OUR CHARISM
As Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, we believe God calls us to be a sign in the world of the power of the Eucharistic Christ to effect unity and community among all peoples.
ORGANIZATIONS that the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament are actively involved include . . .
African American Catholic Ministry (Cleveland, OH)
Drexel-Morrell Center (Powhatan, VA)
Office of Intercultural Ministry (Jackson, MS)
Paul’s Run Retirement Community (Philadelphia, PA)
Smithson Craighead Academy (Nashville, TN)
St. Francis Medical Center (Powhatan, VA)
St. Joseph’s/Chandler Health System (Savannah, GA)
St. Michael Indian School (St. Michaels, AZ)
SSJ Center for Justice, Peace, and Integration of Creation (Philadelphia, PA)
Xavier University (New Orleans, LA)
SBS LEADERSHIP TEAM
THANK YOU!
Thank you for your generosity and support of our 2024 - 2025 Annual Appeal.
SISTERS OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT ANNUAL APPEAL
2024 - 2025
ST. KATHARINE DREXEL
February 12, 1891: Katharine Drexel listened to the desires God placed in her heart. She professed the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to become the first Sister of the Blessed Sacrament (SBS). She continued her mission of bringing hope, equality, and the Eucharist to the Black and Native American communities until her death on March 3, 1955.
November 20, 1988: Mother Katharine’s 1st miracle, the healing of severe inner ear damage of 14 year old Robert Gutherman, is confirmed by Pope John Paul II. Katharine is now “Blessed Katharine Drexel.”
October 1, 2000: After confirmation of Mother Katharine’s 2nd miracle, the healing of deafness of Amy Wall, Pope John Paul II declares Katharine “Saint Katharine Drexel.”
OUR MISSION
Guided by the Spirit of Katharine Drexel, we are called to share the gospel message with the poor, especially among the Black and Native American peoples, and to challenge all forms of racism, as well as, the other deeply rooted injustices in the world today.
Sr. Zoe Brenner
St. Michaels, Arizona
Sr. Jane Nesmith Cleveland, Ohio
Sr. Patrick Marie Dempsey Picuris Pueblo, New Mexico
Sr. Elena Henderson Richmond, Virginia
Sr. Nathalee Bryant New Orleans, Louisiana
Sr. Lynn Marie Ralph
Sr. Amelia Breton Jackson, Mississippi
Sr. Donna Breslin Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Donations to the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament Help Support
The Road from the Motherhouse to Paul’s
Run
In 1892, Katharine Drexel and thirteen companion Sisters moved into the Motherhouse in Bensalem, PA. During this time the congregation flourished. New construction provided facilities for a convent, Holy Providence Boarding School, and a chapel that serviced the needs of the Sisters, students, and visitors.
During Mother Katharine’s lifetime, the inheritance she received from her father’s estate helped to grow and sustain the SBS congregation and their Missions. Unfortunately, upon her death in 1955, the distributions from her father’s estate ended, as per the stipulations of his will. As a result, the SBS missions, across the USA, had to become more self-sustaining.
By 2017, times had significantly changed. The upkeep and maintenance of the property and buildings became overwhelming and were financially draining the limited resources that remained. The SBS made the difficult and heartbreaking decision to move from the Motherhouse to Paul’s Run Retirement Community in Philadelphia. The Sisters had lost their HOME but knew the MISSION must endure.
Today, at Paul’s Run the SBS continue St. Katharine’s Eucharistic Mission to spread unity, peace, and justice within the
