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 . . . 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…

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We remember . . . Ann Patrice Murnock, SSJ

Sister Ann Patrice Murnock, SSJ, age 100, of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, died on January 8, 2025, in the 72nd year of her religious life. She was the oldest living Catholic Sister in the Erie Diocese. Born in Forest City, Pennsylvania, on December 13, 1924, Sister Ann Patrice was the daughter…

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An Epiphany Reflection

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…

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December 2024 petite Journeys

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A Reflection for the Fourth Week of Advent

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…

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A Reflection for the Third Week of Advent

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…

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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.