Provincial House - Salesian Sisters of San Antonio
Site Overview
The Salesian Sisters’ Provincial House in San Antonio, Texas, serves as the administrative and spiritual center of the Province of St. Joseph, which includes the Salesian Sisters’ ministries throughout the western United States. While it is home to the provincial leadership and administrative offices, it is also a vibrant community where retired sisters, active missionaries, staff, students, and visitors come together in the spirit of St. John Bosco and St. Mary Mazzarello.
Volunteers experience the breadth of the Salesian mission by supporting ministries of education, evangelization, hospitality, and community life. Depending on the needs of the community, they may assist in youth ministry, educational programs, provincial events, hospitality, and the daily care and accompaniment of elderly sisters who have dedicated their lives to serving young people. This placement offers a unique opportunity to experience the life of the Salesian Sisters from within while contributing to both their active ministries and the ongoing care of the community.
Available Ministries
- Catequesis & Retreat
- Education
- Teacher (Primary)
- House of Formation
- Parish
- Project Development Office (PDO)
- Social Work
- Youth & Campus Ministry
- Youth Centre
Location
Time Commitment
Opportunities
Language
Ministry Background
The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians have served San Antonio for many years, continuing Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello’s mission of educating and evangelizing young people, especially those most in need. Their ministries combine academic excellence with spiritual formation, emphasizing the Salesian Preventive System of reason, religion, and loving-kindness.
Purpose & Objectives
The purpose of this placement is to support the educational and pastoral mission of the Salesian Sisters by accompanying children and youth through classroom assistance, faith formation, extracurricular activities, and community life. Volunteers help create an environment where young people experience God’s love through education, encouragement, and authentic relationships.
Programs, Activities, & Other Projects
- Assisting with care and companionship for elderly Salesian Sisters
- Helping with hospitality for visitors, retreats, and provincial gatherings
- Supporting provincial administrative offices and special projects
- Youth retreats and faith formation
- Summer camps and vacation Bible school
- Communications and social media
- Music and liturgical ministry
- Facility support and community events
Duties & Responsibilities
- Assist with educational and youth ministry programs
- Tutor students or assist teachers when needed
- Help coordinate retreats, faith formation, and youth activities
- Provide companionship and practical assistance to elderly sisters
- Assist with transportation or accompaniment of sisters to appointments (as appropriate)
- Help with hospitality during provincial meetings and retreats
- Assist with administrative projects in the Provincial Office
- Support the upkeep and daily operation of the Provincial House
- Participate in community celebrations, liturgies, and special events
- Be a joyful Salesian presence throughout the community
Practical Qualifications/Skills Needed
- Love for working with children, youth, and older adults
- Compassion and patience when accompanying elderly sisters
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Willingness to serve wherever needed
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Organizational skills and flexibility
- Practicing Catholic committed to the Church’s mission
Useful Academic Preparation
Helpful backgrounds include:
- Education
- Theology
- Youth Ministry
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Religious Studies
Teaching or tutoring experience is beneficial but not required.
Useful Experience
- Experience working with senior adults or assisted living
- Hospitality ministry
- Office or administrative experience
- Event planning
- Youth ministry or education
- Parish volunteer experience
- Music, athletics, or arts programs
Area Information
San Antonio, Texas is one of the largest cities in the United States and is known for its rich Hispanic heritage, strong Catholic tradition, and vibrant culture. The ministry serves families from a wide variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and provides opportunities to engage with both parish and school communities.
Involvement with the religous community
Volunteers share daily prayer, Mass, meals, recreation, and community life with one of the largest communities of Salesian Sisters in the province. Because the Provincial House is home to both active and retired sisters, volunteers have the unique opportunity to learn from women who have spent decades serving as educators, missionaries, principals, youth ministers, and pastoral leaders throughout the western United States. Through friendship, practical assistance, and shared community life, volunteers experience the richness of the Salesian charism across multiple generations while contributing to the care and support of the sisters who have dedicated their lives to the mission.
Area Information
San Antonio, Texas is one of the largest cities in the United States and is known for its rich Hispanic heritage, strong Catholic tradition, and vibrant culture. The ministry serves families from a wide variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds and provides opportunities to engage with both parish and school communities.
Involvement with the greater community
Volunteers engage with the broader community through school events, parish activities, retreats, youth programs, service opportunities, and outreach initiatives. They become part of a vibrant network of educators, families, parishioners, and young people dedicated to living the Gospel in the spirit of Don Bosco.
Special Challenges & Conditions
This placement requires flexibility, as no two days are exactly alike. Volunteers may move between youth ministry, educational support, hospitality, administrative work, and assisting elderly sisters depending on the needs of the community. Success in this role requires adaptability, initiative, and a willingness to joyfully serve wherever needed. Because volunteers live in a large intergenerational religious community, they should also be comfortable balancing an active ministry schedule with a respectful and prayerful community life.
Housing & Community
Live with Religious
Room
Daily Eucharist
Bathroom
Launder
Laundry facilities are available within the community residence.
Access to ATM
Local Diet
Meals are shared with the community and reflect a blend of American and Hispanic cuisine. Volunteers with dietary restrictions should communicate them prior to arrival so accommodations can be considered.
Local Medical Facilities
San Antonio has excellent medical facilities, hospitals, urgent care centers, and pharmacies readily available.