it starts with a gift

During this Holy season, we are reminded that at the very heart of our lives is the gift of Jesus — a gift we have all been given and a gift that gives us hope.
 
At the very heart of our mission and ministry is a gift — our charism. Charism means the extraordinary graces given to Christians for the good of others. The charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph is unity and reconciliation. 
We are all born with a gift from God to be used for the benefit of others. It may be the gift of compassion, public speaking, healing, artistic talent, physical strength, nurturing, generosity, leadership skills or the written word. In living a life of purpose, we have the responsibility to develop and use our gift for the good of others and in service to God. 
 
There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.    1 Corinthians 12 (NIV)

The gifts we are given, we are given to share.

You might share your gift by volunteering in the community, by helping a neighbor or relative, by tutoring a child, through activism or philanthropic support. We serve, we minister, by using our gift.
This is the spirituality of ministry.

it’s followed with hope

As you make your year-end gifts, please consider the SSJ Mission and Ministries Foundation annual fund. When we share our gifts together, we give back to God and complete the circle. And we offer a gift of hope to all generations — by feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, welcoming the refugees, caring for elders and building community in inner-city neighborhoods. 

​​If a gift is not possible at this time, please keep the dear neighbor in your prayers. and feel free to share with us any special prayer intentions you may have.
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others,faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”     
1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)