Women Religious in the Archdiocese
The Office of the Vicar for Women Religious exists to assist women religious with all matters directly related to the Archdiocese. Besides serving the general population of women religious, several groups within it are under the auspices of this Office. Among these is the Sisters’ Council, which is an advisory group to Cardinal Mahony and deals with issues pertaining to various facets of the life of the Archdiocese in suggesting ways religious can assist in meeting the needs of the people of God within the local Church. The Council members are representatives of the various religious institutes within the Archdiocese. At times the Cardinal requests members to assist on other committees, especially as the implementation of the Synod Initiatives continues to be carried out throughout the Archdiocese. Another group overseen by the Office is the Advisory Committee of Major Superiors which assists in the identification and planning of projects and programs for the sisters of the Archdiocese.
According to data collected in the annual information updating conducted in August, 2005 by the Office of Vicar for Women Religious, there are at present 120 Religious Institutes represented in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles with a total of 1730 women religious. As the Archdiocese continues to experience an influx of people from other countries, there has likewise been an increase in immigrant religious to meet the needs of our increasing ethnic diversity. The variety of ethnic populations within the Archdiocese, therefore, is reflected in the ethnicity of the women religious. The ethnic composite of this group is approximately three-fifths European American and European, one-fifth Hispanic and one-fifth other cultures, predominantly Asian. These religious serve in parishes, schools, hospitals and other needed apostolic works. Their service is marked by Gospel living and a deep commitment to the mission of Jesus.
