St. Joseph’s Academy, Baton Rouge

Sisters being recognized by SJA faculty and staff for St. Joseph Day.

Students volunteer alongside sisters and SJA faculty and staff at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.

On Friday, March 17, St. Joseph’s Academy in Baton Rouge gathered as a school community along with sisters to remember and celebrate the feast of our patron, St. Joseph. They reflected upon our call of service to God and to one another, and the sisters present were honored and thanked for their service. Also recognized were three new CSJ Associates: Hugo Andricain, David James and Dana Murray.

Then on Sunday, March 19, the celebration continued as students, sisters, associates and employees volunteered for a special service day to honor both St. Joseph Day and our Congregation’s 10th Anniversary of being ONE. With a loving heart and and deep commitment to the dear neighbor, they volunteered in many capacities throughout the day in support of different local charities including St. Vincent de Paul’s Bishop Ott Sweet Dreams Shelter, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, THRIVE Academy. and the St. Vincent de Paul Dining Room. The events were largely coordinated by Sister Adele Lambert, whose creativity, organization and leadership made the day possible. We thank you, Sister Adele for all you did to make this day of service happen.

Nazareth Academy, LaGrange Park, Ill.

Sister Grace Sbrissa, who also serves on the Academy Board of Trustees, shows fine art students the art of Zentangle.

CSJ Leadership Team member Sister Rita Ann Teichman discusses human trafficking with a class.

Sister Terry Middendorf, CSJ, who serves as Academic Dean, is recognized by students.

Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park, Illinois, welcomed sisters and associates as guest lecturers in a variety of classrooms on March 20 & 21. Sisters taught in not only the Religion department, but also English, Fine Arts and World Language. This is third year for this joint project which focuses on how academic subjects dovetail with the mission and charism of the Congregation of St. Joseph.

Nazareth’s principal, Deborah Tracy added, “The opportunity for our students to interact directly with the Sisters enhances their experience and serves to underscore where we come from and who we are. It is critical for our students to understand our CSJ roots, sponsorship and partnership. Faculty, staff and students alike are blessed in the presence of our Sisters and in the knowledge that they continue to make a strong and positive impact on us, our school, our community and our world.”

Sister Pat Bergen, CSJ and a Nazareth Academy graduate, welcomed these days as, “a way to celebrate our partnership, to raise awareness of our shared mission and to learn more about each other.”

Sisters and associates who participated, and the subjects they spoke about are: Pat Bergen (vocation), Celeste Cotter (CSJ spirituality), Marianne Race (restorative justice), Grace Sbrissa (Zentangles), Joellen Sbrissa (socially responsible investments), Frankie Dutil (Art), Rita Ann Teichman (human trafficking), Leyla Cerda (immigration), CSJ Candidate Cami Taylor (restorative justice) and Associate Anna Mayer (Taller de Jose, a sponsored ministry in Chicago).

Saint Joseph Academy, Cleveland

Sisters Madeline Lammermeier (left) and Joan Lang share the sign of peace during mass for St. Joseph Day at SJA.

Sisters in Cleveland celebrated St. Joseph Day with Saint Joseph Academy students, faculty and staff during a liturgy on Monday, March 20. Many sisters who served the Academy in different capacities over the years were present and were recognized during mass for their many years of service.

The celebration will continue on April 29, 2017, the date of the congregation’s Day of Service, for which sisters and students alike will volunteer at different charities and ministries around the city in service to the dear neighbor. To learn more about these opportunities, click here.