in harmony with us. We are excited every time someone joins us in our work. We see people coming to us as a gift, as people with tremendous potential. We invite them to get a sense of what we are involved in. We hear their story. We share our stories and see where their gifts can be most fully used. What is God calling them to do? We make the connection with their call. Being diversified in our ministries and grounded in our faith, we offer mutual growth in individual faith and works to all who serve. It is challenging work in non-traditional settings. Those called are stretched in mind, body, and spirit. Our life in ministry and community is enriching and life filling where deep bonds of friendship are formed. Our sisters and companions become citizens of the world in the work that they do. Within our mission and with our support, they develop a contemplative prayer life and become compassionate stewards of the Word and God’s work wherever they are led.

Novices working on their farm in Nigeria.

Renewing our Call
We will grow out of who we are, our past and our present. We must listen to God’s voice within ourselves and through others. Linking faith and life. Taking a pioneering approach. Analyzing our needs. We are working to help indigenous women take their rightful role in society today as they serve the common good. We will refine our criteria for being involved. Reflect on how we are enriching others. We are people of courage; inspired by the courage of those we serve. All of us are willing to take risks in mutual trust and faith. We will try new things and new ways of empowering people.

Reflections on growing our Ministries
There is much to be done and the workers will come through prayer and service and the generosity of all people. And so we vision.

Sr. Eileen Keane, Zambia

Health, Education and Welfare
We continue to create more coordinated initiatives that respond directly to the AIDS problem through educational programs, home-based care, as well as the reality of street people and orphans left destitute.

Local health issues are always a challenge in indigenous communities. We will expand our advocacy efforts so that affordable medicines can be provided for the poor.

Good health is based on balanced diet. We continue to examine what is locally available that can provide nutritious meals and to tie this knowledge into agricultural training and research.

Refugee Programs
In this time of global turmoil, we have a keen awareness and readiness to respond to the changing needs of those who find themselves displaced or seeking refuge.

Leadership Training
We will expand our efforts to train local leaders to join teams to benefit various regions. We hope to combine pastoral teams, health teams, educators, and other professionals to maximize the potential of needed programs and services.

Through the gifts of others working along with us, we will grow our ministries together. We will unite in common prayer and common goals serving our God, growing in generosity and love.

Telling Our Story
Our story is rich and rewarding. It is time to celebrate the wisdom and accomplishments of our older sisters and the enthusiasm of our young sisters in active ministry. It is most important as global needs continue to manifest themselves to let others know of the work and the harvest. To ask others to reach out in prayer, support and, where they can, in service. We shall all grow together in Christ’s mission of bringing about God’s reign.