Daughters of St. Paul

We are Roman Catholic Sisters, consecrated women who, like Paul the Apostle, are overwhelmed by the love of Jesus, who has "shown us great mercy." We use the means of communication, whatever is most effective, to share the good news of God's love for us and His call to fullness of life. Here in the New Orleans area, the Pauline Books & Media Center in Metairie is our home base for inviting God's people into an encounter with his Word, whether at our book center, on the road through our outreach team, or online through our digital ministries. 

Our Veterans Boulevard center, active here since 1968, is not just a bookstore: it's a place of encounter. Every day, people who come here find "rest for their souls." For some, it comes as soon as they walk in, and the noise of the busy street fades away in a peaceful setting. For others, it is the attentive ear of the sister whose care in listening assures them: God cares, too. For many, the destination is the chapel, where they find Jesus himself, and can write their prayer intentions in a book for others to pray over. 

The sisters also go out, bringing the Word of God to parishes and events. This year, a special focus has been Sister Anne's book for the Nine First Fridays. This is a wonderful resource for preparing for the Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (this June). 

It takes more than brick and mortar to sustain a mission like that. Naturally, the sisters pray together daily, and attend daily Mass as a community. They also set aside a monthly day of recollection, and each year spend eight days in a silent retreat, praying for all the people they have served over the year, and praying to be able to serve well the people they will meet in the year to come. This is really how they recharge their spiritual batteries for the intense work of the year. And this is where we seek your support.

Would you consider a contribution to send a sister on retreat? You can be sure that the Lord will know just how she got there when she spends those days in silent prayer, and she will be aware of what she owes to you, too. Not only that: through your support, you will be participating in the service the sister carries out in the year to come.

The annual retreats are conducted by the motherhouse in Boston. It is important for us to reconnect with our sisters from around the United States and Canada, and to be spiritually nourished together with them. But there are modest fees involved for the sisters' room and board (not to mention travel expenses!). The total cost for room, board, and airfare for each sister's retreat is $800. Since there are five sisters currently assigned to the Metairie community, that represents a significant financial burden each year. 

We are grateful for whatever you can contribute toward this important aspect of our life as sisters. May the Lord shower you with blessings!

About the Pauline Mission

When the first Daughters of St. Paul arrived in 1968, no one could have imagined the developments the media world would undergo, but the sisters had already heard the Founder, Blessed James Alberione, say: "Whatever progress provides that can be put at the service of the Gospel, use it for your mission." 

The sisters not only use media technology, they pray for the media culture, for media professionals, and for the people who suffer when media are misused. It is a mission that has no limits! You are a part of it through your visits to the Pauline bookstore (across from the Clearview Ochsner clinic), when you tune in to the daily prayer on our Facebook page, when you pray for vocations, and through your financial support.

Events

Numerous events are held at, spring from, or are livestreamed from our center at 4403 Veterans (across from Clearview):
St. Paul Book Fairs for schools
Pauline Book & Media parish book exhibits
@AskaCatholicNun - Online Evening prayer
Daughters of St. Paul Christmas Concert (Save this year's date: Dec. 17 at Jesuit High Auditorium!)

@daughtersofstpaul - Scripture Minutes!
@daughterstpaul - Instagram

Testimonials

"Sisters.. .In my ministry I have worked with sisters from many orders. You are the backbone of the 'Servant Ministry' we are called to. God's blessings on each of you." - Deacon Jack

“The Sisters, Daughters of St. Paul, are knowledgeable about a variety of media, kind and helpful!” Barbara M.

"Thank you for your Holy Spirit inspired spiritual insights, Sisters. They've helped me to grow closer to Jesus and to bring his love to others." - Podcast listener

"Sr Martha popped up on FB when my dad was passing to eternal life & unable to reach a priest. Mom & I held his hand in prayer. "