A General Chapter is a regular gathering of a Religious Institute in which its members discuss the direction they are going, and elect those who will lead their internal governance.

In our DLJC community we have a General Chapter every 6 years.

During the election, we vote for a Mother Superior (Superior General is the official title), her Vicar (who takes the place of Mother Superior when she is absent), and three Council members (they help Mother make specific decisions as outlined in our proper law).

We also discuss the internal affairs and needs of the community, seeking an ever-greater fidelity to our foundational charism, and how to better serve the needs of the Church, always according to our charism.

A general chapter is a time of special grace of renewal for a religious community. As an ecclesial event, the renewal of a religious institute affects the whole church. Thus, we ask all the faithful, especially those closest to us, for the following:

• First of all, PRAY FOR US as we seek God’s will for our community regarding our leadership, and the general direction that the Lord wants us to pursue in the coming years.
• Second, BE PATIENT as our availability for communication and ministry is more limited at the beginning of 2026.
• Third, CONTINUE YOUR SUPPORT to our Sisters wherever we are present, at the Mother house and any of our local houses.

Thank you for your prayers, patience and support. Know we take this time of renewal joyfully, and at the same time very seriously. We will continue to lift you and your intentions in our prayers.

JESUS IS LORD!

Every year, from Christmas and until January 22 each year, all Sisters gather in Prayer Town Emmanuel for the Christmas celebrations, a Community Retreat, and the annual individual retreats of the professed Sisters. For this reason, the Sisters’ availability for ministry is very limited.

Every six years, we schedule additional communal events due to the General Chapter. 2026 is one of those years.

We provide the following information for your convenience:

• Dec. 24, 2025 – January 1, 2026: Christmas and New Year festivities, including the 2025 Community Retreat.
• January 2-7: Days of intense prayer and fasting in preparation for the General Chapter.
• January 8-12: General Chapter. We will publish the results of the election as soon as it is feasible.
• January 13-30: Sisters’ individual retreats. We take turns; a large group goes the first week, another group goes the second week, with a break in between groups.

After making the necessary adjustments due to the changes in the governing body, most Sisters go back to their assignments.

The General Chapter elected Mother Stella Maris Hamman as the new Superior General of the community. 

Sister Juana Teresa was elected to be the Vicar General. The Vicar General performs the functions of the Superior General in her absence. 

Sister Damiana Tamez Valdez, Sister Michael Marie Truong, and Sister Mary Thomas Windfeldt were also elected to the Council. The Council are four Final Professed Sisters who serve as advisers to the Superior General. 

Left to right: Sister Damiana, Sister Juana Teresa, Mother Stella Maris, Sister Michael Marie, and Sister Mary Thomas.