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News Release

Second Graders Lead Heritage Prayer Service Celebrating Sisters Of St. Mary Of Oregon’s 140-Year Legacy And Historic $1 Million Gift - 03/17/26

(BEAVERTON, Ore. — March 16, 2026) For 140 years, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon have devoted their lives to prayer, education and health care. Now, as they celebrate their milestone anniversary and a transformational $1 million gift to the Valley Catholic School endowment, the Sisters are leaving a lasting legacy, one reflected in the students they have guided for generations.
 

On Wednesday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m., second-grade students at Valley Catholic Elementary School will lead a special Heritage Prayer Service honoring the Sisters’ enduring mission, their $1 million gift and the future their generosity helps secure.
 

The service symbolizes a sacred legacy being passed from one generation to the next. As the Sisters strengthen Valley Catholic School through their historic endowment gift, these young students represent the living promise of that investment, continuing a mission that began in 1886 and remains vibrant today.

 

Sister Michael Francine Duncan, SSMO, Superior General, said the prayer service reflects the heart of the Sisters’ mission.

 

“For 140 years, our ministry has been rooted in prayer, education and health care,” Sister Michael Francine said. “Seeing these students lead this prayer service reminds us that our legacy lives on in them. This gift is not only a reflection of our past, but a promise to support future generations.”

 

Valley Catholic Elementary School Principal Dr. Yvonne Ayesiga said the Sisters’ gift ensures the strength and accessibility of Catholic education for years to come.

 

“This historic gift reflects the Sisters’ unwavering commitment to students and families,” Dr. Ayesiga said. “Their legacy is alive in every classroom, and their generosity ensures that Valley Catholic School will continue to form faith-filled leaders for generations.”

 

Through prayer, reflection and cherished traditions, students will honor the Sisters whose vision created opportunities for thousands of children to grow in faith, knowledge and service. The Sisters’ endowment gift strengthens financial assistance for students, supports educators and enhances academic and spiritual programs.

 

As the Sisters celebrate 140 years of ministry, the Heritage Prayer Service serves as a powerful reminder that their greatest legacy is not found in buildings, but in the lives of the students who will carry their mission forward.


VIDEO: https://ssmo.org/carrying-the-legacy-forward/ 

 

 

EVENT DETAILS

What: Heritage Prayer Service celebrating the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon’s 140-year legacy and historic endowment gift
Who: Second-grade students, Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon and Valley Catholic School teachers and administrators
When: Wednesday March 18, 2026, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Chapel - 4440 SW 148th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97078

 

 

About the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon
Founded in 1886, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon live as women of prayer in simplicity and sisterly love who are called to be compassionate, joyful servants of the Lord. There are currently 40 Sisters in the SSMO Community, most of whom live in the historic domed Motherhouse in Beaverton, Oregon. The Sisters' sponsored ministries include Valley Catholic School, Maryville Care Center, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Foundation, and Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries Corporation. Approximately 550 people partner with the Sisters serving more than 1000 children and 140 Maryville residents and supporting dozens of ministries throughout the Pacific Northwest. To learn more about visiting or joining the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, visit ssmo.org.

 

Second Graders Lead Heritage Prayer Service Celebrating Sisters Of St. Mary Of Oregon’s 140-Year Legacy And Historic $1 Million Gift - 03/17/26

(BEAVERTON, Ore. — March 16, 2026) For 140 years, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon have devoted their lives to prayer, education and health care. Now, as they celebrate their milestone anniversary and a transformational $1 million gift to the Valley Catholic School endowment, the Sisters are leaving a lasting legacy, one reflected in the students they have guided for generations.
 

On Wednesday, March 18 at 9:30 a.m., second-grade students at Valley Catholic Elementary School will lead a special Heritage Prayer Service honoring the Sisters’ enduring mission, their $1 million gift and the future their generosity helps secure.
 

The service symbolizes a sacred legacy being passed from one generation to the next. As the Sisters strengthen Valley Catholic School through their historic endowment gift, these young students represent the living promise of that investment, continuing a mission that began in 1886 and remains vibrant today.

 

Sister Michael Francine Duncan, SSMO, Superior General, said the prayer service reflects the heart of the Sisters’ mission.

 

“For 140 years, our ministry has been rooted in prayer, education and health care,” Sister Michael Francine said. “Seeing these students lead this prayer service reminds us that our legacy lives on in them. This gift is not only a reflection of our past, but a promise to support future generations.”

 

Valley Catholic Elementary School Principal Dr. Yvonne Ayesiga said the Sisters’ gift ensures the strength and accessibility of Catholic education for years to come.

 

“This historic gift reflects the Sisters’ unwavering commitment to students and families,” Dr. Ayesiga said. “Their legacy is alive in every classroom, and their generosity ensures that Valley Catholic School will continue to form faith-filled leaders for generations.”

 

Through prayer, reflection and cherished traditions, students will honor the Sisters whose vision created opportunities for thousands of children to grow in faith, knowledge and service. The Sisters’ endowment gift strengthens financial assistance for students, supports educators and enhances academic and spiritual programs.

 

As the Sisters celebrate 140 years of ministry, the Heritage Prayer Service serves as a powerful reminder that their greatest legacy is not found in buildings, but in the lives of the students who will carry their mission forward.


VIDEO: https://ssmo.org/carrying-the-legacy-forward/ 

 

 

EVENT DETAILS

What: Heritage Prayer Service celebrating the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon’s 140-year legacy and historic endowment gift
Who: Second-grade students, Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon and Valley Catholic School teachers and administrators
When: Wednesday March 18, 2026, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Chapel - 4440 SW 148th Ave, Beaverton, OR 97078

 

 

About the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon
Founded in 1886, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon live as women of prayer in simplicity and sisterly love who are called to be compassionate, joyful servants of the Lord. There are currently 40 Sisters in the SSMO Community, most of whom live in the historic domed Motherhouse in Beaverton, Oregon. The Sisters' sponsored ministries include Valley Catholic School, Maryville Care Center, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Foundation, and Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon Ministries Corporation. Approximately 550 people partner with the Sisters serving more than 1000 children and 140 Maryville residents and supporting dozens of ministries throughout the Pacific Northwest. To learn more about visiting or joining the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, visit ssmo.org.