Edition No. 76 — September 10, 2018
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Getting to Know You – Better
Federal Street, Camden, NJ
July 23, 2018
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In a recent Global Sisters Report,
Horizons
,
Sister Colleen Gibson SSJ
wrote in part: “The power of communion, after all, lies in the ability to gather people together in love. This allows us to create space for relationship, space where we can come to know the other, celebrate one another and learn, with joy and humility, that there is always room for growth and development in our relationships, to discover newness in our midst.”
This was evident in a gathering we had at our home on Federal Street in Camden, NJ on July 23
rd
of this year. Sisters in and around the Camden area gathered for an evening of supper and conversation — with no special agenda in mind. It was truly an evening of celebration and getting to know each other better as we work close by in our ministries. And, as Colleen put it, “We learned more about those we thought we knew, and in sharing new experiences we garnered the power of communion and all the hope and joy it brings with it.”
We’re looking forward to repeating this wonderful experience sometime in the near future.
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Gathered around the table, from left: Colleen Gibson, Karen Dietrich, Ron Roche, Lil Needham, Claire McNichol, Marie Olwell, Bonnie McMenamin, Ann Barry, Helen Cole and Donna Minster (foreground)
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Photo courtesy Donna Minster SSJ
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Sister Cathie Meighan SSJ
Receives Art Award
August 26, 2018
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The Philadelphia Sketch Club (PSC) is America’s oldest club for artists. Since 1860 the PSC has served as a meeting place, forum for ideas, and a vital bridge between the creators and supporters of art.
On Sunday, August 26, 2018,
Sister Cathie Meighan SSJ
was awarded first prize in the Philadelphia Sketch Club's exhibit
Absolutely Abstract
. Cathie’s painting
Uncharted Waters
was selected from 87 entries.
Cathie describes her work: “My body of work entitled
Evolving
is about my encounter with paint, color and an evolutional process. My work evolves out of what I consider to be a choreographed dance. The paint and the marks lead me through an interior movement, which dictates my response, as I am led through each painting. My work is predominately non-representative, yet figurative at times. Each painting presents me with a new experience, a new dance, a new encounter. I am Evolving.”
The exhibit runs from August 22- September 19th, 2018 at The Philadelphia Sketch Club, 235 S. Camac St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Congratulations, Cathie!
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Pictured from left: Marie O'Hagan SSJ, Cathie Meighan SSJ and Lisa Breslin SSJ
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Welcoming 2018 - 19 SSJ Mission Scholars
Mount Saint Joseph Convent
September 6, 2018
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On Thursday, September 6
th
12 SSJ Mission Scholars and members of Chestnut Hill College faculty and staff joined the Motherhouse community for dinner in the convent dining room.
The students were awarded SSJ Mission Fund grants based on an essay they submitted and other necessary qualifications. The gathering was a way to meet the students and congratulate them on this wonderful achievement.
Sister Anne Myers SSJ
had a special message for the freshmen. “We know that education has the power to transform lives, families and society. We believe that Chestnut Hill College offers an excellent opportunity to grow academically and a unique and sacred opportunity to grow spiritually, emotionally and socially. As a sponsored work of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, Chestnut Hill College is a place where our mission is expressed and lived very visibly. That mission is one of unity — with God and with all people.
We are so happy as Sisters of Saint Joseph to be able to help our new students to pursue their dream of higher education through the SSJ Mission Fund Grants. We believe in Chestnut Hill College — and students, we believe in YOU.
In the spirit of our mission of unity and service to our dear neighbor, the students will offer service either here at our Motherhouse, Chestnut Hill College or Saint Joseph Villa. God bless you, SSJ Mission Scholars, and congratulations!”
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Federation Novitiate Update
Rochester, New York
Sister Michelle Lesher SSJ
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It is hard to believe that we are concluding the first month in Rochester at the Federation Novitiate! What a privileged time! All is well—from putting the finishing touches on our beautiful home to getting situated in a new city. We began our time with an orientation experience which brought together novices, home directors, Federation representatives and Rochester sisters to consider what will make this novitiate time meaningful. Our greatest desire is to provide the opportunity for our newest members to deepen in relationship with God, self and others for the life of the world!
During the first week, we facilitated conversations regarding personal, communal and liturgical prayer. Those sessions were followed by Jeanne Marie Gocha, CSJ’s Cultural Diversity workshop which helped us to engage in meaningful conversations, not only around diversity, but communication styles and communal life as well. We also enjoyed immensely our time with
Sister Karen Doyle SSJ
as she broke open Discernment and Ignatian Spirituality in deeply moving ways. We continue to unpack the wealth of material that Karen shared with us!
Finally, Sister Donna Del Santo helped us to
Pray the City
, by taking us on a bus tour to introduce several ministry possibilities. Each novice will have the opportunity to spend a day each week working with persons experiencing life on the margins. Joann will minister at Bethany House, a Catholic Worker House of Hospitality, which provides shelter for homeless women and children.
In the midst of prayer and work, there is much laughter, fun and a delightful sense of community. We have had time for exploration of our beautiful surroundings, trips to the movies, the lake and at least one trip to Abbotts –
the
place for ice cream in Rochester! In addition, we have had the opportunity to welcome many visitors, including our sisters, as they pass through town – always a delight!
We appreciate, feel and count on all of your prayers and loving support! We send ours in return!
Who are these women you might ask? Please take a moment to view this wonderful video complete with introductions!
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Photos courtesy Michelle Lesher SSJ
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"Rooted in the mission of Christ, ours is the same mission which continually unfolds in the Church, 'That all may be one as you, Father, are in me, and I in you. I pray that they may be one in us.' (Jn 17:21)."
— SSJ Constitutions #17
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