The Little Sisters

We are the Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary, a vowed community of Catholic women religious. We introduce ourselves as “Little Sisters,” for that is what we strive to be.

We do not pride ourselves in being educated or important; rather we know that we are insignificant, ordinary and needy. Like Jesus, our joy is being loved by our heavenly Father.

Aware of the awesome blessing of being beloved members of God’s family, our mission is TO LOVE. Our hope is that God’s goodness be experienced through our good works, that all may want to belong to our Christian family, and grow closer to God and one another day by day.

Sr. Mary Elizabeth Gintling founded our community in 1974. We are based in Salisbury, Maryland, within the Diocese of Wilmington.

Our life is characterized by simplicity, love for the poor, universal charity, faithfulness to the Gospel, and a desire to “Cry the Gospel” with our lives.

We find the support we need through daily Mass, liturgical prayer, contemplation, adoration of the Eucharist, and life in community.

Our mission is to love and serve the poor within the ministries of the Joseph House, also established by our founder.

We rely on the example and intercession of Our Blessed Mother, St. Joseph and Brother Charles de Foucauld in fulfilling our beautiful mission. Together with our many volunteers and benefactors we support one another in faith, recognizing the dignity of each human life in this vocation of love.

Go to: Founder / Charism / Community / Vocations and Formation.