Why not you? Are you a single Roman Catholic woman seeking “more” in your life? Are you sensing a call that you can’t quite name? Have you ever considered religious life?
The Sisters of St. Joseph founded in Le Puy, France in 1650 arrived in Canada in 1851. Across the centuries these women of prayer have served God in their neighbour, living the Gospel in numerous ways always “listening” to the needs in an evolving Church and society. Today, we continue, “reading the signs of our times” in order to best serve where the world’s unmet needs arise. Today you will find Sisters of St. Joseph across the globe still serving the poor, the sick and most vulnerable with love and respect, still educating in a variety of settings, welcoming refugees, supporting seniors, teaching meditation and prayer to children, simply “listening” to people’s hearts and stories, providing spiritual accompaniment. We care for the environment in response to the call of the Church in our day. Sisters are active in interfaith and ecumenical prayer and dialogue. Sisters of St. Joseph initiate, lead and participate with others in vital social justice initiatives, such as addressing child poverty, protecting water sources for life, supporting life at every stage and in every way, reaching out to prevent human trafficking and caring for those caught in the trap, injustice and agony of modern slavery. Sisters of St. Joseph in their being, becoming and actions attempt to be the “real presence of Christ” in the contemporary world. We are all called to wholeness and holiness. Each of us has many gifts to bring. Perhaps your gifts are gifts that harmonize with the spirit, spirituality and mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Through the unifying love of Christ, Sisters of St. Joseph are animated by a life of prayer and a contemplative spirit in all times and places. We live with simplicity and compassion, nurture community, caring for God’s creation. We minister with active, inclusive love bringing healing and hope in God’s beautiful but broken world. We are “ordinary women, doing ordinary things for the extraordinary love of God”. Could this be you?
We invite you to take a look under the tab, “Becoming a Sister” on this website where there is new material inviting and guiding discernment of call and outlining the various stages of formation in the “making of a Sister of St. Joseph”. Consider reading this part of our website .. You may be surprised by God or you may know a woman who may be interested. The invitation is to a life of love, a life of joy, a life of hope lived for God and others. A Sister of St. Joseph … what me? Why not?
Mary Rowell, CSJ
Vocation Director