News
We want to keep you in the loop of what’s happening in the SSJ Erie community. Browse through this section to explore our most recent publications, our Facebook feed, our Jubilarians' bios, and the most recent obituaries of our Sisters who have passed.
We remember . . . Rose Marie Chisholm, SSJ
Rose Marie Chisholm, SSJ, 99, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on April 1, 2025, in the 78th year of her religious life. She was born on August 30, 1925, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the daughter of the late Hugh and Lillian (Vearse) Chisholm. She graduated from Watertown Senior High School in…
Let Go of the Rope
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…
Are You There, Child? It’s Me: God
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…
Being a Human Being
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…
We remember . . . Barbara Ann Vavreck, SSJ
Sister Barbara Ann Vavreck, SSJ, 87, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on January 15, 2025, in Erie, in the 70th year of her religious life. She was born on December 11, 1937, in Philipsburg, PA, to the late Andrew and Barbara (Rusnak) Vavreck. She attended Hawk Run Elementary School and…
PHOTO AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE: (l-r) Eva Mastromatteo of Erie News Now interviews Stephanie Hall, SSJ Associate and Communications Director, and Nancy Fischer, SSJ, as part of a 5-part series during Catholic Sisters Week.
