Mission and Ministry
The Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary are united in their Gospel mission, seeking to promote hope, justice, freedom, and human dignity to all they meet through their many and varied ministries. Like their foundress Nano Nagle, Presentation Sisters today bring a unique energy and dedication to these ministries: education, pastoral work, health care, and social services.
Education
Presentation Sisters today continue the very important work of Catholic education in elementary and high schools, while becoming more involved in the growing field of parish religious education. As educators, Presentation Sisters follow in the footsteps of Nano
Nagle, imparting Christian values not only by what they say but by how they
live.
Health and Pastoral Care
Presentation Sisters minister to the sick in nursing homes, hospitals, hospices, and programs for the homeless. Whether they are providing hands-on emergency care in an inner-city hospital or comforting those dying at home in a rural hospice program, Presentation Sisters bring to their work the love and compassion of Jesus.
Parish Work
Presentation Sisters are engaged in pastoral ministry in many parishes in Massachusetts, New Jersey , and New York. These ministries differ from parish to parish, depending on the needs of the people and the programs developed by the parish. Presentation Sisters in parish ministry respond to these needs by conducting RCIA classes, visiting the sick and imprisoned, comforting the grieving, providing outreach to the Hispanic community, giving spiritual direction... doing whatever is needed in the name of Jesus.
Social Services
Presentation Sisters who are engaged in the ministry of social services actively promote justice and systemic change while attending to the needs of those who seek their
help. They may be involved in housing homeless families in Fitchburg, MA, assisting Mexican families in Los Angeles, CA, or providing immigration advice in Newark, NJ, but they are united in their mission to fight poverty and injustice, especially affecting women and children.
Presentation Collaborative Ministry Project
In 2005 the Presentation Congregations in North America opened a collaborative ministry project based in New Orleans , LA , just as the flood waters of Hurricane Katrina began to recede. Based on common Presentation values of living among the poor and living simply, this ministry is a united effort to meet the various needs of people devastated by poverty, tragedy and loss. The Presentation congregations share funding responsibility, oversight, and staffing of the project. Since our own congregation has a history of service in Louisiana dating back to 1949, the Presentation Collaborative Ministry Project has a special place in our hearts. Despite the post-Katrina difficulties of life in New Orleans , the five Sisters engaged in the project, including our own Sister Enid Storey, have already established Lantern Light Ministry, located on the grounds of St. Joseph Church in downtown New Orleans.