Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart

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We, the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, are dedicated to contemplating and incarnating Gospel values. As daughters of St. Marguerite d'Youville, Mother of Universal Charity, who was motivated by a consciousness of God as Eternal Father, we continue her mission: To be signs of God's constant and unconditional love for every person.

Our overriding concern is that the Gospel be proclaimed to all we serve, especially the poor and needy of our world. We have a preferential love for the materially poor and demonstrate it in our lives and works by living more simply. . . working with the poor, sharing our love and abilities, and being enriched by their gifts. . . educating ourselves and others to the responsibility in justice to satisfy the needs of the poor...and acting upon unjust societal conditions.

We are 129 women who work in a variety of ministries rooted in healthcare, education, pastoral and social work. Our ministry takes us to the country of Haiti and the states of Alaska, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

We are one of Six Grey Nun congregations who claim St. Marguerite d'Youville as inspiration and animating spirit. We were founded in 1921 as an autonomous foundation and are the only congregation of Grey Nuns based in the United States.

In the words of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart:

Sr. Barbara Harrington	"What was it that Marguerite was called to set right? First and foremost, the importance of the poor, the worthy poor and the 'unworthy' poor. . . All her activity and that of her companions was for their sake. The poor . . . were not to be sent away . . . Not some one else's responsibility, but this community's." Sr. Barbara Harrington (formerly Sr. Robert Francis), Director of Marian Center Services, Kodiak, Alaska. Sr. Barbara Harrington at St. Mary's Parish: http://www.peaceaction.org/stmary
	"Marguerite's relationship with the Divine found expression in her being passionately involved with others, not detached from the human misery and pains of all around her. She forged a path of holiness out of the raw circumstances of her life by opening her door to welcome the poor, working tirelessly to meet their needs, confronting civil and ecclesiastical authorities to attain her rights and theirs, and forming a community of women to live in solidarity with the poor." Joan Marie Daly (formerly Sr. Joseph Eileen), GNSH, Spiritual Life Director at St. Brendan's Parish, Cumming, GA. Sr. Joan Daly at St. Brendan's Parish: http://www.stbrendansatl.com	Sister Joan Daly, GNSH, welcomes Archbishop Gregory to the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Sister Joan has served in the archdiocese for 25 years in Catholic schools, religious education and pastoral ministry. Currently she serves as spiritual life and pastoral care coordinator at St. Brendan Church in Cumming, GA. .
	"I can imagine Marguerite saying now, 'Love is eternal and unconditional... Search out the poor, the old and abandoned, those who are young but have faces that reflect despair, tell all you meet that God loves them and has sent you as prophet to manifest that love and courage...'" Sr. Denise Roche, President of D'Youville College, Buffalo, NY. Sr. Denise Roche at D'Youville College: http://www.dyc.edu
	"Children are a strong thread in the fabric of my life. They invite me to walk among the sights and sounds of our world, opening my spirit to the wonder of each and to God's providential presence. They teach me valuable lessons about trust, gentleness, forgiveness, honesty and patience." Sr. Martha Moyle [Sr. Mary Aloysius] Assistant Principal at Grey Nun Academy in Yardley, PA Sr. Martha Moyle at Grey Nun Academy: http://www.gnaedu.org
	". . . enables me to be a healer to others." Sr. Joan McElwain [Sr. Frances Joseph], Physician Assistant at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, Ogdensburg, NY. Sr. Joan McElwain at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center: http://www.chmed.org

Our Foundress - Motherhouse - What is a Grey Nun - Chapel & Windows - Vocation - News - Ways of Giving - Our Sponsored Works -Publications/Cards - Associates - Grey Nun Branches - Contact Us