Main Stream: Blessed Sacrament

The charism of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament is rooted in Eucharistic communion and the mission of unity among peoples, particularly through service to those who are poor and marginalized. At the heart of their spirituality is the Eucharist, which they see as the source of life and mission. From this wellspring of prayer, the sisters commit themselves to address the hungers of the world — spiritual, educational, and material — in a spirit of generosity, joy, and gratitude, fostering reconciliation, solidarity, and justice among diverse cultures. Their charism also includes a deep commitment to oppose forms of prejudice, racism, and injustice, striving to build communities of faith that reflect Christ’s inclusive love.

The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament were founded on February 12, 1891, by St. Katharine Drexel, an American heiress who dedicated her life and fortune to serving the Black and Native American peoples. Katharine professed her vows and became the first S.B.S., and she and her first companions began their missionary life by establishing schools and communities dedicated to the education and spiritual formation of Black and indigenous communities across the United States. Over the ensuing decades, the congregation expanded its ministries to include parochial work, intercultural pastoral service, and advocacy for justice and unity. Educational institutions such as St. Michael Indian School and the historic Xavier University of Louisiana — a Catholic HBCU — reflect the sisters’ early and enduring commitment. Though their membership has declined in recent years, their witness continues through education, pastoral care, social services, and advocacy rooted in the Gospel and Eucharistic spirituality.

✉️ stkatharinedrexel@saintdrexel.org — general contact for vocation inquiries and referrals 📞 Phone: +1 301-360-9581 (Motherhouse contact) 📍 Address: 8428 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702, USA