We Are One

PERU, EAST TIMOR – The Sisters of St Joseph have brought all their overseas mission work under the one roof in Australia following the opening and blessing of the Mary MacKillop International office at Clyde on 4 April. Mary MacKillop International incorporates the mission work of the Sisters in East Timor and Peru. Read more….


Celebration of Unity

AUSTRALIA – NEW ZEALAND – There was great joy in Goulburn on the 19th March as parishioners from Goulburn and many rural parishes, 25 priests, 3 Bishops and many Sisters of St Joseph from across Australia and New Zealand arrived in Our Lady of Fatima Church to celebrate Eucharist and the ritual of fusion or merging of the Sisters of St Joseph Goulburn and the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart. Around the world many other Sisters watched the Mass and ritual streamed live to their computers. Read more….


Upcoming Programs at the International CentreChapelle St Michel

LE PUY – The April Newsletter presents upcoming programming at the International Centre. It also introduces the staff members. Line Rioux is a Sister of St. Joseph of Lyon from the Maine Province (U.S.). Gracy Thomas is a Sister of St. Joseph of Lyon from India, missioned in France from 2006 onwards. It is her 2nd year in LePuy. Read more….


Sisters Write Their Own History

Bold and Humble HeaderORANGE, CA – The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange recently celebrated the centenary of their founding in California.   They used this occasion to write a book describing their 100 year journey through the eyes of their Sisters, both living and deceased. A Bold and Humble Love:  Journey of Faith, is authored by Sister Mary Therese Sweeney and Sister Eileen McNerney.  Using a number of historical resources as well as first person accounts, the authors explored the critical issues faced by the congregation and the decisions and adaptations that the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange have made in response to the impact and challenges of world, national and ecclesial events.  Anyone interested can order the book via the website at http://csjorange.org/book/.


Celebrating Earth Month!

CLEVELAND – We celebrated Earth Day this week on April 22, but we focus on Earth’s sustainability during the entirety of April.  Now is a good time, with the emergence of spring, to think of ways to bring new life to our world…by conserving, by planning, by thinking outside of the box.Read more….


Together for Great Love

TANZANIA -  This sweet video was brought home by Sister Jackie Goodin, CSJ, who ministers to these young girls at St. Joseph Hostel in Tanzania, Africa. Sister Jackie was home to attend her Congregation’s Chapter Meeting which took place April 1-5 in Chicago. To learn more about Sister Jackie’s overseas ministry and to follow her monthly blog, click here.

Mary Flick Professes Vows

ST. LOUIS – On a gray Sunday morning, 200 people shared the light of the world with Sister Mary Flick as she took her first vows as a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Sister Mary is a native of north county St. Louis and a proud graduate of Rosary High School. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Maryville College and a master’s in religious studies from St. Louis University. Read more…


Upcoming Release on Emerging Religious Life

ST. LOUIS – Sister Amy Hereford, CSJ has an upcoming publication that explores the movements in religious life today and the currents that are emerging among the smaller cohorts of younger religious in mainstream communities of religious women. Tracing the history of religious life, including the impact of Vatican II, she examines some of the theological sources for the reinvention of religious life today. Exploring the current situation of religious, she re-imagines the meaning of vows, community, and mission, and examines how the emerging forms of religious life will fit into an emerging church. Read more…

Happy Easter!!!

Sisters of Saint JosephFrom Western Pennsylvania to West Hunan, China: The Sisters of Saint Joseph, Baden, Pennsylvania in Yuanzhou.

You are looking at one of the few enhanced color photographs in the Passionist China Collection. But even more interesting is that the young Chinese girls in the photo appear to be dressed as Native American Indians. Feathers adorn their headbands and they wear print dresses. The children are from Yuanzhou 沅州 (in 1935 renamed Zhijiang 芷江). Read more…


Share Your News

  1. Forward this newsletter to others who might be interested. They can subscribe here.
  2. Send in news that you would like shared with other Sisters of St. Joseph worldwide. Submit your news here.

Who Is Joseph?

ORANGE, CA – Sister of St. Joseph of Orange reflections on Joseph on this short video they produced for the feast of St. Joseph.


Summer Retreats

CONCORDIA – Manna house is spreading the word about retreats that are going to be a time of creativity and contemplation, ways of being that are paths of joy.

The first is a lacemaking retreat–Making Lace for the 21st Century (no experience needed, technique will be taught, but also includes reflection on the weaving of our tradition in the 21st century). This is June 18-25, at Manna House in Concordia, KS.

 The second, Discovering the Divine Artist, is Aug. 3-10. It combines contemplation with music, visual arts, poetry and movement.

 More information is available on our website: www.mannahouse.org. Or I would be happy to send you a brochure if you request one, or have a conversation: 785-243-4428.


 


Gatherings

Meet Me in Le Puy

Little Design Communities Rebirthing – a 10 day contemplative experience in Le Puy, France, two sessions in June, 2013. First session: June 1 – 10 or Second session: June 14-24. See this and other programs here…


Meet Me in Lima

LIMA – Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet from the youngest two generations of the congregations met in Peru. Follow the conversation on the blogs: Mystics & Prophets and Little Design.


Encontro na França

FRANCE – Encontro para as Irmãs mais Novas acontecerá na França em 2013. Irmãs representantes de oito nacionalidades: Paquistão, Índia, Brasil, Bolívia, Estados Unidos, Itália, Dinamarca e França estarão reunidas, de 13 a 29 de julho próximo, na França. Leia mais…

Sisters representing eight nationalities, Pakistan, India, Brazil, Bolivia, the United States, Italy, Denmark and France will gather from July 13 to 29 in France. Read more…


Statement on the Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI

AUSTRALIA – On Pope Benedict’s relationship to the Sisters of St Joseph and his sensitivity to the significance of Mary MacKillop as the first recognized saint in Australia. Read more….


Opening Doors for Mothers Released from Prison

NEW YORK – In Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, ex-convict Jean Valjean in France fulfills his second chance with help from a bishop. Some female ex-offenders in New York today get a second chance because of an organization run by Sr. Teresa Fitzgerald, CSJ.. Read more….


New Generation of Leadership

On the feast of St. Joseph, Tuesday, March 19th, the first Leadership Circle of the new
Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada
  wil be oficially installed. The ceremony will be held at 11:15AM in St. Peter-In-Chains Cathedral, Peterborough, ON. Following the installation, Eucharist will be celebrated.  Let’s pray for our sisters on this occasion. Read more….


Anti Trafficking Coalition featured in the news

The efforts of the Beaver County Anti Human Trafficking Coalition were featured in the February 25 edition of the Beaver County Times. The two-page spread included a main article on the formation of an anti-human trafficking response team and coalition in the county in partnership with the Sisters of St. Joseph. It also included a sidebar of additional information about trafficking. Read more….


Dublin Community Sale for Ghana

When I visited St. Louis for the Forum “Zeal for Healing the Neighbourhood of God’s Sacred Universe” I met up with our Sisters from Ghana. They were selling hand made jewellery fortheir mission. I was deeply touched and impressed. I promised Sister Ditty that I would have a community sale for their work. However, it has taken me a long time to get organized, but it was a promise I was determined to keep. Read more… page 7

New Generation of Leadership

LA GRANGE – CSJ Sisters who are participants and mentors in a year-long Leadership Program met in La Grange Park, IL January 18-20 to conclude a year of focusing together on leadership development. Time was spent naming and celebrating the gifts and graces of this program and exploring what leadership might look like for us in this 21st century world of breakdowns and breakthroughs. Read more…. (scroll down) You’ll see other news there about their literacy programs.

The Cry of the Excluded

BRASIL – In Brazil, September 7 is marked by celebrations in honor of the “Beloved Country.” Military personnel and students parade through the streets and avenues of all the cities, proclaiming the independence of Brazil in 1822. This historical fact is very important for our country, because it marks the end of the dominion of Portugal, as well as the conquest of our political autonomy. Read more….  Leia mais….


http://www.sanktjosephsoestrene.dk/wp-content/themes/joseph/js/timthumb.php?src=http://www.sanktjosephsoestrene.dk/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/PICT00053.jpg&a=t&h=315&w=515&zc=1

New Website and Retreats

DENMARK – Through the past few months we have been working on our new website, and now, we are online! Until we get a firm understanding of our new system we may not be able to provide you with the information you seek, but it will be posted here over time. Thank you for your patience! Read more…. See also the 2013 Retreat offerings, including meditative dance. Read more….


Forever Sisters….

ST. LOUIS – An open letter to Sister Sarah Heger, CSJ who made final profession on December 8 as a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet in the St. Louis Province in December 2012. Read more….


Calendars Bring Comfort, Hope and Healing to Prisoners

MOTACHICAGO – It began in 2009 when Flo Christiano, the director of the CSJ’s Ministry of the Arts (MOTA), received a request from a prison chaplain inquiring about whether there were any extra of the calendars MOTA sells that could be donated to the inmates. “We had extras, so it was our pleasure to share them,” said Flo. But this simple act of sharing became so much more. It became a ministry. Read more….


God Became A Little Human

AUSTRALIA – The gospels tell us that Jesus was born at a vulnerable time for his family. Luke says they could find only a stable to live in whereas Matthew says they had to flee to safety in Egypt because Herod tried to kill Jesus. Ann Gilroy rsj, reflects on our love and protection of all children at Christmas. A Christmas Prayer….


Seeding our Future

LIMA – Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet under age 57 are gathering in Lima Jan 3-5 for conversation and sharing around their shared vision for the future. They hope to continue to build relationships and to have something to share at the congregational chapter in summer of 2013 to be sure that the voice of younger sisters is heard. Read more….


Sister Appointed to Consecrated Life Committee

WASHINTGON, DC – Sister Amy Hereford, CSJ, attorney canonist, has been appointed to the Institutes of Consecrated and Apostolic Life Committee of the Canon Law Society of America. Sr. Amy says, “this is a time of tremendous change in religious life and I am happy to have the chance to be of service to communities as they face an uncertain and changing future.” Read more….

Advent News

The online Advent Calendar begins December 2 at CSJPrayer.net, with daily scripture, reflections and images. This year we feature the photography of Pat Manning, CSJ-Brentwood.


Sr Myree wins 20-year battle for boarding house reform

SYDNEY – Sr Myree Harris rsj of the Coalition of Appropriate Supported Accomodation (CASA) has scored a victory in her 20-year advocacy of reform standards and regulations on boarding houses. The result of her dedication is new legislation which offers more protection and better living conditions for the poor, elderly, frail and disabled tenants of assisted boarding houses, reports Catholic Communications Sydney. Read more….


A Vision Shared Brings to Birth a New Network

AUSTRALIA – Sometimes people wonder about the impact the canonisation of Mary MacKillop had on individuals and society as a whole. Adrian Thompson the Coordinator of Josephite Community Aid (JCA) led the youth pilgrimage to Rome for Mary’s canonisation. While in Rome in the midst of all the celebrations, Adrian heard the call to set up a network of young adults around the world – young adults who find themselves in the Josephite homeland with a passion for making a difference with a Josephite heart. Read more….


Meet the Novices

CHICAGO – The US Federation Novices photos and stories are here.


Mission to Mission

SAINT LOUIS – During the week of November 12, St. Joseph’s Academy celebrated  their annual Mission Week, in support of mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet to serve the dear neighbor without distinction. Mission Week helps connect women studying in a CSJ School with other CSJ projects. Read more….


Estamos a caminho

BRASIL – Aconteceu no domingo, dia 11 de novembro de 2012, em São João dos Patos, Maranhão, o Retiro Espiritual com as Irmãs Rosália Fávero, Hilda Riva, Amellie Cigollini e 22 Leigas do Pequeno Projeto, sendo 15 com compromisso e sete em formação. Leia mais…

story


Hermanas de San José de Buenos Aires

ARGENTINA…. El jueves 1º de noviembre las Religiosas de San José de Buenos Aires celebramos gozosamente los 130 años de la llegada de nuestras Hermanas. a la Argentina. Fue en el año 1882, Madre Felicia, Generosa Gros, después de terminar su mandato como Superiora General en San Jean de … Ler noticia completa


Advent Prayer and Reflection on Immigration

BADEN, PA – The Sisters of St. Joseph are hosting “Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Prayer and Reflection on Immigration,” on Saturday, December 8, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at the Motherhouse in Baden. Read more….


Sister of St. Joseph on Future of Religious Life

UNITED KINGDOM – A two-day Conference on “The Future of Consecrated Life in the United Kingdom and Europe” was held in the parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Hayes, Middlesex in May 2012. Sr. Margaret Gallagher, a Sister for St. Joseph of Annecy presented a paper at the conference. Read more…. Her paper is included in the conference proceedings published as Future Full of Hope

R/CSSJs Celebrating Vatican II – 50 yrs later

AUSTRALIA – Recently Sister Anne Derwin shared her reflection on the Second Vatican Council at a WATAC conference. During this address Anne spoke of her experience of talking with Sisters of Saint Joseph who took their first vows 50 years ago – January 1962. With enthusiasm and with a 50 year perspective, she recalls living through the council and its reception. Read more…

USA – Sister Mary Peter McGinty, CSJ, Ph.D. shares reflections on Vatican II fifty years later. After completing her studies in theology under Bernard Cooke at Marquette University, and teaching systematic theology for five years at the major seminary in Mundelein, Ill., she joined the theology faculty at Loyola University Chicago for thirty-five years. Now, as Professor Emerita, she serves as theology teacher and consultant, especially as called upon by the congregation. Read more….


Chapelle St Michel

International Centre

LE PUY – With great joy and welcome, we the staff of the Centre International Saint Joseph invite you to come to our global Congregation’s home away from home. During the year 2012-2013 the following opportunities are offered as we live “that all may be one.” 2012-2013 Programs  For news of recent programs and pilgrimages, see: Newsletter


Sr. Laura Professes Final Vows

ROCHESTER, NY – Sister Laura Bishop professed her final vows of poverty, chastity and obedience as a Sister of St. Joseph in a ceremony Sept. 1 at St. Monica Church in Rochester. In addition to her, two other women are in stages of initial profession with the congregation in Rochester. Read more….


RSJ to lead Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand

AUSTRALIA Sister Maria Casey rsj has been elected as the new President of the Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand during the Society’s recent conference from 10-13 September in Auckland, New Zealand. She also has the distinction of being the first woman to hold this role. Read more…


.

‘There’s nothing else I’d rather be than a Sister of St. Joseph’

NEW YORK — Sister Lynn Caton made her final profession as a Sister of St. Joseph of Brentwood Sept. 8, but her journey toward that day has been an interesting one. Before she realized her call to religious life, Sister Lynn was married and had a son. “I’m absolutely called to be a mother,” she said. “And I’m absolutely called to be a Sister of St. Joseph, and it’s beyond my imagination that I have both.” Read more….


I Want to Go to the Novitiate

PHILADELPHIA – I  want to go to the novitiate,” I stated boldly to my formation director. We both knew these words were coming, but stating my desire forthrightly brought with them a certain fortitude. The words floated with an air of certitude and conviction, unlike the words I had spoken when asking to become a “candidate” with the Sisters of St. Joseph, words I had wished I could put back in my mouth as soon as I spoke them. Now I knew I wanted to enter the novitiate, and I believed Jesus was calling me into a deeper relationship in this time. Read more…


Little Design Communities Website

OTTAWA — The Upper Room House of Prayers would like to invite you to the Little Design Communities website.They hope that you will enjoy a leisurely browse through the pages and if the Spirit prompts you to form your own small community, they would love to be of help to you in any way that we can. Blessings on the journey! Read more….


We Shall Not Be Moved

A new documentary is being released that captures Sisters’ resilience in post-Katrina New Orleans, and the Sisters of St. Joseph are among the congregations featured in the video. Their stories – of struggles facing the storm and the giant obstacles of rebuilding – have been captured in a poignant, compelling documentary – “We Shall Not Be Moved: The Catholic Sisters of New Orleans.”  Click here to visit the film’s website for additional information. Click here to order a copy of the DVD.


A Conversation with Grace

AUSTRALIA – Three Jubilarians from the sisters of St Joseph Lochinvar - Sr Jeannine French, Sr Marie Jones and Sr Tess Connolly – share their stories with Tracy Edstein, who uncovers a surfeit of grace and gratitude. Read more….


Celebrations in East Timor

EAST TIMOR – Wednesday 8 August was celebrated in a special way this year in Dili with the blessing and opening of a new building of Mary MacKillop Institute, the name by which we are known in East Timor. The facilities include a three bedroomed convent for Sisters, classrooms, offices, music suites, toilets, areas for woodworking and other projects. Read more….


20-year journey to Slovak Republic

SLOVAK REPUBLIC – When Sisters Mary Savoie and Margaret Nacke first went to Eastern Europe almost 20 years ago to help sisters who had survived communism, they really didn’t know what to expect. And despite numerous trips over the decades to more than a half dozen countries that had fallen behind the Iron Curtain, their most recent visit to the Slovak Republic took them by surprise as well. Read more….