A Sister of St. Joseph's Blog

Boston CSJ Associate Commitment and more

2013-05-07T17:04:00.000-04:00

In our latest issue of Soundings Update you can read about:

SHARE El Salvador Truth and Justice Tour which came to the Boston area during the last week of April

The members of the tour group gather with sisters and associates
who traveled to El Salvador in December 2012

Our 2013 Associate Commitment Liturgy on May 1.

Our newest Boston CSJ Associates with their mentors before the May 1, 2013 Commitment Liturgy

There is also a great YouTube Video to watch Here's the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h5Gcvb4dAs

Both were wonderful events.

Truth and Justice for El Salvador's Disappeared

2013-04-23T15:10:00.000-04:00

Truth and Justice for El Salvador's Disappeared

True Love Begins by Demanding What is Just

- Archbishop Oscar Romero

The SHARE El Salvador Foundation

invites you to meet Marina Ortiz and Patricia Garcia

of the Pro-Historical Memory Commission

and Bethany Loberg of SHARE El Salvador

April 24, 2013

St. Agatha Parish, Adams Street, Milton, MA

Chapel – near Gathering Space

Following the 9:00am daily Mass

St. Ignatius Church, Chestnut Hill, MA

6:30pm

April 25, 2013

Heller Hall, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA

12-1:30pm

The Paulist Center, 5 Park Street, Boston, MA

6:30pm

The Salvadoran Civil War claimed the lives of thousands of innocent children, women, and men. Many of these civilians were kidnapped, tortured, and murdered without any official recognition or record, today they are referred to as the “Disappeared”.

To this day, tens of thousands of family members of the Disappeared still do not know what happened to their sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters.

Marina was disappeared as a child and Patricia was disappeared and tortured twice during the civil war. Both have family members who were disappeared and have worked for truth and justice since their adolescence.

These events are co-sponsored by

The Share ElSalvador Foundation

and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston

Learn more about this Truth and Justice Tour at:

http://www.share-elsalvador.org/delegations/tours/truth-and-justice-tour

This tour will travel to

More than 25 locations across the United States between April 7 and May 8

Sisters of St. Joseph: We are Boston Strong

2013-04-23T13:38:00.000-04:00

Who could have imagined the events of this past week. Who would want to imagine them. This week's Soundings Update begins with an article about this tragedy that tells a bit of our Boston CSJ personal connections with the Marathon tragedy.

http://www.csjboston.org/su-Apr-24-13.pdf

Since the article was drafted so much more has happened. Many of our sisters, associates, co-workers, family, and friends live and work in the areas that were all over the news on Friday, April 19.

In the midst of all this I came across a wonderful article which I share here:
http://www.artofdharma.com/we-are-better-than-this/. The author probably doesn't know it, but she writes with a CSSJ heart.

Sisters of St. Joseph & Boston Marathon Tragedy,

2013-04-15T22:14:00.000-04:00

As Sisters of St Joseph and Associates may we keep in prayer all who were impacted by today's senseless tragedy. Our hearts are with all who lost loved ones and with those who were injured. We are aware many of you had family members, friends, and associates who participated in today's Boston Marathon. In addition many of our dear ones served as courageous first responders in the midst of today's tragic situation.

As we who live here in Boston are mindful of all who are affected, please know that our CSSJ sisters and associates across the country have been expressing their care and concern. Email, tweets, facebook posts, and calls have abounded. May this prayerful solidarity bring comfort and courage to face whatever ways we may be called to reach out to our neighbors in the days ahead.

Sisters of St. Joseph: Moving Forward In Hope

2013-04-11T08:28:00.003-04:00

Our Latest issue of Soundings Update is available at:
http://www.csjboston.org/su-Apr-10-2013.pdf

Be sure to read about
Moving Forward in Hope as Sisters of St. Joseph

full text of this article is also available on our US CSSJ Federation Website at:

http://www.sistersofsaintjosephfederation.org/node/188

and ...

Our 6th Annual Good Friday Peace Vigil

Join the Sisters of St. Joseph at the Paschal Triduum - and more

2013-03-27T08:17:00.002-04:00

There's so much to share from just this past week. Our latest edition of Soundings Update is available at: http://www.csjboston.org/su-Mar-27-13.pdf

Join us for our Triduum Liturgies this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

the Paschal Triduum

March 28– 5:30pm:

Holy Thursday – Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper

March 29 Good Friday

12:00-3:00pm Silent Peace Vigil —

outside the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse

637 Cambridge Street, Brighton, MA 02135

All welcome to come and stay for a while. Bring friends!

5:30pm – Celebration of the Lord's Passion

March 30 – 7:00pm: Easter Vigil

Early this morning, I came across this 4 minute YouTube Video interview with one of our Sisters of St. Joseph from Concordia, KS. The title is:

Sr Julie Christensen, CSJ - an "Allstar" Sister

http://www.youtube.com/user/vocationculture

It's worth watching.

Celebrate St. Joseph Day with Us

2013-03-18T14:15:00.002-04:00

Who is Saint Joseph?

Celebrate Saint Joseph's Day [March 19] by watching this two minute video from the Sisters of St. Joseph in Orange, CA and praying this prayer to St. Joseph:

God of Great Love,

Your son, Jesus,

was nurtured by St. Joseph.

May we look to Joseph

as our model of justice,

gentleness, and humility.

May we, with Joseph,

nurture the life of Christ

in our lives

and in the lives of others

Uniting all people

and all creation

with God and with one another.

May Joseph’s life inspire us

to be a hopeful, healing presence

within our world.

Amen.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston: Statement on election of Pope Francis

2013-03-13T21:57:00.000-04:00

http://www.timesonline.com/news/world/africa/pope-live-pope-francis-makes-first-appearance/article_737c12f4-b894-5739-871f-3845f46a455c.html?mode=image&photo=10

Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston:
Statement on election of Pope Francis

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston are genuinely pleased about the election of Pope Francis and we offer our prayers, support, and blessings as he assumes the leadership of our Catholic Church. We look forward to working with Pope Francis in continuing to build a Church whose active inclusive love encourages and supports the gifts and wisdom of all of its members. We pray that he will be a courageous advocate for unity and reconciliation, an advocate of the oppressed and marginalized, and an untiring voice for the protection of the dignity and rights of all persons.

Soundings Update: We Are All Immigrants

2013-03-12T13:39:00.000-04:00

The latest edition of Soundings Update is now on our website at:
http://www.csjboston.org/su-Mar-13-13.pdf
Please note that the date above is correct.

As the conclave opens, let's continue to pray the prayer to the Holy Spirit in the previous post.

Also, you can watch this morning's CBS interview with Florence Deacon, OSF, president of LCWR at http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50142656n but be forewarned! The captions and headlines that CBS uses to frame her interview have no relationship to her message. This is not a rebel nun, as they call her and she never speaks about women priests as CBS suggests in its headline. I'm sorry CBS painted her with this brush.

Prayer for Guidance in Selecting a Pope

2013-03-04T11:11:00.000-05:00

As the Cardinals begin their pre-conclave meetings, let us all be with them in prayer. This prayer was written by a Sister of St. Joseph of Baden, PA. It is used here with permission. If you share it please be sure to include Anne Clifford, CSJ's name.

for Guidance in the Selection of a Pope

Come Holy Spirit,

Enkindle in our hearts the fire of your love.

Spirit of Wisdom,

Inspire the Cardinals of our Church

To enter their deliberations

For a successor of St. Peter

With openness to your desires

for our Church and the world.

Come Holy Spirit,

Enkindle in our hearts the fire of your love.

Gift each Cardinal with interior freedom,

And discerning listening, not only to one another

but also to the People of God

whom they are called to serve.

Come Holy Spirit,

Enkindle in our hearts the fire of your love.

Enable discernment in the midst of confusion.

Be the source of Wisdom as

We join with all the faithful in prayer and fasting,

For the sake of the Church that we love.

Come Holy Spirit,

Enkindle in our hearts the fire of your love.

Provide the Church with a Pope

Who will be a true Vicar of Christ—

A prayerful man of wisdom,

With boldness of heart and openness to diversity;

A man of peace

who models compassion and forgiveness.

This we pray for our Church,

That we all may be one in our love

for God and the Dear Neighbor.

Come Holy Spirit,

Enkindle in our hearts the fire of your love.

- Anne Clifford, CSJ (Baden)

CSJ Statement re pope's resignation & Soundings Update

2013-02-28T17:14:00.000-05:00

This week's edition of Soundings Update is now available at:
http://www.csjboston.org/su-Feb-27-13.pdf

Please note the dates and times of our Palm Sunday and Triduum liturgies.

There is also a statement on the home page of our website regarding The Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and Upcoming Conclave.

What American Nuns Built

2013-02-24T10:26:00.000-05:00

There is a well written article the February 24 issue of the Boston Sunday Globe.
The title is:
What American nuns builtThe online version is already available at:
[ http://bostonglobe.com/ideas/2013/02/24/what-american-nuns-built-what-american-nuns-built/IvaMKcoK8a4jDb9lqiVOrI/story.html ]http://bostonglobe.com/ideas/2013/02/24/what-american-nuns-built-what-american-nuns-built/IvaMKcoK8a4jDb9lqiVOrI/story.html

Some will recognize our sisters and others from back in the early 1960s. As a child and teenager, I recall this kind of picture being on the front page each year when Cardinal Cushing had "Baseball Day" for all the sisters in our archdiocese. I'm sure The Globe has quite a treasure trove of these kinds of pictures.

When you read the article, perhaps you will wonder, as do I, how many pictures they have of the amazing work of sisters that is so well discussed in this article.

The Women's Table new website & Soundings Update

2013-02-05T13:33:00.000-05:00

Catholic Schools Week Assembly at St. Joseph Preparatory High School, Brighton, MA

The February 6, 2013, issue of Soundings Update is now on our website at:
http://www.csjboston.org/su-Feb-6-2013.pdf

You are also invited to explore The Women's Table new website and tell others about it. Here is the link: http://thewomenstable.org/

The Women's Table has some intesting program offerings coming up read below or go to:
http://thewomenstable.org/upcoming-programs/

WRITING WORKSHOP:
The Women’s Table of The Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston is sponsoring a 6-week Writer’s Workshop for women. This series helps women explore their life through writing prompts and provides an opportunity to connect with others in a meaningful way. No prior writing experience is necessary, just a desire to learn more about one’s life. The instructor is Mary Caruso who is trained in writing, education and law. The class will meet for six Thursdays from 10 – 11:30 am: March 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11 and April 18th. Please consider joining us! To register, please call Mary Rita W. at: 617.746.2056 or email: womens.table@csjboston.org.

A Time Apart for Mothers of Children with Special Needs
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Mothers of Children with Special Needs: Join Us!
The Women’s Table, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, is hosting a morning for mothers of children with special needs at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse: 637 Cambridge St., Brighton, MA on Saturday, March 16, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This will include time for quiet reflection, conversation and prayer. Come away for refreshment and time just for yourself. To register, please call Mary Rita W. at 617.746.2056, or email: womens.table@csjboston.org. View more information: Spa_2013

LCWR honored with 3012 Hecker Award at Paulist Center

2013-01-31T11:40:00.002-05:00

Sisters and Associates with Florence Deacon, OFM [red jacket]

Quite a few sisters and associates from various congregations in the Boston area were on hand when this year’s Isaac Hecker Award honored Sr. Florence Deacon and all women religious of the LCWR congregations. The award is named after Isaac Hecker, the founder of the Paulist Fathers. It is given to Catholics from North America for their extraordinary work for justice and peace.

In her opening remarks Susan Rutkowski, Pastoral Minister, at The Paulist Center commented:

The Women Religious of the United States have taught us to pray, educated us on how to live and work in our ...ever-changing world, nursed our sick and old, cared for our abandoned, reached out to all the marginalized, and taught us how to respect the dignity of all. They have, in sum, shown us how Jesus might live in our world today. Like Isaac Hecker, they have worked tirelessly to foster the growth and development of American Catholicism, showing us what a socially just society could look like. Let us support them and follow their example in our own quests to model a more inclusive American society and church focused on justice for all.

Read more about this in National Catholic Reporter.

Here are a few more pictures of the event.

Anti-Trafficking YouTube & Soundings Update

2013-01-24T07:55:00.001-05:00

Anti-Trafficking Prayer Vigil -- January 6, 2013

Anti-Trafficking Coalition -- Boston Unit -- LCWR

at Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston Motherhouse

Please watch a new video on our Boston CSJ YouTube page. It's a short 3-minute summary of the January 6, 2013, Prayer Vigil in commemoration of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day [Jan. 11]. Since President Obama has proclaimed January "Human Trafficking Awareness Month" this still has a lot of relevance.

In addition, the January 23, 2013 issue of Soundings Update is available at:
http://www.csjboston.org/su-Jan-1-23-13.pdf

Blogs by Catholic Sisters & Vocation Awareness Week

2013-01-16T15:33:00.000-05:00

This week our Church Celebrates National Vocation Awareness Week. There are many blogs out there by Catholic sisters. Sister Julie Vieira and Sister Maxine Kollasch have a great blog called "A Nun's Life." One feature is a page that lists blogs by Catholic sisters. Here's the link: http://anunslife.org/resources/blogs-by-catholic-nuns/

Human Trafficking Awareness Day & Polaris Project

2013-01-11T11:20:00.000-05:00

We commemorated Human Trafficking Awareness Day
earlier this week with over 125 sisters, associates, friends, and neighbors

Today is Human Trafficking Awareness Day and The Polaris Project is launching a new petition to help protect and support young victims of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.

When minors are involved in commercial sex, they are kids, not criminals. When a boy is sold for sex by a family member, he needs services, not a prison sentence. When a girl is trapped by a pimp who sells her for sex online, she needs protection, not prosecution. Yet, all too often, these children are still arrested and treated like criminals.

They are fighting to pass Safe Harbor laws in 2013 to protect these vulnerable kids. These laws define child victims of sexual exploitation as kids, not criminals, and provide funding for the services they so desperately need.

Sign the petition and in honor of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, forward this email to 5 friends who don’t know about Safe Harbor laws.

http://www.change.org/petitions/state-lawmakers-kids-not-criminals-pass-safe-harbor-laws

Soundings Update & National Vocation Awareness Week

2013-01-11T07:46:00.002-05:00

Soundings Update for this week can be viewed at: http://www.csjboston.org/su-Jan.9,%202013.pdf

In this issue:

reflections from delegation to El Salvador
Ever-widening circles of Holiday Giving
Commemoration of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
An invitation to extend to women discerning vocation to religious life
dates to remember and more...Please note that all are welcome at our Motherhouse liturgies. The times are listed in Soundings Update.

...Considering a Vocation to Religious Life?

Next week is National Vocation Awareness week. So I'd like to highlight the invitation to women discerning a vocation to religious life. Here are the details:

Fiat is a discernment group for women in the Archdiocese of Boston who are considering a vocation to religious life. Our next meeting will be held on January 30, 2013 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington St., Newton. Our time together will include prayer, conversation about vocational discernment and an opportunity to meet Sisters of the Archdiocese. Light supper will be served. For more information, please contact Sister Marian Batho, CSJ at 617-746-5637, Sr_Marian_Batho@rcab.org

Commemorating National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

2013-01-08T09:29:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, January 6, 2013, approximately 125 sisters, associates, and friends gathered for a prayer vigil sponsored by the LCWR Region I Boston Unit Anti-Trafficking Coalition. The prayer vigil marked the commemoration of the sixth annual National Human Trafficking Awareness Day [January 11].

Participants began with prayer in the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse Chapel, continued outside with a silent vigil on Cambridge Street, and concluded with reflection and sharing of a commitment to a personal action on the part of those gathered.

The next event is planned for April 6, 2013, at Fontbonne Academy, Milton, when the coalition will host a performance of Soul Cry, a dance presentation by the Accendo Dance Company based on a true story about human trafficking. This event will mark the sixth symposium offered by the Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition.

LCWR responds to Newtown Tragedy, Feast of Holy Innocents

2012-12-27T08:20:00.003-05:00

On December 28 you're invited to join in prayer for all impacted by the Newtown, CT tragedy. December 28 is the day our Chruch traditionally celebrates the feast of the Holy Innocents.

LCWR: A Response to the Newtown Tragedy

December 20, 2012

The tragedy of the past days has called the nation into a period of mourning. We are all deeply affected by the killings in Newtown, Connecticut. Perhaps it was the thought of first graders suffering such brutality, innocent children enduring trauma just before Christmas. Perhaps it was the tragedy of yet another young person losing complete control while suffering from mental illness. Perhaps it is the poignant reminder that every day in urban areas, children are gunned down, often by other children. There is much to mourn, but mourning is not enough. The killing must stop. America is losing its future. Gun regulation is an imperative. Automatic weapons created for the battlefield have no place in the hands of children or adults incapable of taking responsibility for their use. This societal rupture has been going on far too long and demands immediate action by our national leaders. This is not about protecting the second amendment, but rather protecting the most precious resource we have - the gift of life. This is also a time to restore civility to our world and work to change the pervasive culture of violence found throughout this nation, and especially in the entertainment industry.

We call on all LCWR members to stand up and speak out for the sacredness of the lives of these children and all people everywhere. We suggest letting your elected officials at every level of government know that you favor responsible gun legislation. Encourage congressional leaders to support a federal ban on the sale, transfer, importation, and possession of assault weapons and the munitions that go with them. Ask them to fund robust care for those with mental illness as well as take steps to address the growing use of violence as a means of entertainment. Call on your local and state officials to do the same.

We draw your attention as well to a nation-wide effort to remember the 20 children and six adults killed in Newtown. Motherhouses, monasteries, churches, and town halls are being asked to ring their bells 26 times on December 28, the feast of the Holy Innocents, at noon (EST) and pause for a moment of silence to pray for all the families who have lost loved ones. Perhaps your motherhouses and the parishes where your sisters minister would like to join in this effort.
Let us remember that together we can overcome the deep darkness of these times by the radiant light of our own lives and actions.

In hope and with a prayer for all victims of violence,
The Presidency and Staff of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious
8808 Cameron Street
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-588-4955
www.lcwr.org
Facebook: facebook.com/lcwr.org

Sisters of St. Joseph remember the people of Sandy Hook School

2012-12-21T15:54:00.001-05:00

26 candles, a statue of Joseph with Jesus,
and a statue depicting a teacher with three children
served as the centerpiece for this silent prayer of rememberance

At 9:30 this morning, our Motherhouse staff and Motherhouse residents gathered in solidarity with millions around the world in a moment of silent prayer for the 26 children and and adults who were gunned down in Sandy Hook Elementary School a week ago today.

May we continue to hold their families in our prayer.

You're Invited to a Prayer Vigil for Human Trafficking Awareness Day

2012-12-14T13:47:00.002-05:00

I was just about to post this when I heard the news of the shootings in CT. May we pray for all affected by this unthinkable event.

Our Latest issue of Soundings Update is attached. Read about our recent day with Lynn Levo, CSJ. Her topic:

Who Are We Called to Be Now?

Authentic, Transforming, Evolutionary

http://www.csjboston.org/su-Dec-2012.pdf

Mark you calendar and join with us in

Prayer Vigil

at 1:00pm on Sunday, January 6, 2013

to commemorate

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

sponsored by the Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition

of the Boston Unit of LCWR

and hosted at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse.

12-12-12 Our Lady of Guadalupe

2012-12-12T07:51:00.005-05:00

12-12-12! Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The image above is one of my Mandala designs which I call the

Tu Madre Mandala

I created this after coordinating several immersion retreats to Mexico. Each time the Benedictine Sisters of Guadalupa who were our gracious hostesses, urged us to tell the story of OLG and the Mexican people. This Mandala is my attempt to do that. A brief explanation follows. Happy Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of ALL our Americas.

Translation of Mandala Text:

"Am I not here, I who am your Mother? Have I not placed you on my lap?

Who else do you need? Do not grieve or worry about anything."

Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to the Mestizo peasant, Juan Diego, in 1531 on Mount Tepeyac. She came, not to the center of power, but to the periphery of a society which had been oppressed and stripped of their indigenous culture, religion and dignity. The "Tu Madre" mandala combines indigenous symbols of hope, resurrection and transformation

from both the Aztec, "Piedra del Sol" and the Mayan Pyramids of Xochicalco with the traditional image of the tilma of Juan Diego. The Virgin wears the blue-green of divinity and her dress is the color of earth. Her head tilts in a listening.

contemplative glance that radiates concern and compassion. Her hands are clasped in a gesture of offering. The black band indicates the expectancy of new life for within her dwells hope for salvation. The Guadalupe event marks the beginning of a new era. It's universal message is not just for Mexicans but our Mexican sisters and brothers ask that we walk with those whose lives are lived on the periphery. They ask that we be open to their struggle even when it's painful.

Here is a presentation about the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We created it for one of our CSJ Associate gatherings
http://www.scribd.com/doc/116526859/Mexico-Story-of-Olg-Web
The powerpoint, itself, gives the broad strokes of the presentation. All th pictures were taken during our Mexico immersion reteats.

Sisters of St. Joseph and Associates join SHARE El Salvador delegation

2012-11-30T12:05:00.000-05:00

This Sunday marks the 32nd anniversary of the martyrdom of Ita Ford, Maura Clarke, Dorothy Kazel, and Jean Donovan. Two of our sisters and two of our associates have joined a delegation to El Salvador offered by SHARE El Salvador and the Leadership Conference of Women Religious

Orientation

Dinner

Please pray for the success of the entire delegation to El Salvador which is designed to serve as a reminder and recognition of the sacrifice and martydom of of so many on behalf of the Salvadoran people as well as the "disappearance" of many others. Watch Remembering the Women of El Salvador for sense of the many who have died in the cause of justice in El Salvador

checking in

Sisters of St. Joseph...ever-widening circles

2012-11-29T07:34:00.000-05:00

Our latest edition of Soundings Update is available at: http://www.csjboston.org/su-Nov-28-2012.pdf

In this issue:

CSSJ Leadership Assembly annual gathering in Albany, NY

Ever-widening Circles...

CSJ Advancement Office hosts Annual Fall Allston-Brighton Luncheon
read full story at: http://www.csjboston.org/pr-alston-brighton.htm
Ann Grady, CSJ presents a workshop to New England Communicators
Members of St. Agatha Parish Milton Justice & Peace Committee visit The Literacy Connection
Belmont Hill School donates Thanksgiving Baskets to The Women's Table and The Literacy Connection

Read more about a luncheon that was hosted at our motherhouse with over 70 local business professionals, friends, sisters, and associates. http://www.csjboston.org/pr-alston-brighton.htm

All are welcome to join in our liturgical celebrations. The dates are also in Soundings Update.