|
|
|
|
The
Sisters of St. Joseph community includes more than 30,000 Sisters of St.
Joseph worldwide. The
United States
Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph, a voluntary union of all
Sisters of St. Joseph in the United States who share a common origin in
their foundation at LePuy, France in 1650, includes over 7,000 members
from 23 congregations. In Northwestern Pennsylvania, the SSJ community
includes nearly 350 vowed (Sisters) and non-vowed (Associates)
members. Together, as members of the “Congregation of the Great Love of
God”, we strive to be a reconciling force in the world and to bring about
unity of neighbor with neighbor and neighbor with God wherever and
whenever possible.
By our very nature and our heritage as an apostolic
community, we live and minister among the people we serve. Some
of our Sisters, including many who are retired or ill, live at our
Community Living Center on West Ridge Road in Millcreek, Pennsylvania. The majority of our Sisters, however, live among the communities where
they minister.
From the beginning of our
history, we have relied upon and
embraced lay Christians. Our Associate members include men and women
who desire to share our spirituality, ideals and goals, and to help us
in responding to the ever-changing needs of the people. SSJ Associates do not profess canonical vows nor are they bound financially or legally to the Sisters. They continue to live the lifestyle to which they have been called by God.
|
|
|
