Who We Are

The Immaculate Heart Community is an ecumenical community without walls. It was established in 1970 by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary after dispensation from their public vows as members of a pontifical religious institute in the Roman Catholic Church. They set out to form a spiritual community free from hierarchical and patriarchal governance. Today, over fifty years later, we have evolved into an ecumenical community that includes differences in worship styles, gender, sexual orientation, economic position, single or committed relationship status, race and culture.

Our choice to be in community includes a desire to deepen our faith lives and enrich our spiritual growth through study and move forward by embracing change, believing that it renews the life and work of a unified community with ongoing meaning. Our name “Immaculate Heart” has been retained in our Community as a statement of our commitment to go forth into the world, like Mary, with hearts untarnished by fear. We are called to offer love, alleviate human suffering, build bridges of connectivity, stand with the marginalized, resist injustice, support those who are impoverished, and protect the planet.

Each person’s journey within the community involves cultivating spiritual development; the experience of being in community provides opportunities for growth that an individual cannot realize alone. Compassion, adaptation to change, mutual respect, a willingness to resolve conflicts, forgiveness, honest communication, and a desire to engage in helping where need exists are some of the values that the Immaculate Heart Community identifies as elements of our common good.

The Spirit that Calls Us: The Vision and Mission of the Immaculate Heart Community of California

Person in Community

The longing for community, for sharing one’s life with others, is a deep human need… The experience of being in community can stimulate many aspects of our nature and provide opportunities for growth that an individual cannot realize alone.

The Process Through Which We Prepare for Life in Community

We believe that our personal call to membership is shaped and challenged by the collective call of the Community. Community is an expression of God’s spirit alive within and amongst us… Preparation for membership in the Immaculate Heart Community entails a time of personal and communal discernment that occurs over a period of several years.

Our Life of Prayer

Preparation for membership in the Immaculate Heart Community entails a time of personal and communal discernment… We pray in a spirit of openness, respectful of our Roman Catholic roots, and acknowledging that we are ecumenical in our contemporary orientation. As we share creative ritual, we shift consciousness and embrace the Sacred.

The Spirit in Which We Serve

Strengthened by our common goal and communal ties, we take our inspiration from the life, work and teaching of Jesus of Nazareth, who was, above all, a servant leader… Our service emerges from love and is an echo of our motto: “Caritas nos alliget.” Love brings us together.

The Spirit in Which We Share Material Goods

Community involves the heartfelt sharing of benefits and responsibilities: spiritual, personal and financial… We combine our talents, resources and energies to collaborate in service. We believe the Gospel summons us to live in a spirit of service and generosity to a world in need.

The Spirit in Which We Share Responsibility for Governance

As a Community of people rooted in the love of Jesus, we recognize that authority within our Community originates in the Spirit that gives and shares life with us… In our governance, we hold the principles of equality, personal responsibility, generosity and compassion as essential to our discernment as a Community. These values are lived out within the context of mutuality and cooperation and are exercised by all: members, elected leaders, various committees, and the Assembly.