The U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph embraces the Gospel Charism of unifying love for the healing and transformation of the world. This Charism compels us to:
- Love God and neighbor without distinction, from whom we do not separate ourselves
- Pray, contemplate, and discern courageous action
- Respond to the needs of the world and oneness with creation
- Forge unity through respect, appreciation of diversity, and collaboration
These values continue to inspire and lead us in our ministries and in our actions. True to the dream of our foundresses, we continue to “divide the city, seek the ills and cure them.” Sisters of Saint Joseph and their members can be found in soup kitchens, shelters, universities, schools, hospitals, courtrooms, prisons, retreat centers, offices, nursing homes, laboratories, studios, and hospices. We are educators, lawyers, doctors, nurses, family therapists, social workers, patient advocates, spiritual directors, parish ministers, theologians, psychologists, physical therapists, administrators, artists, authors, musicians, poets and a myriad of other things. We still seek to do, as our history tells us, “whatever is possible for women to do” and in our present society, we know this is simply everything.
The U.S. Federation continues to unite the congregations’ response to the “needs of the world” with our collective voice and with collective actions. Part of that response is releasing Corporate Voice Statements, which use the Charism and Mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph to speak about the most pressing issues of our times. We also provide resources, workshops, and education around important topics, including:
- Anti-Racism
- Civic Engagement
- Climate Change
- Human Trafficking
- Immigration
- Restorative Justice
- Rights of Indigenous Peoples
U.S. Federation Justice and Peace Projects:
Change for Global Change
Since 2006, Change for Global Change has been able to fund clean water and sustainability projects in 15 countries where Sisters of Saint Joseph and/or Associates are serving our dear neighbors in Asia, Africa, and the Americas.The needs of the people whom Sisters of St Joseph minister to in these parts of the world are immense, and we want to be able to fund every worthy grant application we receive.
But we can only do it with your help!
Individuals like you, your community, your school, your associates group, or your parish organization can contribute to provide a life-saving gift. Our annual campaign runs during Eastertime the season of “new life.” However, we gratefully accept donations year-round! For example, some associates groups donate their “change” at their monthly meetings. To get started, please visit our website www.changeforglobalchange.org or click the links below where you can download printable brochures, prayer cards, container wraps, gift, and memorial recognition cards.
- Change for Change Letter
- 2022 Brochure
- 2022 Prayer Card
- 2022 Change for Change Memorial Card
Haiti Project
We write with good news of a commitment fulfilled! The U.S. Federation has supported Mission Haiti since 2012 as a response to the needs of the times — a devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti and long history of instability and colonialism in the country.
Griselda Martinez-Morales, CSJ and a committee of Justice and Peace coordinators proposed Rebuilding Haiti Through the Empowerment of Girls in February 2012. The committee noted that a focus on education is a key strategy to affect long-term, systemic change. The aims of the project were to provide education for ten Haitian girls from primary through secondary grades and three years of technical education for ten girls; to assist with educators’ salaries and their certification; and for the construction of a secondary school in Leogane, Haiti.
The U.S. Federation committed to fund $320,580 for these endeavors, while the Canadian Federation pledged $35,620 for a total of $356,200. We are happy to announce that as of May 2022, the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph has collected over $335,000 for Mission Haiti! We thank Sr. Mary Ellen Gondeck and others who have championed this initiative.
While this means the Federation’s fiscal commitment to Mission Haiti is formally completed, you are welcome to send your contributions directly to the organization here.
