Deeply saddened by the death of George Floyd, the Leadership of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Los Angeles Province, mourn the death of yet another person of color. We lament, that once again a police officer deprived someone of life. George Floyd did not deserve to die simply because he was black. Society must acknowledge the deeper and ongoing racism toward people of color. We are all connected. What happens to one affects us all.  

On May 29, Governor Newsom said it best in his statements: “We have a country that values power, domination and aggression overcoming empathy and collaboration. We can and must do better. We have to change who we are. We have the capacity to be more.” 

We support peaceful demonstrations calling attention to injustices and in this case to racism. Though we understand that anger can escalate into violence, we cannot condone it. Violence that destroys and damages the property of innocent shop and business owners, causing death and injury to those who are peaceful participants and that of law enforcement personnel is unacceptable. 

We acknowledge that justice systems require reform. Law enforcement agencies must continue to evaluate and find ways to be less aggressive while enforcing the law. We recognize that we are all part of the human condition and that there will be rogue law enforcement personnel. We pray for all those who continue to put their lives on line in protecting the public in a humane and compassionate manner.

Join us in acknowledging and addressing the causes of racism and the injustice it produces so healing can happen. We, too, have a dream that one day equality will be a reality for all of God’s people.

Sister Maureen O’Connor, CSJ         Sister Mary Ann Martin, CSJ

Sister Patricia Nelson, CSJ    Sister Adele O’Sullivan, CSJ     

Sister Kathy Stein, CSJ

“All are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one affects all indirectly.” Martin Luther King, Jr.



Several cousins also attended the school. Here is a photo of their first Communion in 1966. Top: Sisters Ann Bernard and Marie Georgina. Bottom l/r: John McKinnon, Margaret Schmidt ,Greg McKinnon, Jenni-fer Elsberry, Jeff McKinnon and Randy Donaldson. 

Peg Caldera Stehly, a former member, shared some interesting facts about her family’s relationship with our community at Queen of All Saints Parish and School in Concord, CA. Peg’s mother was one of fourteen children. Her father was one of five. Both families were pioneers in Concord. They were excited when Queen of All Saints School opened in 1948. Peg was in the first kindergarten. Sister Naomi Masten, CSJ was her teacher.

Peg’s sister Susan, also a former member in our community, entered the school three years later. Through the years, 70 children and grand-children from the two families, attended school there. In later years, to illustrate how these families loved and respected the sisters, they named some of their children after them: Angela Marie, Mary Claire, Elizabeth Ann, Joan Patrice, Michele Marie, Patricia Ann and Therese Cecile.

Isn’t it touching that our Charism still lives on in these and future generations because of the loving, dedicated and joyful sisters who preceded us?