sister stories

Sister Ann Donohue, SSJ, hails from the beautiful hills of Bradford, where she recalls her parents being the earliest source of inspiration. “My first recognition of being called to consecrated life came from my parents [the late Timothy and Regina (Hill) Donohue] who always referred to the Sisters of St. Joseph, who taught them, with…

Sister James Francis Mulligan—known as “Sister Jim” to many friends and former students—still finds a way to attend many Cathedral Prep sporting events in Erie. She’s been a dedicated fan since the 1980s, when she began teaching at the all-boys school.  During her 32 years of teaching at Prep, she could be seen braving the strong winds that sometimes…

Sister Mary Arlene Menz, SSJ, brought her love of education—particularly her passion for history and opera—to the young people she taught at every level, from first grade through college. A Sister of St. Joseph the past 70 years, she continues her interest in history today, remaining current on contemporary issues. After entering the community from…

“In contemplative prayer, we seek to become the person we are called to be not by thinking about God, but by being with God.” Dom John Main

Growing up during World War II, I saw my four brothers go off to war and saw the sacrifices, prayers and tears—as well as the joys—of returning heroes. I was deeply impressed with their faith and dependence on God through it all. I wanted to give my life to serving this wonderful generation of faith-filled people of God.

A native of Cambridge, Mass., Sister Rose Marie Chisholm, SSJ, has never lost her New England accent, even after spending the past 70 years as a Sister of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania. Nor has she lost the generosity that she first exhibited on May 8, 1947, when she entered the community from Sacred Heart…

Sister Marie Celeste Bindseil, SSJ, originally felt a call to join the foreign missions, but she decided instead to follow what she considered her real call from God: to become a religious sister.  Born in Frankfurt, Germany, she was christened Lieselotte Albina Bindseil, a daughter of the late Edwin and Josephine Bindseil. She also became the stepdaughter of Albina (Weis)…