Edition No. 241—October 6, 2023 

Bethlehem Retirement Village

Young at Heart Entertainers

Bethlehem Retirement Village is an affordable housing residence for the elderly, sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

In the tradition of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, we strive to serve each resident as "the dear neighbor" so that every member of the community will experience the Village as their home.

Recently, the residents of Bethlehem Village were treated to a very special afternoon of song, dance, snacks and fun.  Jan Mohan and her husband, Bob, areYoung at Heart Entertainers—for those over 60+ who love a good time. Jan is a friend and classmate (Bishop Kendrick High School) of Sister Sharon McCarthy SSJ, the Social Concerns Director.

Jan skillfully engaged the residents during the entertainment, encouraging them to get up and sing, dance and share a little about themselves. Everyone had a wonderful time, sharing some snacks together at the conclusion of the program.

Pictured from left: Jan, Sharon McCarthy SSJ and Bob

Sister Marie de Lourdes CSJ

Profession of First Vows

October 1, 2023

Bethany J. Welch, Ph.D.

Novice, Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia 

We are grateful for the prayers and support that so many of you offered during the time that Philadelphia hosted the Federation Novitiate experience at St. Luke’s in Glenside. On Sunday, October 1, three of the CSSJ Federation Novitiate community were reunited in Los Angeles for the joyous celebration of Noriko Kuroki's first profession of the vows of poverty, obedience, and celibate chastity. Sr. Noriko, who is from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and now uses the religious name Marie de Lourdes, spent her canonical year in Philadelphia with me at St. Luke's in Glenside. We enjoyed many months of contemplation, learning, prayer, and ministry together. It was a true gift to share this beautiful day with our novice director, Sister Michelle Lesher SSJ, and to bear public witness to the ways that Sister Marie de Lourdes CSJ embodies the charism and mission. We wish her many blessings as she continues a ministry of pastoral accompaniment at the St. Francis Xavier Chapel Japanese Catholic Center in L.A. 

Pictured from left: Patty Chang, CSJ, Michelle Lesher SSJ and Julie Fertsch SSJ

Photo courtesy: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in Los Angeles 

Pictured from left: Miriam Ukeritis, CSJ, Carondelet Congregational Novice Director, Sr. Marie de Lourdes CSJ, Sean Peters, CSJ,

Carondelet Congregational Leader

Photo courtesy Bethany Welch

Pictured from left: Michelle Lesher SSJ, Sister Marie de Lourdes (Noriko) Kuroki CSJ and Bethany Welch

Photo courtesy: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in Los Angeles 

Mount Saint Joseph Academy

Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Tu Le, Communications and Media Manager

As part of our ongoing series of events to celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month, we recently hosted an enlightening discussion panel. This discussion was facilitated by one of our students, Isabella Cooper ‘25. 

Our panel featured distinguished representatives from Esperanza, an organization dedicated to providing essential services for low-income immigrants with a particular focus on the vibrant Latino community in Philadelphia. The discussion was a wonderful opportunity for our Mounties to gain insight into the invaluable work that Esperanza undertakes, especially in the spirit of Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month. The guest speakers on the panel were Sister Mary Kay Flannery SSJ, Wendoly Amparo, and Anu Thomas, the Executive Director of Esperanza Immigration Legal Services. Their presence and insight truly enriched the event for our students and community. This school year’s theme is “The Journey Toward Reconciliation That All May Be One.” We can continue to learn through works of service to the dear neighbor as we recognize the worth and dignity of one another. Each shared what led them to find their places at Esperanza and heartfelt stories. Their narratives offered our students valuable perspectives on the importance of community service and compassion. 

Pictured from left: Sister Mary Kay Flannery SSJ, Wendoly Amparo,

Anu Thomas and Isabella Cooper ‘25

Sister Charlene Diorka SSJ,

Induction into Conwell-Egan Catholic High School

“Alumni Wall of Fame”

President Sister Charlene Diorka SSJ, a proud graduate of Conwell-Egan Catholic High School, was honored and inducted into the school’s “Alumni Wall of Fame.” Sister Charlene assumed the role of the third President of Mount Saint Joseph Academy. In a few short years, the Academy has seen enrollment growth, a recentering of the Mount's mission, and the renewal of a more evolved and inclusive community that seeks to "Serve the Dear Neighbor," an integral part of the Academy's mission. 

Before her appointment, Sister held various administrative leadership positions at both national and local Catholic organizations. She actively participated in the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph Leadership Council while concurrently serving as the Director of the Collaborative Leadership Development Program. With 39 years of devoted service to the Sisters of Saint Joseph, she has served as a Vocation Director and Director of Formation and ministered as the Associate Director of the National Religious Vocation Conference in Chicago, IL. At the Mount, she served as a theology teacher from 1992 to 2001, which allowed her to foster strong relationships with parents, faculty, staff, and alumnae. She cites her years at the Mount as a remarkably formative time, where she grew personally and professionally. Sister has been involved in Catholic education since 1982, with elementary and high school levels in Philadelphia, Newark, and Harrisburg.

Sister Charlene Diorka SSJ, President, exemplifies this school year's theme, "The Journey Towards Reconciliation That All May Be One." With her deep-rooted dedication as a Sister of Saint Joseph. She lives and works tirelessly embodying the mission of unity and reconciliation.

Pictured from left: Charlene Diorka SSJ and Mark Schweiker, 44th Governor of Pennsylvania and alumni of Conwell-Eagan High School.

Inauguration of William W. Latimer, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Seventh President of Chestnut Hill College

September 29, 2023

On Thursday, September 28th Mass was celebrated at the Sisters of Saint Joseph Motherhouse Chapel. Sisters of St. Joseph, faculty, alumni, students, family and friends gathered and affirmed their understanding, loyalty and love for the Mission of Chestnut Hill College. 

Chestnut Hill College celebrated the inauguration of William W. Latimer, Ph.D., M.P.H., as the seventh president of the College on Friday, September 29.

At the inauguration, Sister Maureen G. Erdlen SSJ, Congregational President, welcomed Dr. Latimer: “On behalf of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, I am very happy to welcome Dr. Latimer as the seventh president of Chestnut Hill College. I am confident that his experience, energy and enthusiasm will continue our tradition of academic excellence and holistic education for these changing times.”

In his address at the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Latimer said: “Over the years, my professional experience, family and faith have led me to the conclusion that the care we take of one another provides one fundamental basis for those we care for to go forward into the world and meet others with compassion, civility, and industry. I can think of no better environment in which to foster this care than Chestnut Hill College. I can think of no legacy that represents true inclusivity, compassion and service more as the basis of this care than the mission and charism of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.”

Pictured from left Chestnut Hill College's 5th, 7th and 6th presidents:

Matthew Anita SSJ, Dr. William Latimer Ph.D., M.P.H., and Carol Jean Vale SSJ

Saint Joseph Villa

Italian Fest

September 28, 2023

On Thursday, September 28, 2023, the sisters and residents at Saint Joseph Villa were treated to a delicious Italian Fest.

The dining room was beautifully decorated for this special afternoon. After the meal, Sister Jeanne Barnard SSJ entertained everyone with her clever and witty jokes. Even‘Frank Sinatra’ showed up to sing some of his favorite tunes, inviting all to join him.

What a wonderful afternoon at Saint Joseph Villa!

Sister Jeanne Barnard SSJ entertained everyone with her clever and witty jokes.