Edition No. 243—November 8, 2023 

All Saints Day

Saint Joseph Villa

November 1, 2023

Once again, this year, Celeste Robinson, Household Coordinator, organized an All Saints Celebration for sisters and residents.

Dressed in white, the sisters, residents and staff followed the Mummers into the beautifully decorated dining room to the sounds of When the Saints Come Marching In.

Everyone had a wonderful time, and we are so grateful to Celeste and her team for such a fun and memorable evening.

Pictured from left: Celeste Robinson, Sherri Hunkins and Irene Dunn SSJ

St. Stephen Church

Elkin, North Carolina

Associate Christian Growth Group

Rite of Welcome 

On Sunday October 15, 2023, Sisters of Saint Joseph Founders' Day, the St. Stephen Associate Christian Growth Group, Sister Janis McQuade SSJ, family, friends, and parishioners welcomed new Associate in Mission, Becky Dursee. 

In a welcome ritual during Mass at St Stephen Church in Elkin, North Carolina, the new Associate in Mission was pinned by Sister Janis, who journeyed with her through the orientation process. 

The celebration continued with a brunch after Mass that was hosted by Associates Debbie and Phillip Parrish at their home.

Welcome, Becky and congratulations!

Becky Dursee, the new Associate in Mission was pinned by Sister Janis, who journeyed with her through the orientation process. 

SSJ Associates in Mission

Commitment Ceremony 

October 1, 2023

On Sunday October 1, 2023, SSJ associates, sisters, families, and friends welcomed Marianne Dwyer, Katherine Finke, Rachel Ford, Ryan Killeen, Suzanne Lasek, Shawn Peikin, and Mary Ann Pruskowski in a commitment ceremony at the Mother House Chapel in Chestnut Hill, PA.

Over the past year, our monthly meetings were focused on completing the Associate in Mission orientation process. We gathered to pray, share the state of our hearts, listen, reflect, and discern the call to SSJ Association. Choosing to live lives committed to our mission of Unioning Love, we "Have only one desire: To be all that God longs for us to be (Maxim 73)."

Kerry Rusak and Dannah Addalli led the prayer service and pinned the new Associates. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue the journey with these wonderful Associates. Welcome and congratulations!!!

"We thank you, God, for the gift and grace of partnership in the mission of Jesus, strengthening us to live and work so that all people may be united with God and with one another."

Pictured from left: Rachel Ford, Marianne Dwyer, Suzanne Lasek, Mary Ann Pruskowski, Katherine Finke, Shawn Peikin and Ryan Killeen

Bethlehem Retirement Village

All Souls Day

Remembrance Table

On All Souls Day, November 2, 2023, Sister Sharon McCarthy SSJ created a remembrance table at Bethlehem Village for those who have died over this past year.

Sister Judy Oliver SSJ

Bill Strickler

Bob Coggins

Beyond the Habit Podcast

Sister Sally Koch, CSJ

In this episode of Beyond the Habit Podcast, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview composer and musician Sister Sally Koch, a Sister of Saint Joseph of Carondelet. They talk about how music can connect us to our spirituality, the importance of women lifting each other up, and the creative process. Sister Sally also shares some of her songs. 

Listen today, at beyondthehabitpod.com or wherever you get your podcasts.