The Sisters of the Little Company of Mary
Presence...before God, for others.
The Sisters of the Little Company of Mary bear witness to the healing presence of Jesus by physically caring for the poor, sick, suffering and dying people in our midst. We pray constantly for all suffering and dying people throughout the world. In collaboration with others, we respond to the emerging health needs of the world today.
Our compassionate presence serves to bring physical, emotional and spiritual healing to those suffering from illnesses and fragmented relationships. The Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, our Associates, and affiliated members are called to see and act through the lens of justice, to make visible the truth that all women and men are to share the fruits of God's graciousness in Jesus.
We are a worldwide, apostolic congregation of consecrated women in the Roman Catholic tradition following the spirit and model of Calvary. The Congregation is named for the "little company" of faithful followers who stayed with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, at the foot of the Cross throughout his suffering and death.
Mary Potter founded the Little Company of Mary in Nottingham, England in 1877 and dedicated her then-small following to the Maternal Heart of Mary. She was a frail woman with a fierce determination and unwavering faith who wrote extensively on the subject of prayer and spirituality. For the next 15 years, her "little" company grew in both numbers and reputation, serving in Italy, Australia and Ireland.
Who was it that remained faithful to Our Lord on Calvary? Was it not the little group who remained in the company of Mary at the foot of the cross?
-Venerable Mary Potter,
Foundress, The Sisters of the Little Company of Mary
The Sisters in Rome had been caring for the terminally ill wife of a prominent Chicago businessman visiting there. He was so impressed with the compassionate care his wife received at the hands of the Sisters, that he offered to sponsor any Sisters that Mother Mary Potter could send to the U.S.. So, in 1893, three Little Company of Mary Sisters arrived in Chicago to begin their U.S. ministry. Their efforts laid the groundwork for today's home-based hospice care and a legacy of compassionate health care in Chicago's southwest side neighborhoods.
Mother Mary Potter continued to attract women to her congregation and their ministries continued to spread throughout the world. Though she died in 1913, her charisma and her spiritual writings live on. In 1988, Pope John Paul II declared her "Venerable" Mary Potter, opening the door to her eventual canonization.
Ministry/Service
Our healthcare ministries include hospitals, home care, hospice, extended care, spiritual direction, parishes and outreach programs. In the United States, we are currently active in California, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Worldwide, we minister in South Korea, Tonga, Australia, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Italy, Albania, England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
For more information on the world-wide mission of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, please visit http://lcmsisters.org/
Vocations
We welcome single, actively Catholic women of diverse cultures, talents and life experiences who have the health and desire to follow Jesus in gospel living as consecrated women. We typically consider those between 21 and 45.
Discernment/Formation
If you are interested in exploring life with the Little Company of Mary Sisters, we will get acquainted with you through correspondence, phone calls and visits. You might then be invited to one of our "Come and See" weekends held quarterly in Evergreen Park, Illinois (adjacent to Chicago). You will have a chance to meet the Sisters there and learn more about our ministries.
Candidacy (Pre-Novitiate)
This is a time of experiencing and understanding what religious life entails. Depending on the candidate's life experience and spiritual development, the pre-novitiate runs anywhere from three months to two years.
Novitiate
This period requires one year of intensified prayer and study for deepening one's spirituality as an L.C.M. Sister. A second year includes ministry and experiences as a member of the L.C.M. community. Temporary Profession of Vows: This period of continued development as a vowed consecrated woman integrates community, prayer, service and L.C.M. community. It lasts from three to six years, depending on one's readiness.
Lay Associate Program
Our L.C.M. Associates are lay people who assist us in our mission to care for the suffering and dying of the world through prayer and service. Our Foundress, Venerable Mary Potter, called these people the "Greater Company of Mary." Men and women over 18 who are interested in the L.C.M.
Associates program may contact:
Mary Jo Quick, Coordinator of Associates and Affiliates
Or
Suzanne Petrouski US Region - Little Company of Mary Sisters OSF Little Company of Mary Hospital 2800 West 95th Street Evergreen Park, IL 60805 (708) 229-5095