National Catholic Sisters Week awarded $8000 to the Association of Colleges of Sisters of St. Joseph. This grant was distributed
to nine member campus to participate in National Catholic Sisters Week from March 8-14, 2017. The mini-grants allowed the
campuses to honor the Sisters of St. Joseph by hosting programs and events that honor the sisters. These programs focused on
loving the dear neighbor without distinction and focus on addressing human trafficking, environmental issues and sustainability, and
creating an inclusive community for those who are or who were formally incarcerated. At many of the campuses, the National
Catholic Sisters Week events were a part of week-long celebrations of Mission and Heritage Weeks.
to nine member campus to participate in National Catholic Sisters Week from March 8-14, 2017. The mini-grants allowed the
campuses to honor the Sisters of St. Joseph by hosting programs and events that honor the sisters. These programs focused on
loving the dear neighbor without distinction and focus on addressing human trafficking, environmental issues and sustainability, and
creating an inclusive community for those who are or who were formally incarcerated. At many of the campuses, the National
Catholic Sisters Week events were a part of week-long celebrations of Mission and Heritage Weeks.
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Avila University
Avila University hosted a Dinner and Dialogue with Journey to New Life, an organization founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph. The event inspired the college community by hearing from the experiences of people who were recently released from prison and how the CSJ community helps them start new lives for themselves. Two women shared their personal experiences of incarceration. Around 25 people attended this event. |
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Chestnut Hill College
Chestnut Hill College had over 110 people attend their event, A Way Out Stopping Modern Slavery, that focused on human trafficking. Dawn's Place supports women affected by commercial sexual exploitation. Sister Kathleen Koll, SSJ, the co-founder of Dawn's Place, gave a powerful presentation. Anne Marie Jones, a peer mentor and survivor of human trafficking also shared her story. 125 people attended this event. Click Here for Campus Ministry News |
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College of Our Lady of the Elms
Elms College hosted an event entitled Sisters and Social Justice. Several Sisters of St. Joseph, including the former president of Elms College, Sister Kathleen Keating, came to campus to reflect on how the Elms College's mission was born out of the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sisters Kathleen Keating, Denise Granger and Roberta Mulcahy discussed the SSJs’ current work and outlook on the future. They also spoke about the history and legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph, as well as the congregation’s influence on the college. Over 30 people attended these events. |
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Fontbonne University
Fontbonne University had a successful week-long celebration. Rockin’ with Sisters had students join the Sisters of St. Joseph in conversations in rocking chairs. A Watering the Family Tree Mass celebrated the gift of creation, a day of service with the CSJs, a heritage wall display to show their appreciation of CSJs around the United States and I have a career....and I'm a CSJ panels. |
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Mount Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles
Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles hosted multiple masses and events highlighting the Sisters of St. Joseph and “loving the dear neighbor” in their many ministries, particularly those persons who are experiencing homelessness. Students, staff, and faculty participated in a campus wide food and toiletry drive. A highlight of the week included the CSJ Appreciation Day celebrating the over 50 Sisters of St. Joseph Carondelet in attendance. Over 100 people joined in the celebration. A student undergraduate team highlighted the work of the CSJ ministries in Los Angeles and the student learning during their alternative spring break with people experiencing homelessness. |
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Regis College
Regis College celebrated the week by showing appreciation for CSJs Boston and the work that they do to inspire multicultural and under served people with a pathway to a better life, including US citizenship. A luncheon of students and Sisters was then followed by a "meet and greet" on the Sisters of St. Joseph's ministries. This program raised awareness on the organizations and volunteer opportunities for students. This was followed by a forum featuring four ministries -- The Women's Table, Casserly House, Bakhita House, and The Literacy Connection -- only Bakhita House is not a direct ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Regis College also celebrated their Heritage week and 90th anniversary. Ministries of local sisters highlighted at Regis event |
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St. Catherine University
St. Catherine University facilitated a Sisters, Students, and Sustainability panel of CSJ sisters that highlighted the importance of living sustainability and each panelist shared how they personally practice it in their lives. Around 50 people attended this event. A student-led project to plant native grasses that are bee-friendly around campus with educational signs was funded to integrate sustainability throughout campus. Student leaders also were able to have an on-campus lunch with Sisters of St. Joseph. Lastly, a Habits and Hijabs program brought together sisters and Muslim students to share similarities and celebrate differences of wearing habits and hijab. Around 75-80 students, faculty, staff and community members attended this event. |
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St. Joseph's University
St. Joseph’s University held an Earth, There is No Place Like Home event to address and support sustainability efforts of the Sisters of St. Joseph Brentwood. This event engaged students and as a result, St. Joseph’s University has seen an increase in the number of students eager to volunteer with their organic farm. Other events included a The Dear Neighbor lunch and learn, the creation of the LePuy kitchen, as well as a St. Joseph's Day Mass. Over 100 people attended the events. |
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ACSSJ NCSW Press Release
To learn more about National Catholic Sisters Week or the events these campuses hosted you can look at the pdf here or download the word doc down below.
To learn more about National Catholic Sisters Week or the events these campuses hosted you can look at the pdf here or download the word doc down below.
| Press Release |