The 1940s and 50s were a period of growth and expansion for the Sisters of St. Joseph. Numerous new ministry opportunities presented themselves, and a steady number of women answered the call to become Sisters of St. Joseph.

Villa Maria Academy was one of the first boarding and private day schools in Erie. Within 8 years of opening, the school had an enrollment of 85 boarders from 15 states and an additional 100 day students. The school was referred to by some as a “grand educational institution.”

Villa Maria Academy was restructured as two separate entities: Villa Maria Elementary for grades 1-8 and Villa Maria Academy for grades 9-12.

The Sisters founded Villa Maria College, the first Catholic college for women in northwestern Pennsylvania. Villa Maria College is now part of Gannon University

From her own inheritance, Mother Agnes purchased land where the Sisters would build a hospital. To fund the project, the Sisters canvassed the local area soliciting donations and opened St. Joseph Hospital in 1870. In 1888, the hospital was renamed Spencer Hospital in honor of Mother Agnes. The hospital still exists today as Meadville Medical…

Following a tragic train wreck, the Sisters opened the orphanage doors to the injured, underscoring the need for a hospital in the area.  

By 1864, Mother Agnes and the Sisters made their way to Meadville, PA, and established St. Joseph Convent. They opened St. Joseph Orphanage in Meadville.

The Sisters welcomed their first postulant, Mary Hoag, in Corsica, and two Sisters, Victorine Lequier and an unnamed postulant, are buried there.

The Bishop asked the Sisters of St. Joseph to staff Harborcreek Training School, a school for boys who were court-ordered to attend.

Established Saint Vincent School of Nursing.