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Becoming a Sister of St. Joseph

Preliminary Stage
A program of pre-entrance begins when a woman is ready to state a definite goal to enter the Sisters of St. Joseph within a year. During this time, the woman joins a sponsoring community of sisters who introduce her to congregational events.

Initial Membership
For a period of one to three years, a sister lives in community and continues her work.

Novitiate
For two years the novice deepens her relationship with God and the congregation while carefully considering her vocation and continuing to develop her spirituality.

Temporary Profession
For a period of three to six years a sister lives in community with temporary vows of poverty, celibate chastity and obedience and shares in full time ministry.

Perpetual Vows
Through a lifelong commitment to live the vows a sister dedicates herself to God, to unifying love in community and to serve a world in need.

For further information contact:

Sister Bernadette Dean, CSJ
(269) 967-1195
bdean@csjoseph.org
or
vocations@csjoseph.org

www.csjoseph.org

As an Associate...

St. Joseph Christian Communities
We are communities of women and men, married and single, vowed and non-vowed, associated with the Sisters of St. Joseph. Through the particular charism we share, we are rooted in the mission of Jesus "that all may be one." Thus, we seek to be a healing and reconciling presence of God among ourselves and in the church and world.

We live in different parts of Michigan and other states, come from various ethnic and educational backgrounds and have a variety of interests and jobs. While keeping our particular lifestyle and remaining financially independent of the congregation, we participate in various spiritual, social and ministerial experiences and congregational events.

As members of the St. Joseph Christian Communities, we participate in a local faith sharing community. Each community meets regularly according to the schedule of the members. The meetings are designed to promote sharing in the Mission of Unity and the Ministry of Love by:
  • supportive dialogue
  • prayer
  • service

For more information on becoming a St. Joseph Christian Communities member: contact: Sister Mary Rita Sayers, Anne Carey, Leah Hinman or Mary Ann Ryan

Sister Mary Rita Sayers, CSJ
MSayers@csjoseph.org
975 E. Gardenia
Madison Heights, MI 49071-3431
(248) 582-9163
or
 (269) 381-6290, ext. 240


Companions in Mission
Companions in Mission is a program for women, ages 18-50, who desire an experience of ministry and community.

You will work in a variety of social ministries in Kalamazoo where Sisters of St. Joseph are located, such as:

  • Neighborhood Soup Kitchen
  • Meals on Wheels
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Youth and Elderly Programs

You will live with other volunteers and the Sisters of St. Joseph and share experiences of prayer and community life with them. There will also be opportunity for social experiences.

Dates for the 2008 program are July 6-12.

Read highlights of a previous experience.

If this program interests you, please contact:

Sister Bernadette Dean, CSJ
(269) 967-1195
bdean@csjoseph.org

Other Congregations...

The Sisters of St. Joseph are part of the Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in the United States. The Federation has more than 7000 members in 23 congregations in the United States.

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Sisters of St. Joseph
3427 Gull Road, Nazareth, Michigan 49074
Phone: 269-381-6290
www.ssjnazareth.org
Revised: February 27, 2008