Sisters of St. Joseph Commemorate 10th Anniversary of Agrégée Vocation 

In 2016, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania accepted nine women as the first Agrégée (ah-greh-ZHEY) members of the congregation. Agrégées are Catholic women called to permanently commit themselves to growing in a closer union with God through Jesus Christ by embracing the Sisters’ mission of unity and by closely connecting with the congregation through prayer and personal relationships. Agrégée is a French word meaning “attached to.” Agrégées date back to the seventeenth century in France, when the Sisters of St. Joseph were founded and had three forms of membership: vowed religious Sisters, Agrégées, and lay Associates.

Following Vatican II, religious congregations were encouraged to study and return to their roots to ensure they were living according to their founder’s intent. That led to the Sisters of St. Joseph establishing a lay Associate program in Erie in 1982 for Christian men and women drawn to the congregation’s mission. After further exploration, the congregation initiated an Agrégée membership program specifically for women desiring a deeper commitment to the congregation by making a vow of fidelity.  Erie is one of only six congregations with Agrégée members.

“It was about finding the affirmation of my call. I felt that I had been living as an Agrégeé for a number of years before the process even began,” said Charlene Kellerman. “The challenge was naming it and recognizing it -- in myself and by others.”

Prior to professing their vow, candidates participated in a two-year formation process under the direction of Susan Herzing, SSJ, that included study, prayer, and discernment. Candidates and their Sister/mentor participated in prayer groups and spiritual direction. The first year focused on prayer and the candidate’s spiritual journey, and the second year specifically on the Sisters of St. Joseph. Agrégées continue living in their own homes, continue with their independent lives, and are responsible for their own financial affairs, including healthcare and retirement.

The first nine women who became Agrégées in the Erie Diocese were Cindy Brown (dec.), Arlene Chaney, Charlene Kellerman, Cindy Polesnak, Jeanne Marie Ryan, Deb Seng, Michelle Tortorelli, Tammy Van Buren, and Betsy Wiest. Since then, three more women completed the formation program and professed a vow of fidelity. They are Judi Janke, Teresa Cieslikowski, and Jeanne Marie Costa (dec.). Presently, there are 10 Agrégée members of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania congregation.