Our personal spiritual growth is nourished and enhanced by daily, or frequent, spiritual readings, prayers, and periods of quiet contemplation and reflection.  Here we offer you a variety of resources from within the larger SSJ community to assist you on your journey. 

Maxims of the Little Institute and the Maxims of Perfection
Written in 17th century France by Father Jean Pierre Medaille, the Maxims of Perfection are fundamental rules of conduct that a person seeking a life with God could follow.  They still have a message for us today. 
Maxims

Articles

 

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 … Read More

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 … Read More

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 … Read More

A Reflection for the Second Week of Advent

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 … Read More

A Reflection for the First Week of Advent

Hidden Holiness by Marie Stephen Kebort, SSJ Each year, as the Advent season approaches, we can pause and reflect on how we live our everyday lives and where we are on our spiritual journey. Whenever we evaluate our progress, having … Read More

Table of Plenty

A reflection by SSJ Agrégée​ Cindy Polesnak Imagine that you are the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, discussing the events of the past 3 days, Jesus’ last supper, crucifixion, and resurrection. The two disciples learn that Jesus was … Read More

It is Finished.

A reflection by Nancy Fischer, SSJ ​When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, “It is finished.” And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit. -John 19:30 I believe that two key words in this passage are “handed over.”  … Read More

Love Listens; Do You?

A reflection by Josette Marie Gocella, SSJ As I pondered what might be the message of this reflection to be shared with the congregation and the broader community, I glanced at the various “stick-ums” currently on the refrigerator in my … Read More

And then what?

Reflection and photo ​by SSJ Agrégée Charlene Kellerman As we know, the practice of giving up something is often a ritual for Lent.  It can serve as a symbol of self-sacrifice, a form of fasting, and represent the sacrifice for … Read More

God’s timing is often not my timing.

A reflection ​by Clare Marie Beichner, SSJ Life and seasons have their timing. Mums typically bloom in the fall. The mums I purchased in September bloomed beautifully until late October. However, the mums I bought in 2022 and planted in … Read More