mission possible

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…

Our theme for St. Joseph Day this year reflects on Joseph being the “earthly shadow of the Heavenly Father.” This is one of the virtues that Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter “Patris corde” (With a Father’s Heart) attributes to St. Joseph. As I thought about this virtue, I began reflecting on the word shadow.…

Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as the Patron of the Universal Church by Pope Pius IX, Pope Francis has declared December 8, 2020 – December 8, 2021, as the “Year of St. Joseph.” In his Apostolic Letter entitled Patris Corde (with a father’s heart), Pope Francis shares some personal reflections…

“Necessity is the mother of invention.” This proverb means that a need or problem encourages creative efforts to meet the need or solve the problem. Once again, COVID-19 made it necessary for us to do things a little differently.   The associates had some creative Halloween fun on October 25 in lieu of their usual …

In 2007, SSJ employees came together as a group to write the following employee mission statement:  “Inspired by the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph, the employees of the Sisters of St. Joseph establish an environment of unity and mutual respect which characterizes our daily interactions with each other, the sisters, neighbors, and all…

As I was listening to Erie County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper give a weekly update on coronavirus statistics, she commended the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network for the safe manner in which it is conducting the Little Italy Farmers Market. It made me wonder how the pandemic is affecting how the SSJNN staff is helping…

SSJ Mission Possible by Sr. Ann Marie Cappello, SSJ The U.S. Federation of Sisters of St. Joseph Statement on Racism and Commitment to Direct Action states that racism is a virus every bit as deadly as COVID-19, and which has infected our nation since its inception. Until we address it, people of color will continue…

“It’s not what you do but how you do it, it’s not what you see, but how you see, it’s not what you say, what you know or achieve but it’s the presence, the presence you are.” The words of this song by Jan Novotka came to my mind as I reflected on the idea…

One day last week on my way into work, I was met by two Canada Geese that were blocking the door to the admin. building. I tried to get them to move but I was unsuccessful.  I was not a happy camper! As I started to go to the front of the building, one of…