Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia

March 8th — International Women’s Day

2012-03-08T07:14:00.000-05:00

March 8th is International Women’s Day Join Amnesty International in advocating for women’s rights in Yemen. Women in Yemen face systemic discrimination and endemic violence, with devastating consequences for their lives. Their rights are routinely violated because Yemeni laws as well as tribal and customary practices treat them as second-class citizens. Take action.

2012-03-08T07:12:00.002-05:00

"Therefore once and for all this short command is given to you. 'Love and do what you will.' If you keep silent, keep silent by love; if you speak, speak by love; if you correct, correct by love; if you pardon, pardon by love: let love be rooted in you, and from the root nothing but good can grow."

— St. Augustine

JUSTICE NEWS: March 7, 2012

2012-03-07T18:06:00.000-05:00

Reflection: “This is the fasting I wish…to change conditions which cause poverty, suffering and oppression; to see what miseries exist and address them or remedy them in collaboration with others.” (Isaiah and SSJ Constitutions)

IMMIGRATION
The Pennsylvania Senate may vote on HB934, PA's voter ID bill, today. This legislation would stop thousands of Pennsylvanians from participating in the democratic process. Some supporters of the bill have alleged that its true purpose is to prevent non-citizen immigrants from fraudulently voting. We cannot let this false, anti-immigrant rhetoric waste our taxpayer dollars and erode our democracy. Take action. Click here for more information about the bill.

READ the entire report here.

2012-03-07T07:14:00.002-05:00

"Let us love the one who offends us since this great God has not ceased to love us even though we have offended Him very much. Thus the Lord is right in wanting all to pardon the wrongs done to them."
— St. Theresa of Avila

2012-03-06T07:49:00.000-05:00

"Without hesitancy, therefore, let us love our enemies, let us do good to those who hate us, and let us pray for those who persecute us."
— St. Augustine

2012-03-05T07:22:00.001-05:00

"There is only one thing to do here below: to love Jesus, to win souls for Him so that He may be loved. Let us seize with jealous care every last opportunity of self-sacrifice. Let us refuse Him nothing—He does so want our love!" — St. Therese of Lisieux

2012-03-02T07:17:00.002-05:00

"The more we know of men, the less we love them. It is the contrary with God; the more we know of Him, the more we love Him."

— St. John Vianney

Congregational Presidents' Portraits Unveiled

2012-03-01T12:52:00.000-05:00

On March 1, 2012, Sisters of Saint Joseph and their Partners in Mission gathered in the Motherhouse Lobby, a sacred space rooted in the earliest days of the history of the Congregation in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. In prayer and song, they honored Our Sisters in Leadership as they journeyed past a portrait of Mother Saint John Fontbonne and continued past a gallery of the portraits of General Superiors beginning with Mother Saint John Fournier. Two new portraits were unveiled. One honors the leadership of Congregational President Sister Patricia Kelly (1999-2009) (pictured below on right). The second portrait honors current President Sister Anne Myers (pictured below on left).

Sister Mary Dacey invited all gathered to see the portrait gallery as a grateful celebration of the leadership of each Sister depicted. Mary also suggested seeing the historic collection as a way of appreciating every Sister of Saint Joseph who is part of our past and of all who are now part of our ongoing history.

Justice News for Week of February 29th

2012-03-01T10:11:00.002-05:00

HEALTHCARE

Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR): The Officers of LCWR have issued a statement on the February 10th White House Health Care Resolution and Conscience Protection. Log onto http://www.lcwr.org/ then scroll down to the “What’s New” section on the right hand side and click to read the statement.available at http://ssjphila.org/new/justice-and-peace/justice-issues/action-alerts

Read the entire update here.

2012-03-01T07:12:00.001-05:00

"Without love, deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing."
— St. Therese of Lisieux

Sister Joan Kathleen Gercke SSJ Person of the Year

2012-02-29T07:50:00.000-05:00

Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. presents Sister Joan with a Congressional Award

Congratulations to Sister Joan Kathleen Gercke SSJ, who was the honored as Person of the Year by the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD) Catholic Charities February 26, 2012.

Sister Mary Edward Spohrer, a Sister of Christian Charity and Scott Miliken DPD Executive Director, present Sister Joan with a Papal Blessing

2012-02-29T07:41:00.002-05:00

"We cannot separate love for God from love for man. We acknowledge God easily, but our brother? Those with whom we do not identify in his background, education, race, complexion. We could not have imagined that love for God could be so hard."
— St. Edith Stein

2012-02-28T07:44:00.000-05:00

"It is well known that I had neither riches, nor talent, nor external charm, but I have always loved, and I have loved with all the strength of my heart."

— St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier

2012-02-28T07:42:00.002-05:00

Think Before Acting

Prayer and contemplation are integral to the Christian life because thought determines action. As you move from one activity to the next in your day, become aware of what you are thinking and then focus on the thoughts that encourage you to love God and those around you more.

— from Rediscover Lent

2012-02-27T09:22:00.002-05:00

"Souls well-beloved of my soul, my eyes ardently desire to behold you; my arms expand to embrace you; my lips sigh for your kisses; all the life that remains to me is consumed with waiting for you. How can I forget those whom I have placed like a seal upon my heart?"
— St. Anselm of Canterbury, to his family

2012-02-26T07:09:00.000-05:00

Start Anew

God of compassion and forgiveness, hear my prayer this Lenten season. Grant me your grace and healing. Give me the strength to be honest about my own shortcomings and sins. Help me to renew my resolve to be a better person and start anew. Amen.

— from Rediscover Lent

Mount Saint Joseph Academy ACADRAM to Present "Dream Girl"

2012-02-24T07:54:00.000-05:00

Announcing the 2012 Spring Show:

Dream Girl

Mount Saint Joseph Academy’s drama club will present Elmer Rice’s 1945 play, Dream Girl, for three performances: a student matinee and a 7:30 evening show on Friday, March 16, 2012, and a 2:00 matinee on Saturday, March 17, 2012. Tickets are $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for senior citizens and students.

Dream Girl,written in 1945 by Elmer Rice, concerns a day in the humdrum life of failed bookshop owner and aspiring novelist, Georgina Allerton. Georgina is almost 24 and fears that she will “go on and on like this, on through middle age, on to senility, never experiencing anything.” While Georgina’s real-life seems tedious, her fantasy life is colorful and vivid. Within it, Georgina gets the love of her life—brother-in-law, Jim Lucas—and takes a walk on the wild side, with relentless suitor, George Hand. Only when Clark Redfield, a hard-boiled newspaperman and realist, enters Georgina’s life, does she begin to dream but “not make dreams her master.”

Visit Mount Saint Joseph Academy's website.

2012-02-24T06:51:00.002-05:00

"We are born to love, we live to love, and we will die to love still more."

— St. Joseph Cafasso

Congratulations to the Catholic Partnership Schools — Recognized as an Innovator in Education!

2012-02-23T18:12:00.002-05:00

The Catholic Partnership Schools in Camden, NJ has received a national award from Today’s Catholic Teacher Magazine. The Partnership is one of 12 recipients of their 15th Catholic Schools for Tomorrow /Innovations in Education Award. They have been recognized as an innovator in the category of restructuring and merging schools. The Awards section of the March 2012 edition begins on page 19 and the Catholic Partnership Schools featured on page 24.

Sister Karen Dietrich SSJ, Ph.D, is the Executive Director of the Partnership. In her correspondence to the Partnerships staff announcing the award, Sister Karen said “I have no doubt that our success continues to grow and become stronger across our five schools and that together, we’re on an exciting journey to realize all the great things God has in store for our schools and our children. We are at the forefront of the movement dedicated to leading the way in sustaining urban, Catholic Education. Most important, I know it is the combination of your hard work, your willingness to try new things, to work as a team, and to give so much of yourselves everyday that makes our success possible. Thank you for your commitment to our children and for sharing in the vision for the Catholic Partnership Schools. Congratulations for being what I know you constantly strive to be – excellent educators with a powerful and heartfelt drive to achieve the very best for our children.”

Eight members of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia Congregation are connected with the Partnership or parishes that have schools in the Partnership.

Read the article here . Learn more about the Catholic Partnership Schools at www.catholicpartnershipschools.org/.

Global Call to Participate in Prayerful Silence on the Eve of United Nations- Commission on the Status of Women

2012-02-23T11:37:00.000-05:00

Sunday, February 26, 2012

On the eve of the opening of the 56th Session

of the UN-Commission on the Status of Women,

women of all spiritual traditions are invited to join

in prayer and silence

for the good of the world's women and girls -

wherever they are and at any time that day.

Women of all spiritual traditions are invited to join

in prayer and silence, to hold in their hearts

the hopes of those who come to the CSW:

for homes and a world without violence and fear,

where there will be good food, air and water,

education and medical care,

for women's empowerment and gender equality,

for consciousness, voice and choice,

for circles with a sacred center to support the wisdom and courage of women in them,

and for there to be a UN 5th World Conference on Women.

Feel free to share this invitation

with your communities and networks!

For more information click here

2012-02-23T08:31:00.002-05:00

"Let us force ourselves to be affectionate, gentle, and humble in our intercourse with all, especially with those whom God has given us as our companions, such, for instance, as those of our household. And never let us consent to be of the number of those who, out of their own house, appear like Angels, but are more like devils at home."
— St. Francis de Sales

2012-02-22T07:29:00.002-05:00

Prayer for Lent

God of times and seasons, You have brought us again to Lent for the study of Your Word, for the remembrance of the temptation of Your Son, and for the contemplation of His Cross. The birds know their seasons; forbid that we be blind to our times. Grant us a Lenten blessing, and may no one miss this time of growth. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

2012-02-17T08:08:00.002-05:00

"Love is the fusion of two souls in one in order to bring about mutual perfection."
— St. Teresa of the Andes

2012-02-16T07:05:00.002-05:00

"I shall always be grateful to our Lord for turning earthly friendships into bitterness for me, because, with a nature like mine, I could so easily have fallen into a snare and had my wings clipped; and then how should I have been able to "fly away and find rest"? I don't see how it's possible for a heart given over to such earthly affections to attain any intimate union with God." — St. Therese of Lisieux

JUSTICE NEWS: February 15, 2012

2012-02-15T17:58:00.000-05:00

Reflection: To make Christ visible to the world we embrace our contemporary situation…to see what miseries exist and how we might remedy them. (SSJ Constitutions #26) Read the entire report

2012-02-15T07:08:00.000-05:00

"To love God as He ought to be loved, we must be detached from all temporal love. We must love nothing but Him, or if we love anything else, we must love it only for His sake."
— St. Peter Claver

Sister Karen Dietrich SSJ, Ph.D, Talks Education and Catholic Partnership Schools on 93.3 FM WMMR

2012-02-14T07:40:00.001-05:00

On January 30, 2012, Sister Karen Dietrich, SSJ, Ph.D, the Executive Director Catholic Partnership Schools and Lori Chaffers, M.S.W. Coordinator, Community Engagement and School-based Development, met with Markus Goldman of 93.3FM WMMR to discuss their success in putting together great schools for the children of Camden.

Also discussed was the difficult decisions of closing parochial schools that took place in Camden previously most recently with Catholic Schools in Philadelphia.

Catholic Partnership Schools is a model that other cities can use to save these institutions. Get more information here. Click here to listen to the interview.

2012-02-14T07:27:00.003-05:00

"Love for our neighbor consists of three things: to desire the greater good of everyone; to do what good we can when we can; to bear, excuse and hide other's faults."
— St. John Vianney

Memories from Immaculate Conception School — a Guest column in Montgomery News

2012-02-13T16:48:00.002-05:00

By Pete Sigmund

I was 6 years old when I entered second grade at Immaculate Conception School in Jenkintown in 1936 after spending first grade at Thomas Williams, a public school, in Wyncote.

Sister Mary Clarence asked me to write something on the blackboard during the first week. After trying to fake it, I broke down crying. I remember her wiping my torrents of tears from the white starched bib-like piece over her chest as I wrapped my arms around her neck and wept.

“I don’t know that kind of writing,” I sobbed loudly in the very silent class. Thomas Williams taught printing in first grade. The nuns taught cursive.

I had other problems, which increased my frustration. I wrote from right to left. They called it “mirror writing.” As I cried, Mary Clarence hugged me and wiped the tears. “It’s all right, don’t cry,” she said. In the months that followed, I learned to write (never very tidily) under her gentle direction. READ the entire article here

Publish Post

2012-02-13T06:38:00.002-05:00

“Love is always bestowed as a gift – freely, willingly and without expectation. We don’t love to be loved; we love to love”
— Leo Buscaglia

2012-02-11T08:59:00.000-05:00

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."

— Mother Teresa

Trafficked in our own Backyard of Philly — an Overview of this Powerful Presentation

2012-02-10T08:48:00.000-05:00

by Sister Pat Marnien, SSJ

The flier has it right. A staggering new awareness is exactly what all present at Trafficked in our own Backyard of Philly carried away from the program held February 8 at Chestnut Hill College. Attendees viewed the powerful documentary, Very Young Girls. The film features girls, ages 12 to 17 – 15 on average. More often than not the girls are runaways. Hungry and in need of shelter, they are targeted by pimps, whose promises of love and care, lead instead to prostitution. Soon a girl sees no way out.

What staggers? The girls – their beauty and youthful innocence adrift, their gifts and vision lost, their need for wide array of services obvious, and the undeniable recognition that trafficking haunts every neighborhood. Yes, your neighborhood, too.

The event continued with input from panelists Hugh Organ and Sister Teresita Hinnegan. Associate Executive Director Covenant House Pennsylvania, Hugh knows well the continuum of care needed to enable a youth to live independently. A Medical Mission Sister and a lifelong advocate for health care and justice for impoverished women and girls, Sister Teresita, is now a volunteer at the Roxborough Center for the Empowerment of Women, which she founded in 2007. She also helps to operate Dawn’s Place, a residential center in Philadelphia that offers help and hope to women and girls who have been trafficked or have entered prostitution as runaway children. In addition, Carl Hill explained his work with Covenant House Street Outreach Team, volunteers who encourage youth to take advantage of the services offered at the Covenant House Crisis Center.

Erica Butler and Dr. Marie Conn, Ph.D.

Intended to raise awareness, the event was organized by Chestnut Hill College Professor of Religious Studies, Dr. Marie Conn, Ph.D., and CHC senior Erica Butler, whose passion to thwart Human Trafficking led her from a simple assignment to the creation of a program presented not only at CHC but also at other local colleges. Now Erica has hopes of bringing the program to Temple University’s School of Law.

2012-02-10T07:47:00.002-05:00

"You should have an equal love for and an equal forgetfulness of all persons, whether relatives or not, and withdraw your heart from relatives as much as from others, and in some ways even more for fear that flesh and blood might be quickened by the natural love that is ever alive among kin, and must always be mortified for the sake of spiritual perfection."
— St. John of the Cross

Sisters Treated to Lunch in NYC and Broadway Show "Sister Act" by Benefactor Lawrence Biscontni

2012-02-09T07:22:00.001-05:00

Lawrence Biscontini continues his support of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia. Recently, Lawrence treated five sisters (four of which are his former teachers) to lunch and the Broadway Show Sister Act.

Lawrence, Mindful Movement Specialist, donates a portion of proceeds from his website sales to the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Lawrence wrote the following on his Facebook "WITH GRATITUDE I write to you to thank you for supporting findLawrence.com....today you made the dreams come true of the 4 nuns who taught me 30 years ago at the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia Villa (who take in people of all denominations) coming to NYC for the first time ever to have a NY lunch and see Sister Act/ Sister Act The Musical. With Elizabeth Ferguson and Barbara Savage, you made 4 nuns and a mother ECSTATIC and BLESSED today. WE THANK YOU! Support also from Daryl Shute and @Power Systems."

See the video snippet from the NYC Trip here

2012-02-09T07:10:00.002-05:00

"The interior life is like a sea of love in which the soul is plunged and is, as it were, drowned in love. Just as a mother holds her child's face in her hands to cover it with kisses, so does God hold the devout man."
— St. John Vianney

Conscience Protection

2012-02-08T18:26:00.001-05:00

On January 20, 2012, Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), announced the final affirmation of an administrative rule that will require most health insurance plans to cover preventive services for women. NETWORK, like the Catholic Health Association, feels that this rule represents a missed opportunity to address and demonstrate respect for the religious conscience rights in the United States. Please take some time to read the two statements NETWORK has provided about this issue: Statement on the New Rule Concerning Insurance Coverage of Contraceptive Services (1/26) click here; Information on the Controversy Surrounding the DHHS Decision on Contraceptives (2/6) click here. The Catholic Health Association has also provided a statement: click here.

To voice your concern about this rule that violates religious conscience rights, you can cut/paste (or adapt) this sample message to President Obama: I strenuously call upon the administration to reconsider the rule on contraceptive services and its implications. I implore the DHHS to engage in an open discourse regarding the seemingly unanticipated consequences of this deprivation of the right of conscience of religious persons who own, operate and/or sponsor institutions of higher education, healthcare and social work. To take action: click here.

Justice New: February 8, 2012

2012-02-08T18:22:00.001-05:00

Reflection: The right to exercise religious freedom publicly and privately by individuals and institutions along with freedom of conscience need to be constantly defended. In a fundamental way, the right to free expression of religious beliefs protects all other rights. (USCCB, Faithful Citizenship)

Read the entire update at http://ssjphila.org/new/justice-and-peace/justice-issues/action-alerts http://ssjphila.org/new/justice-and-peace/justice-issues/action-alerts

2012-02-07T06:59:00.002-05:00

"At last I have found my calling! My calling is love!"
— St. Therese of Lisieux

2012-02-06T07:11:00.002-05:00

"To love God you need three hearts in one—a heart of fire for Him, a heart of flesh for your neighbor, and a heart of bronze for yourself."
— St. Benedict Joseph Labre

2012-02-03T14:52:00.002-05:00

"If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."

— St. Paul

2012-02-02T07:03:00.002-05:00

"We must fear God out of love, not love Him out of fear."
— St. Francis de Sales

2012-02-01T08:35:00.000-05:00

"The more we love GOD, the more we will want to love Him."
— St. Joaquina

A Few Moments of Your Time is Needed — National Alzheimer's Project Act

2012-01-31T08:51:00.000-05:00

Alzheimer's is devastating to families from every walk of life. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the U.S., and there is no way to cure, prevent or even slow its progress. The economic cost in this country is staggering: $183 billion a year and this will skyrocket to $1 trillion by 2050.

Please sign a petition to President Obama asking him to fulfill the potential of the National Alzheimer's Project Act. Now it's your turn to make a difference.

It's easy and only takes a few moments. Alzheimer's Petition

We need a commitment from the government to help us end Alzheimer's. With your help, our message will be heard that Alzheimer's can't wait.
Thank you!

Visit the Alzheimer's Association today!

2012-01-31T08:43:00.000-05:00

"Too late have I loved you, O Beauty so ancient and so new, too late have I loved you! You were with me, but I was not with you. You cried out and pierced my deafness. You enlightened my blindness. I tasted you and I am hungry for you. You touched me, and I am afire with longing for your embrace."
— St. Augustine

Reusable Earth Tote Bags Now Available

2012-01-30T10:28:00.001-05:00

Description: Holds 40 lbs, made from recycled plastic bottles,
Quote “ There are no passengers on spaceship earth we are all crew. - Marshall McLuhon

These Earth Bags are now available from the SSJ Earth Center for $4 each.

They make great gifts for faculties, staff, friends!

They may be picked up for no extra charge or mailed for the cost of postage. Contact Sister Mary Elizabeth Clark 215-248-7289 or
mclark@ssjphila.org to order.

2012-01-30T06:51:00.000-05:00

"The Spirit works, the Son fulfills His ministry, and the Father approves; and man is thus brought to full salvation." — St. Irenaeus

2012-01-27T10:11:00.001-05:00

“The word Paraclete signifies comforter or advocate; now both these offices imply especially the exercise of goodness, and goodness is a peculiar attribute of God the Holy Ghost, so He is said to be our Comforter in trouble and our Advocate in blessings.”

— St. Thomas Aquinas

2012-01-26T07:24:00.000-05:00

“Those who guide souls should realize that the principal agent and guide and motive force in this matter is not them but the Holy Spirit, who never fails in His care for people; they are only instruments to guide people to perfection by faith and the law of God, according to the spirit that God is giving to the individual person.”

— St. John of the Cross

2012-01-25T07:40:00.002-05:00

"If I am distracted, Holy Communion helps me become recollected. If opportunities are offered by each day to offend my God, I arm myself anew each day for the combat by reception of the Eucharist. If I am in need of special light and prudence in order to discharge my burdensome duties, I draw nigh to my Savior and seek counsel and light from Him."

— St. Thomas More

Justice Update for the Week of January 24, 2012

2012-01-24T11:27:00.000-05:00

Reflection: The teachings of the Church insist that government has a moral function: protecting human rights and securing basic justice for all members of the commonwealth. Society as a whole and in all its diversity is responsible for building up the common good. But it is the government's role to guarantee the minimum conditions that make this rich social activity possible, namely, human rights and justice. (Economic Justice for All, #122)

Read the entire Update

Human Trafficking Awareness — Three Sisters of Saint Joseph Congregations Collaborate

2012-01-24T07:34:00.000-05:00

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Baden, Erie and Philadelphia have collaborated in sending the attached letter to 220 hotels in the Indianapolis area about HumanTrafficking/Superbowl.

Food & Water Watch Supporters Score Victory

2012-01-24T07:12:00.000-05:00

Sister Mary Elizabeth Clark SSJ, reports success in Food & Water Watch efforts with a victory in the fight against fracking! The federal Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to provide shipments of fresh, clean water to four families in Dimock, Pennsylvania whose well water was poisoned by fracking. The EPA is also investigating the cause of water pollution elsewhere in the township.

Food & Water Watch supporters sent over 1,000 emails to the EPA last week, pushing for them to make good on their promise to provide water to the families affected by Cabot Oil & Gas's dangerous fracking drilling.

"This move by the EPA is a step in the right direction, but it's so important that we keep the pressure on our government to represent our interests and ban fracking before more water pollution occurs," said Sister Mary Elizabeth.

2012-01-24T07:05:00.000-05:00

2012-01-24T06:58:00.002-05:00

"Be not afraid to tell Jesus that you love Him; even though it be without feeling, this is the way to oblige Him to help you, and carry you like a little child too feeble to walk."
— St. Therese of Lisieux

2012-01-23T07:10:00.000-05:00

"We adore you, Christ, here and in all your churches which are in the whole world, and we bless you because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world."

— St. Francis of Assisi

2012-01-20T07:29:00.002-05:00

"Whoever does not seek the cross of Christ doesn't seek the glory of Christ."
— St. John of the Cross

2012-01-19T06:51:00.004-05:00

"When we speak about wisdom, we are speaking of Christ.
When we speak about virtue, we are speaking of Christ.
When we speak about justice, we are speaking of Christ.
When we speak about peace, we are speaking of Christ.
When we speak about truth and life and redemption,
we are speaking of Christ."
— St. Ambrose of Milan

2012-01-18T07:03:00.000-05:00

"He who desires nothing but God is rich and happy."
— St. Alphonsus Ligouri

"If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way."
— St. Thomas Aquinas

2012-01-13T06:54:00.002-05:00

"It is true that the voice of God, having once fully penetrated the heart, becomes strong as the tempest and loud as the thunder; but before reaching the heart it is as weak as a light breath which scarcely agitates the air. It shrinks from noise, and is silent amid agitation."

— St. Ignatius of Loyola

JUSTICE NEWS: January 11, 2012

2012-01-12T07:54:00.000-05:00

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day – January 11
National Migration Week – January 8 - 14

Reflection: We stand in solidarity with you, our migrant brothers and sisters, and we will continue to advocate on your behalf for just and fair migration policies. We commit ourselves to animate communities of Christ's disciples on both sides of the border to accompany you and your journey so that yours will truly be a journey of hope. (Strangers No Longer: Together on a Journey of Hope, #106,)

Read the report - click here

2012-01-12T07:15:00.000-05:00

"I was like a stone lying in the deep mire; and He that is mighty came, and in His mercy lifted me up, and verily raised me aloft and placed me on the top of the wall."

- St. Patrick of Ireland

2012-01-11T08:40:00.000-05:00

Imagine a man in whom tumult of the flesh goes silent, in whom the images of earth, of water, of air, and of the skies cease to resound. His soul turns quiet and, self-reflecting no longer, it transcends itself. Dreams and visions end. So too does all speech and every gesture, everything in fact which comes to be only to pass away. All these things cry out “We did not make ourselves. It is the Eternal One who made us.”

— St. Augustine

In Good Company II — Keystone Boychoir is Joined by Princeton Girlchoir for Benefit Performance

2012-01-10T07:53:00.001-05:00

The Mount Saint Joseph Convent Chapel was filled with joyful music on January 8th, as the Keystone State Boychoir and Princeton Girlchoir performed a two-hour concert.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia. See more photos on Facebook.

2012-01-10T07:38:00.002-05:00

‎"Our thoughts ought instinctively to fly upwards from animals, men, and natural objects to their Creator. If things created are so full of loveliness, how resplendent with beauty must be He who made them! The wisdom of the Worker is apparent in His handiwork."
— St. Anthony of Padua

2012-01-09T17:57:00.000-05:00

"Let us love God , but with the strength of our arms, in the sweat of our brow."

— St. Vincent de Paul

2012-01-06T07:39:00.002-05:00

“This is what you should think, if you wish to see God: “God is Love”. What face has love? What form has it? What height? What feet? What hands? No one can say. Yet it has feet, for they lead to the Church; it has hands, for they care for the poor; it has eyes, for through them the needy one is known.”

— St. Augustine

St. André Bessette Expressed a Saint’s Faith by a Lifelong Devotion to St. Joseph

2012-01-06T07:30:00.002-05:00

St. André Bessette, Feast Day January 6^th Canonized October 17, 2010 — Brother André expressed a saint’s faith by a lifelong devotion to St. Joseph.

André had a special ministry to the sick. Brother André would rub the ill with oil from a lamp in the college chapel – many of these sick were healed. Word of his power spread, and when an epidemic broke out at a nearby college, André offered to help; no one died. Soon a flood of sick people came to his door. His superiors were uneasy; diocesan leaders were suspicious; doctors called him a quack. “I do not cure,” he always said; “Saint Joseph cures.” By the time of his death, André was receiving 80,000 letters each year from the sick, who asked for his prayers and healing. Read more at http://catholicism.org/br-andre.html

Today — January 4th — is the Feast Day of Saint John Neumann

2012-01-05T11:46:00.001-05:00

Saint John Neumann, CSSR, Bishop of Philadelphia from 1852 to 1860, was a friend and benefactor of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. He recommended the Chestnut Hill site to Mother Saint John Fournier. He is prominently featured in the Heritage Rooms at the Mount Saint Joseph Convent in Philadelphia, PA. Bishop Neumann celebrated the first Mass on the table to the right in the front parlor, now the Neumann Room, on August 21, 1858. He frequently visited Mount Saint Joseph, always bringing a gift for the students or the sisters.

2012-01-05T07:46:00.002-05:00

"When the heart is pure it cannot help loving, because it has discovered the source of love which is God."

— St. John Vianney

Holy Family Academy (Bayonne, NJ) Students Perform Nativity Tableau at the Villa

2012-01-04T13:14:00.006-05:00

On December 22, 2011, students from Holy Family Academy of Bayonne, NJ, delighted Residents of Saint Joseph Villa with a Nativity Tableau of prayer and song directed by Sister Diane Driscoll, Sister Margaret Mary Mahon, and many behind-the-scene assistants. (Think costumes, lights, sound track, off-stage voice, and computer lead-ins.) The troupe developed the tableau with themes rooted in Advent and Christmas traditions, and they brought their tableau to life with graceful dance, gesture, and symbol.

Villa residents joined the troupe in prayer and song. Particularly pleased to greet friends from Holy Family following the presentation were Sisters with “Bayonne” roots and connections.

To See more photos go here.

2012-01-04T07:36:00.002-05:00

"I know God. He is a father, a mother, who in order to be happy must have his child upon His knee, resting on His heart."
— St. Therese of Lisieux

2012-01-03T07:18:00.003-05:00

"My soul, have you found what you are looking for? You were looking for God, and you have discovered that He is the supreme being, and that you could not possibly imagine anything more perfect. You have discovered that this supreme being is life itself, light, wisdom, goodness, eternal blessedness and blessed eternity."

— St. Anselm of Canterbury

It Is Not Over

2011-12-24T16:09:00.000-05:00

It is not over,
this birthing.
There are always newer skies
into which
God can throw stars.
When we begin to think
that we can predict the Advent of God,
that we can box the Christ
in a stable in Bethlehem,
that’s just the time
that God will be born
in a place we can’t imagine and won’t believe.
Those who wait for God
watch with their hearts and not their eyes,
listening
always listening
for angel words.

Ann Weems
Kneeling in Bethlehem

All Saints Regional Catholic School Makes "Made in America" News

2011-12-22T09:25:00.001-05:00

All Saints Regional Catholic School in Manahawkin, NJ has been working on a Made in America project as seen on World News with Diane Sawyer. If you go to the website, asrcs.org you will see the Made in America site. "Our students have developed a pledge if you are willing to buy 5% more Made in America OR that you will buy just one gift that is Made in America," said Jeanette Daily. "We began this project because one of our parents would be returning from Iraq and they wanted our returning soldiers to know that we are trying to help create more jobs for when they return."

Help the cause — send them an email that you will support our goal. "We will be most grateful. If you can send us a picture of a Made in America product that would help also," says Jeanette.

By the way if you would like more info go to David Muir's Facebook page and scroll down for the Made in America posts.

JUSTICE NEWS: December 21, 2011 Christmas Edition

2011-12-21T14:54:00.002-05:00

Reflection: O Radiant Dawn, splendor of eternal light, sun of justice: Come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. (O Antiphon, Winter Solstice)

The House and Senate are not expected to be in session the remainder of the year. Congress is scheduled to re-convene after the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

To see the Update go here

Advent Monday Morning Prayer

2011-12-19T09:29:00.000-05:00

Good morning, good God!

You ask me to rejoice - in good times and in bad.

You ask me to pray - all the time.

You ask me to be grateful - no matter what.

You ask a lot, Lord, so, in turn,
I'll try to offer a lot this Monday morning...

I offer you my desire

to rejoice even when times are tough...

I ask you to stir up within me:

the joy that's yours to give;

the joy that only you can give;

the joy that can't be quelled by fear;

the joy whose source is deeper
than even my deepest grief...

I desire a joy greater than any loss I've known,
deeper than my wounds
and stronger than all my fears...

Give me a joy that survives
my moods, my feelings,
my ego and my thin skin...

I pray for a joy that lasts,
endures, suffers through
and comes out on the other side
whole, true and intact...

When my heart is dry and my soul cloudy,
plant within me, Lord, seeds of joy
to blossom in seasons when my happiness
depends upon you alone...

I offer you my desire, Lord,
to know, to sense, to respond
to every nudge of your Spirit
prompting me to pray...

When I'm too tired or too busy,
when I'm angry or disappointed,
when I'm forgetful or self-centered,
just plain foolish or too lazy to pray,
send your Spirit to wake me up,
to turn my heart around,
to give me the wisdom to turn to you in prayer...

Help me to pray, Lord,
and help me to trust in my prayer,
to trust that you hear my prayer
even when my words are few or confused
or don't sound "holy" enough for me...

Help me trust that just my desire to pray
is plenty holy enough for you
and that you love to hear my prayer
even when it's silent, without words,
without a sound...

When my heart is dry and my soul cloudy,
plant within me, Lord, seeds of prayer
to blossom in seasons when my serenity
depends on you alone...

I offer you my desire, Lord,
to thank you for all you've given me:
especially when I'm thinking, when I'm feeling
that you haven't given me enough
or haven't given me what I need,
or haven't given me what I want...

Open my eyes, Lord, to all the blessings
I've received from your hand:
the blessing of life and the blessing of freedom;
the blessings of a place to live, water to drink,
food to eat and friends to love;
the blessings of your mercy, your grace,
your Word and even yourself
in the sacrament of the table
where we gather to give you thanks...

Free me of envy, Lord:
make me grateful for what I have
and generous in sharing my bounty
with those who have so much less than I...

When my heart is dry and my soul cloudy,
plant within me, Lord, seeds of gratefulness
to blossom in seasons when all I truly need
comes from you alone...

I offer you my desire, Lord,
to rejoice always,
to pray without ceasing
and to give thanks in all circumstances...

Remind me of all the joy you've given me, Lord:
help me hold those memories in prayer,
and give me a heart grateful
for all you've given and all you promise me...

Hear my prayer this Monday Advent morning, Lord,
this day and all this week...

Amen.

concordpastor.blogspot.com/

Senior Services Sponsors Philly Pops Trip

2011-12-15T13:43:00.000-05:00

Are you asking, “What’s the best way to catch the Christmas Spirit?” The 39 Sisters of Saint Joseph and 9 Bethlehem Village Residents, who boarded a yellow school bus Saturday, December 10, 2011, have a ready answer for you: Go to The Kimmel Center where you can enjoy the sure-to-please performance: The Holiday Pops.

Virtuoso pianist and conductor Peter Nero leads the Philly Pops at the annual crowd-pleaser, Holiday Pops. Featured in the 2011 Christmas performance are Ashley Brown, who has played the lead in Broadway’s Mary Poppins, Peter Conte, grand court organist of the Wanamaker organ at Macy’s in Philadelphia, The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas Gospel Choir, and The Philadelphia Boys Choir. A visit from Santa and a Christmas Medley sing-along add to the festivities.

Everyone is smiling following the Philly Pops Holiday Pops Concert

Those who took advantage of the Holiday Pops Trip sponsored by Senior Services were humming tunes they had just heard at the concert as they left Verizon Hall.

Driver “Mr. Harvey,” topped off the afternoon by carefully navigating his bus past all the gingerbread houses outlined in lights along Philly’s Boat House Row and by choosing streets that twist and turn through several neighborhoods so his passengers could see some beautifully decorated row homes and stately mansions as they wended their way home.

Filled with Christmas Spirit, Sister Agnes Leona Arnold assured Director of Senior Services Sister Eileen Dorothy Maguire, “This trip was a great idea.” Sister Anne LaHart said, “The Philly Pops holiday show was both enjoyable and inspiring. Peter Nero not only conducted, he also interacted with the audience drawing us into the entertainment in a playful, inviting way.” Sister Catherine Dolorine Fitzpatrick added, “What a wonderful celebration of Christmas joy! It was a real treat,” and Sister Agnes Marie Gunn whispered, “Thank you for great memories.”

“Being at Holiday Pops was awesome,” said Sister Eileen Keane, “We all gained a tremendous spirit of Christmas.”

See all the photos on Facebook

Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia

March 8th — International Women’s Day

JUSTICE NEWS: March 7, 2012

"The more we know of men, the less we love them. It is the contrary with God; the more we know of Him, the more we love Him."

— St. John Vianney

Congregational Presidents' Portraits Unveiled

Justice News for Week of February 29th

HEALTHCARE

Read the entire update here.

Sister Joan Kathleen Gercke SSJ Person of the Year

Congratulations to Sister Joan Kathleen Gercke SSJ, who was the honored as Person of the Year by the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD) Catholic Charities February 26, 2012.

Mount Saint Joseph Academy ACADRAM to Present "Dream Girl"

Announcing the 2012 Spring Show:

Dream Girl

Congratulations to the Catholic Partnership Schools — Recognized as an Innovator in Education!

Global Call to Participate in Prayerful Silence on the Eve of United Nations- Commission on the Status of Women

JUSTICE NEWS: February 15, 2012

Sister Karen Dietrich SSJ, Ph.D, Talks Education and Catholic Partnership Schools on 93.3 FM WMMR

Memories from Immaculate Conception School — a Guest column in Montgomery News

Trafficked in our own Backyard of Philly — an Overview of this Powerful Presentation

Sisters Treated to Lunch in NYC and Broadway Show "Sister Act" by Benefactor Lawrence Biscontni

Conscience Protection

Justice New: February 8, 2012

A Few Moments of Your Time is Needed — National Alzheimer's Project Act

Reusable Earth Tote Bags Now Available

Description: Holds 40 lbs, made from recycled plastic bottles,Quote “ There are no passengers on spaceship earth we are all crew. - Marshall McLuhon

These Earth Bags are now available from the SSJ Earth Center for $4 each.

They make great gifts for faculties, staff, friends!They may be picked up for no extra charge or mailed for the cost of postage. Contact Sister Mary Elizabeth Clark 215-248-7289 ormclark@ssjphila.org to order.

Justice Update for the Week of January 24, 2012

Human Trafficking Awareness — Three Sisters of Saint Joseph Congregations Collaborate

Food & Water Watch Supporters Score Victory

"He who desires nothing but God is rich and happy." — St. Alphonsus Ligouri"If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way." — St. Thomas Aquinas

JUSTICE NEWS: January 11, 2012

In Good Company II — Keystone Boychoir is Joined by Princeton Girlchoir for Benefit Performance

‎"Our thoughts ought instinctively to fly upwards from animals, men, and natural objects to their Creator. If things created are so full of loveliness, how resplendent with beauty must be He who made them! The wisdom of the Worker is apparent in His handiwork." — St. Anthony of Padua

St. André Bessette Expressed a Saint’s Faith by a Lifelong Devotion to St. Joseph

Today — January 4th — is the Feast Day of Saint John Neumann

"When the heart is pure it cannot help loving, because it has discovered the source of love which is God."— St. John Vianney

Holy Family Academy (Bayonne, NJ) Students Perform Nativity Tableau at the Villa

Villa residents joined the troupe in prayer and song. Particularly pleased to greet friends from Holy Family following the presentation were Sisters with “Bayonne” roots and connections.

To See more photos go here.

"I know God. He is a father, a mother, who in order to be happy must have his child upon His knee, resting on His heart."— St. Therese of Lisieux

— St. Anselm of Canterbury

It Is Not Over

All Saints Regional Catholic School Makes "Made in America" News

By the way if you would like more info go to David Muir's Facebook page and scroll down for the Made in America posts.

JUSTICE NEWS: December 21, 2011 Christmas Edition

Advent Monday Morning Prayer

Senior Services Sponsors Philly Pops Trip

Description: Holds 40 lbs, made from recycled plastic bottles,
Quote “ There are no passengers on spaceship earth we are all crew. - Marshall McLuhon

They make great gifts for faculties, staff, friends!

They may be picked up for no extra charge or mailed for the cost of postage. Contact Sister Mary Elizabeth Clark 215-248-7289 or
mclark@ssjphila.org to order.

"He who desires nothing but God is rich and happy."
— St. Alphonsus Ligouri

"If, then, you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because He Himself is the way."
— St. Thomas Aquinas

‎"Our thoughts ought instinctively to fly upwards from animals, men, and natural objects to their Creator. If things created are so full of loveliness, how resplendent with beauty must be He who made them! The wisdom of the Worker is apparent in His handiwork."
— St. Anthony of Padua

"When the heart is pure it cannot help loving, because it has discovered the source of love which is God."

— St. John Vianney

"I know God. He is a father, a mother, who in order to be happy must have his child upon His knee, resting on His heart."
— St. Therese of Lisieux