Mission Recap 2021

A big THANK YOU and sharing the blessings!

We reflect on this year of 2021 and the many blessings our good Lord has poured out upon our community. With grateful hearts, we want to share these blessings and how your prayers, financial support, and friendship have equipped us to fulfill the mission our Lord has entrusted to us.

Carmelite Sisters

To stand in the Presence of the Living God, and with Mary,
to make known to the world the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Joyful – Authentic
Totally-Given – Family Spirit

Joyful – Authentic
Totally-Given – Family Spirit

Retreats

Drawing Closer to the Heart of Jesus

Entrusted with the mission of bringing souls closer to His Heart, the Carmelites provided virtual retreats, and through God’s Providence, were finally able to open the doors of our beloved Sacred Heart Retreat House in July to souls hungry to experience God’s peace and presence.

2021 Highlights

  • Virtual retreatants: 1,935 souls
  • On-Campus : 351 souls
  • SHRH Grand Re-Opening!
  • Fall Family Festival attendance was vibrant and life-giving to both families and Sisters!
  • Made for Greater – a new retreat model
  • Adoration Night opened to retreatants

2021 Highlights

  • Virtual retreatants: 1,935 souls
  • On-Campus : 351 souls
  • SHRH Grand Re-Opening!
  • Fall Family Festival attendance was vibrant and life-giving to both families and Sisters!
  • Made for Greater – a new retreat model
  • Adoration Night opened to retreatants

Testimonials

“It was such an opportunity to break away from “the day-to-day of life” and let God’s love minister to my mind, body, and spirit.  I have some wind back in my sails again, and my soul is refreshed.  Thank you, Sisters, for this time and invitation to walk with us!”

– Terry (Retreatant)

“The Made for Greater retreat was truly life-giving and transformational! This retreat was simply like no other, where I so deeply encountered the love of God through journeying with the Sisters and others on retreat.”

– Katherine (Retreatant)

Healthcare

At the Service of the Family for Life

Entrusted with the mission to be at the service of the family, our Carmelite Sisters oversee two campuses, Santa Teresita in Duarte, CA and Marycrest Manor in Culver City, CA.

Santa Teresita 2021 Highlights

  • Santa Teresita provided 1.5 million dollars worth of direct care for our residents that was not reimbursed by insurance.
  • Currently serve 103 (39 cottage and 64 manor) residents
  • Currently coordinate 25 active volunteers
  • Currently oversee 135 staff.

Marycrest Manor 2021 Highlights

  • 155 seniors receiving 24 hour service and care.
  • Community collaborative programs:
    • Soles4Souls collected 100+ pairs of shoes for those in need around the world
    • Tomatlenses Unidos International Benefit Organization, Inc. contributed mobility aids for disabled individuals in Jalisco and other cities throughout Mexico
    • Jackets, coats, sweaters, socks, and shoes collected by Marycrest for needy families in Tijuana and those detained at the border
  • Daily mass celebrated by our resident bishop and priests.

Santa Teresita 2021 Highlights

  • Santa Teresita provided 1.5 million dollars worth of direct care for our residents that was not reimbursed by insurance.
  • Currently serve 103 (39 cottage and 64 manor) residents
  • Currently coordinate 25 active volunteers
  • Currently oversee 135 staff.

Marycrest Manor 2021 Highlights

  • 155 seniors receiving 24 hour service and care.
  • Community collaborative programs:
    • Soles4Souls collected 100+ pairs of shoes for those in need around the world
    • Tomatlenses Unidos International Benefit Organization, Inc. contributed mobility aids for disabled individuals in Jalisco and other cities throughout Mexico
    • Jackets, coats, sweaters, socks, and shoes collected by Marycrest for needy families in Tijuana and those detained at the border
  • Daily mass celebrated by our resident bishop and priests.

Testimonials

“Dear Sisters, Nurses and Staff,
Thank you so much for the loving care you give to my mom! It was so difficult for my dad to put her care into the hands of just anyone. He and we are so very happy she is with you! It is so apparent that you all treat her with so much love and care… You all are the best! In my book you are 10 stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”

– Carrie (daughter of current Santa Teresita Manor resident)

 “…for the elderly now happily residing inside the two new and beautiful modern Cottage residential facilities; especially during this time of the pandemic, where Santa Teresita has, even more so, proven to be a place of the highest safety, medical care, and overall Elder care concern for all of the beloved members of our families who have been blessed by God to reside there. Thank you, dear Sisters, for being such a profound Light of Faith which beams the light of Hope and God’s Love and Grace during such present dark and uncertain times.”

– Raymond (son of deceased manor resident)

“I would like to thank the administration and the staff for the exceptional care that was given to my mother. My mother was a resident of Marycrest for almost 15 years. I was so happy knowing she was cared for by loving, caring professionals. I never worried because I knew she was in the best of care at Marycrest. I cannot say thank you enough for everything you did for my mother. She was very happy there and the family and I will never forget all the kindness and love shown to our mother.”

– A family member of Marycrest Manor resident

 “In January this year our mother celebrated her 99th birthday. Due to Covid 19 we were not able to celebrate her birthday in person. However, Santa Teresita would not let us down. They celebrated her birthday and included her entire family, children and grandchildren all through Zoom. The room was filled with balloons, cupcakes and our gifts for mom. Mom was thoroughly surprised and happy to see this joyous occasion unfold. The staff at Santa Teresita all work tediously to comfort those who are in need with patience and love. We have witnessed mom’s joy and laughter once again flow as she sings her favorite songs with the staff. I thank God for revealing Santa Teresita Skilled Nursing Manor to us at such a tender time of hopelessness and fear”

– Yolanda (daughter of deceased manor resident)

Education

Educating for Life With the Mind and Heart of Christ

Missioned to serve in Catholic education, our Carmelite Sisters teach and form the whole person with the heart and mind of Christ, equipping our children and youth with spiritual and personal development to face this world anchored in His love and truth. Our Sisters currently supervise and staff Catholic schools at St. Philomena (Carson, CA), Sts. Peter and Paul (Wheatridge, CO), St. Theresa (Coral Gables, FL), and Archbishop Coleman F. Carroll High School (Miami, FL). We also have teaching Sisters at Holy Innocents (Long Beach, CA) and Sacred Heart (Palm Desert, CA).

2021 Highlights

  • Increased enrollment in all of our schools
  • St. Theresa: 90 staff serving over 900 students
  • Sts. Peter & Paul:
    • Installed a newer and safer play area that includes a playground, Marian prayer grotto, safer sidewalks, volleyball court, full basketball court, and soccer field
    • New outdoor STEM classroom with garden boxes, greenhouse tables, and small amphitheater
  • St. Philomena:
    • Serving 302 students
    • Provided over $80,000 in tuition assistance for 33 of our families
    • We have Counseling Partners of Los Angeles and student nurses from West Coast University on campus to support emotional and physical health of students

2021 Highlights

  • Increased enrollment in all of our schools
  • St. Theresa: 90 staff serving over 900 students
  • Sts. Peter & Paul:
    • Installed a newer and safer play area that includes a playground, Marian prayer grotto, safer sidewalks, volleyball court, full basketball court, and soccer field
    • New outdoor STEM classroom with garden boxes, greenhouse tables, and small amphitheater
  • St. Philomena:
    • Serving 302 students
    • Provided over $80,000 in tuition assistance for 33 of our families
    • We have Counseling Partners of Los Angeles and student nurses from West Coast University on campus to support emotional and physical health of students

Testimonials

“STS has made a huge impact in my life. I came from a non-religious school and STS made a change for me to be closer to God. Not only has STS created an amazing learning experience for me but it created many memories and friends. I will never take this for granted. STS is one of the best schools and I will always be grateful for my home away from home.”

– A student at St. Theresa Catholic School

“I like that my children feel part of a family as well while attending the school.”

– Parent at St. Philomena

“St Theresa School has given me the space to grow and be all that Christ is calling me to be.”

– A staff member at St. Theresa Catholic School

“STS has made a great impact on my life. I have really learned to give, love, forgive and much more. The STS family has taught me about my faithe and others, too. I have also met my loving and generous friends in this school. Without STS I wouldn’t be who I am.”

– A student at St. Theresa Catholic School

“Our Catholic faith and values are integrated into the curriculum and part of my child’s everyday life. I am grateful for the presence of the Carmelite Sisters fostering a deep love for Jesus and promoting prayer life and good deeds.”

 – Parent of St. Philomena

“STS has made my life better because I wake up everyday wanting and excited to go to school. I feel STS has also changed me as a person because of Mass and my Religion classes. I have changed the way on how I think and do things. I always think of how blessed I am to be here.”

 – A student at St. Theresa Catholic School

In Gratitude to You

Our 2021 could not have been achieved without you! Thank you for your support,
and we look forward to stepping into the new year with you!

If you feel called to support our mission at the end of this year, please click the button below:

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