St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first U.S.-born saint, formed the Sisters of Charity in 1809 in Maryland. She sent three sisters to New York City in 1817 to establish orphanages. (Photo: Franciscan Media)

By Carol Zimmermann | The Tablet

WASHINGTON — The Sisters of Charity of New York announced on April 27 that they will no longer accept new members to their congregation.

A news release from the congregation said the decision was “not an easy one” and was made “after a long and prayerful discernment process” just before their general assembly. At the annual gathering, delegates voted unanimously on April 13 to accept this recommendation from the congregation’s executive council.