Edition No. 252—March 21, 2024

Sister Helen Patrick Clifton SSJ

Happy Birthday

March 4, 2024

Monday, March 4^th was Sister Helen Patrick SSJ’s birthday.

As she made her way down to the Chapel for Liturgy, she was greeted with a wonderful surprise. Six of the sisters Helen sponsored were waiting there to celebrate this important day with her.

Happy Birthday, Sister Helen!

Pictured seated, from left: Sisters Kathleen McCafferty, Helen Patrick

and Eileen McNally

Pictured standing, from left: Sisters Eileen Lynch, Kathy Anderson, Maria McCoy and Kathy Pales

Ain’t I a Woman

by Julie Gabell, Associate in Mission

Women’s history is packed with trailblazers who fought valiantly for equality in a “man’s world”. From Abigail Adams who implored her husband to “Remember the ladies;” to Susan B. Anthony who fought tirelessly for a woman’s right of to vote women have moved slowly, but steadily, toward equality. Sandra Day O’Connor, first woman appointed to the Supreme Court, and Shirley Chisolm, first woman of color elected to Congress, have broken barriers seemingly unbreachable in earlier times. 

Since long before Sojourner Truth’s famous “Ain’t I a woman?” speech to Congress in 1851, women have struggled for a fair share in a male-dominated social order. Today the legacy of pioneers such as Lucretia Mott, Ada Lovelace, Elizabeth Blackwell, Eleanor Roosevelt, Shirley Chisholm and scores of others continues to resonate throughout society inspiring those of us who follow. Their accomplishments set records, changed the face of politics and secured for them an indelible place in history.

World War II gave impetus to women working outside the home, a possibility rarely seen prior to the 1950s. Bit by bit they shattered the “glass ceiling” until we began to see women in fields of medicine, science, business, and technology—fields to which previously they had seldom aspired. Gradually, by the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries, the sky became the limit as Sally Ride shuttled into space and Hillary Clinton ran for the highest office in the country.

Those who listened to Chapter-Assembly deliberations in March are no stranger to strong woman leaders. Community annals testify to the lives of those who had banded together eventually forming the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1650. Two centuries later, knowing neither language nor territory, seven of those trailblazing sisters emigrated to the United States to establish a foundation in the new world. Later, Mother Cabrini and Mother Teresa came to America leaving indelible marks wherever God called them. 

The celebration of Woman’s History month is a tangible reminder of the extraordinary courage, perseverance, and resilience of women who went before us. Mindful of them and of Mary, God’s mother most patient and far-sighted, we forge into the future.

Gathering in Gratitude

March 14, 2024

Convent Dining Room

Our Mount Saint Joseph Convent Lay Partners in Mission invited all the sisters who live and work at the Motherhouse to brunch on March 14, 2024. Their invitation read: please join us for brunch to honor and celebrate our sisters.

The dining room was beautifully decorated with a long table of delicious dishes—many homemade. It was a tangible outpouring of love and generosity, and we are all so grateful.

Ernestine Hunter, Administrative Assistant, served as the emcee, opening the gathering with a prayer of thanks and gratitude. In part: As we stand together today, we ask that the Holy Spirit give us the courage and understanding to answer the unique call of the Congregation and to faithfully support the ministry of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and all religious Congregations in their continual, joyous spirit.

As part of their thanks and gratitude for the sisters, each Partner in Mission was asked to finish this sentence: When I think of the Sisters of Saint Joseph … The following are just a few of their genuine and heartfelt responses:

• I think of kindness, support and love. I’ve never worked with a more understanding and appreciative group of people.
• I think of a group of remarkable women who have stood the test of time and have touched the lives of millions of people, either directly or indirectly, through their love and compassion for all.
• I am grateful to be valued for the work I do.
• I feel I am blessed to be part of this community.
• I feel the history of all that has come before now and the legacy they leave for the future.

We are humbled and so grateful for the time, effort and care that went into this morning’s celebration, and for sharing with us your beautiful, generous selves.

Ernestine Hunter, Administrative Assistant, opening the gathering with a prayer of thanks and gratitude.

St. Francis Xavier Catholic School

SSJ Mission Fund 

By Sister Patty Ralph SSJ

Thanks to our SSJ Mission Fund our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are enjoying their new white board tables. 

This lesson was Greek Roots (bio) biology, geology, astrology. They had to define the word and draw what it would look like. Nothing like quiet music in the background and chillin. 

We are truly BLESSED!

St. Joseph’s Day Celebration

Saint Joseph Villa

March 19, 2024

Liturgy was celebrated on March 19, 2024, at Saint Joseph Villa. Sisters, residents and staff warmly welcomed celebrants, Most Reverend Keith J. Chylinski

 and Msgr. Paul Kennedy.

On this feast day, we celebrant St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, Patron of our Congregation and all Congregations of St. Joseph throughout the world.

Following liturgy, the sisters enjoyed a delicious dinner in the mail dining room and a visit with the members of the General Council.

Happy St. Joseph’s Day!

Photos courtesy Louise Kane SSJ

Celebrating Saint Joseph's Day

LaSalle Academy

In commemoration of the Solemnity of Saint Joseph and the renewal of vows for the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Philadelphia, Archbishop Perez celebrated Mass and visited with the wonderful students, faculty, staff, and board members of La Salle Academy Philadelphia!

Saint Joseph and Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us!

Pictured from left: Sister Jeanne McGowan SSJ, Archbishop Nelson Perez and Sister Margaret Anne Birtwistle SSJ

Photos courtesy Archdiocese of Philadelphia

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/