using what is
given with care
and simplicity
as good
stewards of
God's gifts

The mother house of the Southern Province is located in Sewanee, Tennessee, where we have had a presence since 1888. The mission statement of the community is that we are called by God and united to God in holy baptism to offer our lives according to the rule of the community. Our rule and way of life can be summarized in three words: prayer, community and service.

The primary focus of our life together is shared worship and prayer. Our daily round of prayer includes the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and the recitation of the four-fold office as found in the Book of Common Prayer. The community observes a weekly day of retreat as well as two extended retreats each year. We treasure St. Benedict's guiding principle,

"Let nothing be preferred to the Word of God."

We believe that life for us is best lived in community. The church is the body of which Jesus Christ is the head, and our community, though small, is a microcosm of the church. We are vowed to God and bound together in community through our three-fold vow of celibacy, holding all things in common, and obedience. We live in dependence on God for all that is needed, using what is given with care and simplicity as good stewards of God's gifts.

Jesus came among us as one who serves. Service is offered first to our sisters. If we cannot serve our immediate neighbors - members of our community - we cannot serve those outside. We see our ministry as primarily a ministry of prayer, presence, and hospitality. Community outreach differs in each locality and is dependent on the number, gifts, and talents of the sisters.