SSJ Spiritual Resources

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania joyfully welcome the news of our new Pope, Leo XIV, as the leader of the Catholic Church.  We are excited that he is an American, and we find great hope in the movement of the Holy Spirit that guided the conclave to this historic decision.  Like Pope…

The following reflection was written in 2013 shortly after Pope Francis began his papacy. While Pope Francis is no longer with us, the manner in which he lived his life will always be a powerful example of what it means to live a life of great virtue. Our founder, Fr. Jean Pierre Medaille, also a…

A Lenten reflection by SSJ Agrégée Tammy Van Buren The story goes that an experienced climber had almost reached the top of the mountain when he lost his footing and plunged backward toward the ground. “God! Help me!” the man cried out in desperation. As quickly as he had been falling, he came to a…

A Lenten reflection by SSJ Agrégée Charlene Kellerman How does God speak to you? Does God have a love language known and understood only between you and God? I believe so. How is it that two (or three or more) people can hear or experience the exact same thing, and, for one, it may be…

A Lenten reflection by SSJ Agrégée Betsy Wiest Each year when Lent rolls around, conversations abound about what we will “give up.” Will it be chocolate, fast food, TV, Facebook, etc? In reality, giving up any of these items doesn’t do what Lent is intended to do, and that is to be introspective and bring…

A Lenten Reflection by SSJ Associate Mary Fuhrman Many Christians eagerly embrace Lent. Historically, I have not been one of them. Lent follows too quickly upon the Christmas Season for my tastes. A couple days after the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (final day of the Liturgical Christmas Season) while I am still…

Looking For a Star to Follow? An Epiphany Reflection by Jessie Badach Hubert,  VMA alum and friend of the SSJs My beloved spiritual director once gifted me a watercolor painting of a quote by Rilke: “You must give birth to your images. They are the future waiting to be born….The future must enter you long…

Making Room for Jesus: Preparing Our Hearts by SSJ Associate Margaret Chrymko Over the last few years, how often have we heard that the world is different because of the COVID pandemic? When was the last time we heard that the world is different because of the Incarnation, because Christ came into the world? When…

Christmas Presents or Christmas Presence? by SSJ Associate Stephanie Hall  I recall when my now adult son was preschool age and, as a family, we attended the Christmas Eve children’s Mass at our parish. We often sat up front as it helped hold our children’s attention. A young, newly ordained priest was celebrating his first…

Prophets of Hope by Rosemary O’Brien, SSJ “Hope is the thing with feathers That perches in the soul and sings the tune without the words and never stops at all.” ~Emily Dickinson Hope is the word that is perched in my soul these Advent days, as I try to sing the tune without the words.…