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SYNOD: A Sacred Journey of Listening and Discernment
In October 2021, Pope Francis announced a two-year process of listening and dialogue in the Catholic Church, known as the “Synod on Synodality.” A “synod” is a journey of discernment rooted in the Holy Spirit. Synod 2021-2023: For a Synodal Church, invites the entire Church to discern how the Spirit is moving through, and with,…
Read MoreThe Work of Christmas begins
As I began to write this article for the January Interim, I once again was reminded of one of my favorite poems for this time of year titled, The Work of Christmas Begins by Michael Dougherty. It is a variation on Howard Thurman’s poem, When the Song of Angels is Stilled. I realize that I…
Read Morejourneys/development report — fall 2022
We remember . . . Geraldine Olon, SSJ
Sister Geraldine Olon, SSJ, age 91, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on December 22, 2022. She was in the 73rd year of her religious life. Sister Geraldine was born in Oil City, PA, on July 12, 1931, the daughter of the late Michael and Anna (Burke) Olon. She entered the…
Read MoreWe remember . . . Martha Ann Rinderle, SSJ
Martha Ann Rinderle, SSJ, 84, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on December 9, 2022. She was born on September 1, 1938, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to the late Ferdinand and Marty Ann (Kreiger) Rinderle. She graduated from Villa Maria Academy, Erie, in 1956, earned a BS degree in elementary education from…
Read MoreSisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania Call for Change in the Cash Bail System
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania join the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph and The Bail Project to dismantle racism and eliminate the use of cash bail in the United States criminal legal system. The original sin of this country is racism. The legacies of white supremacy, colonization, and slavery…
Read MoreSisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania Call for an End to Gun Violence
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania share in the communal heartbreak of our nation as together we face another unthinkable and senseless act of violence. Moved by deep sadness and compassion for the victims, families, and witnesses of the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, we join with them in prayer and…
Read MoreCatholic Sisters Week March 8-14
Catholic sisters work with and advocate for the poor, immigrants, and children throughout the year. They fight injustice, tend to the sick, empower women, promote peace, and offer hope. For one week each year, March 8-14, Catholic Sisters Week shines the spotlight on Catholic Sisters’ spirituality, mission, and community-building work. Events and campaigns will take…
Read MoreSisters Respond to Death of Bishop Trautman
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, along with the Benedictine Sisters of Erie, and the Sisters of Mercy, Erie Regional Community, join in mourning the death of Bishop Donald W. Trautman. Bishop Trautman considered Catholic Sisters to be co-workers with him in the ministry of Christ. He modeled faithfulness to our God and…
Read MoreWe remember . . . Mary Rose Romeo, SSJ
Mary Rose Romeo, SSJ, formerly Sister Mara Joseph, 73, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on January 19, 2022. She was born on March 10, 1948, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to the late Sarah and Joseph Romeo. Sister Mary Rose attended Villa Maria Elementary School and graduated from Villa Maria Academy in…
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