Edition No. 254—April 5, 2024

Bishop Senior Bestows Lorica Awards

On Ten Individuals for Exemplary Service

Diocese of Harrisburg, Pa

The Diocese’s celebration of St. Patrick’s Day centered on special recognition for ten individuals who received this year’s Lorica Award. The award was named after the prayer attributed to the Patron Saint of our Diocese—for demonstrated integrity of faith and generosity in service.

Bishop Timothy Senior conferred the award during Solemn Vespers on the fifth Sunday of Lent, March 17, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Harrisburg.

“We celebrate this feast and celebrate with great joy those who are being honored with the Lorica Awards today. Your witness to your faith, your commitment to your vocation and your service to the Church is an inspiration to all of us,” Bishop Senior said during his homily.

Sister Rita Smith SSJ is one of the recipients of The 2024 Lorica Award. Sister Rita of Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Harrisburg, was recognized for her years of dedication and compassionate care for students as principal of Holy Name of Jesus School and director of religious education for the parish.

Lorica Award recipients stand with Bishop Timothy Senior following Solemn Vespers on the fifth Sunday of Lent. From left are Sister Geralyn Schmidt, SCC, John Messinger, Joanne Bauer, Sister Rita Smith, SSJ, Dawn Henry, Joseph Scartelli, William DeLise, Carol Lark and Terry Klugh. Not pictured is Walt Bell, who was unable to attend.

Photos courtesy Jen Reed, The Catholic Witness

Celebrating Easter

The Communities of Don Guanella

and Divine Providence Village

March 31, 2024

This Easter Sunday morning, an inclusive celebration was brought to the altar for those with disabilities.

The Easter morning Mass was adapted to best accommodate members of The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence. Sister Sue Lindinger SSJ and Sister Mary Veasy SSJ have lovingly and enthusiastically ministered at the Village for many years.

"Within our communities, we serve and support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities," said Administrator at Divine Providence Village.

Held at Divine Providence Village, guests were able to participate in the mass and gather in a social setting.

Father Dennis Weber, SDC, Director of Ministry & Mission for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, notices how the masses allow guests to come together and fully express themselves.

"It gives them that opportunity to really enter into their own spirituality. To be among their friends, among those who are their peers-praying and singing, just being who they are," said Weber.

Click here to view celebration and interview

Chestnut Hill College

Institute for Forgiveness and Reconciliation

April 3, 2024

Chestnut Hill College's Institute for Forgiveness and Reconciliation celebrated their annual "Forgiveness Day" on April 3, 2024. The event, held in the East Parlor of Chestnut Hill College,commemorated the 30th Anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide. 

Sister Cathy Nerney SSJ provided a presentation examining the Post-Rwandan genocide, to seek healing rather than vengeance. 

“The survivors of this horrific genocide continue to teach us so much about being a "crucified but risen people" who follow Jesus on the path of forgiving and reconciling, overcoming evil with goodness and hatred with love. Our SSJ mission is at the heart of all our efforts to heal divisions throughout our broken world, country and personal lives.

As we journey together through the 50 holy days of Easter, may each of us experience the Risen Christ in intimate and transforming ways.”

Sister Cathy Nerney SSJ provided a presentation examining the Post-Rwandan genocide.

Phenomenal Women 

of the 200^th Legislative District

March 28, 2024

At a luncheon on March 28, 2024, held at the Lovett Library in Mt. Airy, Sister Colleen Dauerbach SSJ, representing all the Sisters of Saint Joseph, was honored as one of the Phenomenal Women of the 200^th Legislative District. This is the 6^th year this honor has been bestowed. 

Colleen was among 15 women who were honored for their unique contributions to make a difference in their communities and ranged in age from a High School Senior to a nonagenarian. The other honorees were recognized by someone in their community.

Colleen was nominated by State Representative Chris Rabb for her leadership in our Justice Ministry and for the faithful work of the Sisters of Saint Joseph to abolish the death penalty in Pennsylvania.

The citation presented to Colleen read in part:

Now, therefore, The Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus recognizes and honors Sisters of St. Joseph, as Phenomenal Women for their unwavering commitment to building a stronger and brighter future for all.

Pictured from left: Representative Chris Rabb and Sister Colleen Dauerbach SSJ

How this Catholic Sister Used Art to Prepare for Taking Vows

By Sister Bethany Welch SSJ

Click here to learn how Sister Bethany Welch SSJ used art to reflect on the vows we make as women religious.

Less than 50 tickets left for a chance to win a trip for two to Ireland!

Celebrate Earth Day

April 22, 2024

Celebrate Earth Day with the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia. Join us on Monday, April 22, at 3 PM in the Mount St. Joseph Convent Auditorium for a presentation by Dan Misleh, founder of Catholic Climate Covenant.

Sponsorships are still available for the SSJ Welcome Center’s 4th Annual Golf Outing at Sandy Run Golf Club in Orleand, PA on May 20, 2024.

Visit https://forms.gle/JtvfzDwwWEonStRN6 for sponsorship information.

Editor, Sister Carole Pollock SSJ | 215.248.7269 | cpollock@ssjphila.org | https://ssjphila.org/