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These Are Our Common Roots!
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Origins: France The Sisters of St. Joseph were founded in 1650 when six women in war-ravaged LePuy, France sought "something more" in their lives. These women worked among their neighbors-many of whom were desperately poor-caring for orphans, feeding the hungry, sheltering the abandoned, and nursing the sick. Father Jean Pierre Medaille, a Jesuit priest, encouraged the women, and helped them establish one of the first non-cloistered religious communities for women. During the French Revolution the Congregation almost disappeared as many Sisters were forced to go into hiding or were imprisoned or executed for their religious beliefs. |
Mother St. Jean Fontbonne |
The Sisters regrouped in 1807 under the leadership of Mother St. Jeanne Fontbonne. The community flourished and more women bonded together to serve the needs of the "dear neighbor. " In 1836, the boundaries of the congregation expanded when the Sisters of St. Joseph arrived in the United States. Today, we continue our mission of service to the poor, the uneducated, the sick, and those in need of compassion, especially women and children.
A NEW MOMENT!
Our passion to continue our mission brought together seven congregations of Sisters of St. Joseph to form one united Congregation of St. Joseph. This new congregation includes more than 800 vowed Catholic sisters, 11 members in initial formation and more than 500 lay associates from the following formerly-independent congregations:
- Cleveland
- LaGrange Park
- Medaille
- Nazareth
- Tipton
- Wheeling
- Wichita
Why are we coming together?
One of the clear purposes of Gospel-based religious life is to focus on those in need. We will serve those in need more effectively and efficiently by combining our resources to create a unified governance structure. Coming together as the Congregation of St. Joseph allows us to be responsible stewards of our ministries, resources, talents and energies.
When did this happen?
The new Congregation of St. Joseph was affirmed by the Vatican on March 19, 2007. Our first Congregational Chapter was held in Chicago from April 10-14, 2007. During this important meeting, we committed ourselves to four direction statements (see Generous Promises) and elected our first Leadership Team. Those women took office on August 6, 2007- the Church's Feast of the Transfiguration.
Congregation of St. Joseph Leadership Team
