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Social Justice

“Let Your Presence Transform the Community Around You.”

(GS/13/VII/72/A. Vol. I, p. 95.)

With justice as a key focus of our congregation, several of our ministries deal specifically with issues of human rights, education, and human development.

Sixteen children gathered around Sister Susan Gardella in front of a green wall.
Sister Susan Gardella with some of her young friends at the RSHM LIFE Center.

RSHM LIFE Center

The RSHM LIFE Center delivers a wide variety of programs to the immigrant community and beyond, serving toddlers to seniors, with the goal of empowering and inspiring all who come through our doors.


Three smiling people standing in front of a yellow wall and a sign that says "LIFE Center"
Evelyn Rios and Sister Joanne Safian with one of our new citizens.

Immigration & Legal Services

Several of our sisters are qualified attorneys who serve the poor and immigrant populations in Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, New York and in Immokalee, Florida. Another sister provides legal services to other religious congregations. RSHM attorneys make their expertise available to populations who would otherwise have little or no access to legal services.


Two smiling women standing outside, with trees, grass and part of a house in the background.
Sr. Maureen Kelleher and friend

Migrants & Refugees

Sisters and extended family members have volunteered their time over the years at the US southern border, assisting those migrants who have come seeking a better, safer life for themselves and their families.  Currently one of our sisters is in Lampedusa, off the coast of Sicily, serving with sisters from other congregations, providing assistance and support to the thousands of refugees


Safe & Supportive Housing

With our common understanding that everyone deserves a life of dignity, sisters are also actively involved in ensuring vulnerable people have access to safe and supportive housing.


Entrance and front porch of two-story gray house.
LifeWay Network’s offices at Rogan Lodge on the Marymount Convent grounds.

Trafficked Persons

RSHM remains committed to its work to stop human trafficking. We do this through our advocacy at the United Nations through the RSHM NGO. In addition to other local efforts, we also support LifeWay Network.


Four sisters in front of a sign with the UN logo and the words "United Nations Ocean Conference"
Pictured L to R: Sisters Virginia Dorgan, M Julieta Mendes Dias, Kathryn Keigher, IBVM, and Manuela Queriós.

RSHM NGO

As a presence at the United Nations, the RSHM NGO strives to work for the promotion of justice on behalf of those who are marginalized, especially women and children, The RSHM NGO also advocates for the care of the earth.