Leadership

Every five years, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon elect new leadership and approve a direction statement to guide the Community.

SSMO Leadership (2025-30)

Superior General

Sister Michael Francine Duncan

Sr. Michael Francine Duncan at SSMO Leadership Installation Mass
Sr. Michael Francine enjoys snacks with VCELS student

Read a monthly letter from our Superior General

Vicar General

Sister Krista von Borstel

Sr. Krista thanks Fr. Freddy at the Installation Mass
Sr. Krista working in the shop

General Councilor

Sister Julie Doan

Sr. Julie teaching
Sr. Julie with family at her leadership installation Mass

General Councilor

Sister Juana Gutierrez Mares

Sr. Juana at the Leadership Installation Mass
Sr. Juana with friends during her 25th Jubilee

SSMO Direction Statement 2025-30

We, the Sisters of St Mary of Oregon, relying on God’s grace, commit
ourselves to a deeper understanding and living of our SSMO charism. We will focus on

contemplative silence,
trust and Sisterly love,
authentic intercultural and intergenerational relationships,
reconciliation, and
respectful, compassionate acceptance of all.

We, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, recognize that we live in a fractured world marked by division and polarities. We commit to living the Gospel values of

non-violence,
hospitality,
justice, and
care for our common home.

We, the Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, commit ourselves to wise and
prudent stewardship. We call ourselves to

mutual responsibility and accountability,
subsidiarity and collegiality, and
confidentiality and clear communication.

We will educate ourselves, use our resources and collaboratively engage with others to build the Kingdom of God.

SSMO Leadership Team is ready to go to work.

SSMO Leadership election and direction statement process

The leadership election took place during the SSMO General Chapter meeting, held from March 21 – 29. This significant gathering occurs every five years. It is rooted in prayer and Community discernment, and consists of the Chapter of Affairs and the Chapter of Elections.

During the Chapter of Affairs, the Sisters collaboratively set the congregation’s direction for the next five years – ensuring their Mission, Core Values and Charism are aligned with their direction. Next, the Chapter of Elections was conducted to elect the Superior General and General Council. These four elected women are responsible for leading their Community to implement the Direction Statement into their daily lives.