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Discovering LIFE ~in the Desert
Jesus, following his baptism by John, was driven by the Spirit, to spend time in the desert for forty days. There he wrestled with temptations and questions about who he was and how he was to live his deepest call in relationship with his Father and with others. Fifteen years ago, I was drawn to experience life…
Read MoreWe remember . . . James Francis Mulligan, SSJ
James Francis Mulligan, SSJ, age 97, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on February 26, 2023. She was in the 76th year of her religious life. Sister James Francis was born in Meadville, PA, on April 2, 1925, the daughter of the late James Francis and Luella (Duffy) Mulligan. She entered…
Read MoreSYNOD: Rather than Divide Us, Our Diversity Should Be a Source of Strength
Common themes within the Synod reports resonate with all of us and call us to hope. A major theme that was frequently mentioned as integral to being a more welcoming Church revolved around removing barriers to accessibility and embracing those with special needs and their families, particularly as it relates to an individual’s sacramental life. …
Read MoreSYNOD: 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
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Read MoreWe 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…
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