News

Stay Informed about SSJ Recent News Stories

SSJ Honored in International Education

March 14, 2023

Dr. Monica Weis, SSJ, is being recognized for her contributions to international education.

Community Memorial Service

February 15, 2023

More than 100 people who have died since 2020 without family or resources in Monroe County were celebrated during a Community Memorial Service on Sunday, February 19.

SSJ Leadership Program Continues to Grow at AQ

January 11, 2023

Nine juniors at The Aquinas Institute participated in a commitment ceremony for the SSJ Women’s Leadership Program on Thursday, December 8.

More than Mittens

January 11, 2023

An initiative to help keep those living on the streets of Rochester stay warm during the cold winter months is getting a boost from the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

SSJ Honored for Community Contribution

December 21, 2022

Sister Christine Wagner was honored with a 2022 New York State Senate Commendation Award.

Significance of Brazil’s Presidential Election

December 14, 2022

Sisters Jean Bellini and Joana Dalva Alves Mendes of the SSJ Brazil Mission reflect on the significance of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva beating out incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro.

Statement on Mass Shooting at Club Q

November 23, 2022

We stand with the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in decrying the homophobic and transphobic mass shooting at Club Q, an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs, on November 19.

SSJ Receives Catholic Education Award

November 14, 2022

Sister Carol Cimino was honored for her meaningful impact on Catholic Education.

SSJ Honored with NRVC Award

November 6, 2022

Sister Donna Del Santo was recently recognized by the National Religious Vocation Conference for her lifelong contributions to vocation ministry.

Celebrating Years of Service

November 1, 2022

A special celebration was held at the Motherhouse as the SSJ Justice & Care for Creation Committee said goodbye to two of its longtime members.

SSJ to Receive NRVC Award

October 28, 2022

Sister Donna Del Santo is among those who will be honored during the National Religious Vocation Conference's biennial convocation.

SSJs Inducted into Aquinas Hall of Fame

September 16, 2022

The Sisters of Saint Joseph were among those honored at The Aquinas Institute’s Annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner.

SSJ Ministry Foundation Expands Grants

August 16, 2022

The Sisters of Saint Joseph Ministry Foundation Board is expanding its grants application process.

Holy Moly Swim a Big Success

July 30, 2022

This summer’s Holy Moly Marathon Swim to raise funds for Brazil was a great success!

SSJ Retires from Lifespan

July 13, 2022

Sister Anne Guerin is retiring after 19 years of service with Lifespan of Greater Rochester.

SSJ Receives Special Proclamation

June 10, 2022

Sister Christine Wagner, former SJNC Executive Director, was presented with a proclamation from Monroe County designating June 1, 2022 as Sister Christine Wagner Day.

A Special Dedication

June 10, 2022

Sister Rosemary Mackie is once again receiving special recognition for her years of community work.

SSJs Join Call in Ending Gun Violence

June 10, 2022

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester stand firmly with the Leadership Council of Women Religious in calling for action on gun legislation.

SSJ Northside Helps Clean Streets

May 13, 2022

Volunteers and staff of St. Joseph’s Northside spent Earth Day helping keep the streets of Rochester clean and beautiful.

Support for Ukraine

April 11, 2022

The Sisters of Saint Joseph collected nearly $6,000 for Ukraine.

Brazil SSJ Associate Celebrate Commitment

March 20, 2022

After pausing for two years during the COVID pandemic, a group of Brazil SSJ Associates were finally able to gather to renew their commitment or make the commitment as Associates for the first time.

Sisters of Selma Available for Free Viewing Online

March 11, 2022

Sisters of Selma: Bearing Witness for Change, the powerful 2007 documentary featuring Rochester SSJs, can now be viewed free of charge on the website of Avila University.

New SSJ Associates

November 5, 2021

The Sisters of Saint Joseph officially welcomed five new Associates during a private Commitment Ceremony.

Preserving Planet Earth

October 26, 2021

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester are pleased to share a Public Commitment Statement to the Laudato Si' Action Platform.

Local Street to Honor SSJ

May 5, 2021

A soon to be street in North Chili will honor Sister Rosemary Mackie and her community work with Bishop Sheen Ecumenical Housing Foundation.

SSJs Support Mental Health Reform

April 13, 2021

The SSJ Justice and Peace Office is advocating for a proposed state law aimed at addressing the mental health crisis.

Calling on Congress

January 19, 2021

The SSJs of Rochester join women religious congregations, across the country, in calling on congress to renew their commitment to the common good and use their energy to repair our democracy following the violence at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.

Statement on Violence at Capitol

January 7, 2021

As members of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR), we stand with the other more than 1300 leaders of Catholic sisters nationwide and join the world in praying for peace after witnessing the violence and lawlessness in our nation’s capital on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.

Burial Program Restarts After COVID Pause

December 15, 2020

GRCC’s Burial Initiative Programhas restarted after taking a break in March due to COVID-19 restrictions.

SSJ Receives Special Honor

December 7, 2020

Congratulations to Sister Susan Nowak on being named Nazareth College’s “Distinguished Colleague” for 2021!

A New Year -- A New Look!

October 13, 2020

Here is a look at the great work being done at the schools where our Sisters minister to ensure the safety of staff and students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Celebrating Selma: 80th Anniversary of the SSJ Mission

September 15, 2020

Eighty years ago, on September 15, 1940, five Sisters received mission crosses in a Departure Ceremony at our East Avenue Motherhouse.

SSJs Join Call for End to Racism and Violence

May 31, 2020

The violence which erupted in Rochester and across the nation is heartbreaking, hurtful and disquieting. These events sparked by the tragic death of George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer should fill us with grief and shame. We stand with others to unite and dismantle the injustices and promise our prayerful support. For full statement CLICK HERE

SSJs Celebrate Neighbor With Pomp and Surprises

May 8, 2020

The Sisters of Saint Joseph on Mulberry Street in Rochester helped make a parade celebration for a recent graduate a bit more special!

Catholic Sisters Week

March 8, 2020

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester are proud to join thousands of others in celebrating Catholic Sisters in America, March 8-14 as part of Women's History Month!

Reflections on Habits and Visibility

November 11, 2019

Sister Donna Del Santo outlines the history of the habit for the SSJs and shares her reflections on religious garb and visibility in the winter issue of NRVC's Horizon magazine.

Statement on Child Victims Act

August 14, 2019

As a community of women religious, we strongly believe that sexual abuse is irreconcilable with the values set forth in the Gospel, the nature of religious life and ministry and with the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Statement on Families Held at U.S. Southern Border

July 18, 2019

We, the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester, NY, join with all those who stand for justice to call upon President Trump and Members of the U.S. Congress to take action to end the suffering of refugees at the U.S. southern border.

SSJ Presents at Thomas Merton Conference

July 1, 2019

Dr. Monica Weis, SSJ, Professor Emerita at Nazareth College, was among participants of the International Thomas Merton Society meeting at Santa Clara University June 27-30, 2019.

SSJs Inducted into National Hall of Fame

May 1, 2019

The Sisters of Saint Joseph were among a group of civil rights icons honored during a special ceremony at The National Voting Rights Museum & Institute in Selma, Alabama on March 1.

2019 Artist's Soul Art Show

April 26-May 5, 2019

The Annual Art show showcases the talents of more than 20 area artists, including the work of several Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Addressing Racism in Our Community

March 12, 2019

The Sisters of Saint Joseph are co-sponsoring a two-day workshop that explores the historical, foundational and practical aspects of addressing racism.

Transition at St. Joseph's Northside

September 11, 2018

With grateful hearts for her many years of leadership and care, we share with you the news of Sister Peg Brennan’s retirement as Director of St. Joseph’s Northside.

SSJs Receive Big Honors

June 11, 2018

From healthcare, to education, to social justice – the Sisters of Saint Joseph are being recognized for their good work in the local community and beyond.

2018 Artist's Soul Art Show

April 27-May 6, 2018

The Annual Art show showcases the talents of more than 20 area artists, including the work of six Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Standing in Solidarity

April 1, 2018

The Sisters of Saint Joseph were among thousands to take part in the March for Our Lives rally in downtown Rochester on Saturday, March 24.

New Chapter for Sheila Walsh Realty Inc.

March 9, 2018

Sheila Walsh Realty Inc., established by Sisters Sheila Walsh and Shirley Pilot in 1988, is now Highland Realty Group Inc.

National Catholic Sisters Week

February 13, 2018

The Sisters of Saint Joseph are proud to celebrate National Catholic Sisters Week as part of Women's History Month. Join us in this celebration from March 8-14.

SSJ Featured in NRVC's Horizon Magazine

January 29, 2018

Sister Donna Del Santo shares her experience in working with young adult volunteers and helping them on their spiritual journey

Pope Francis Declares World Day of the Poor

November 19, 2017

Pope Francis has declared Sunday November 19, 2017 to be the first World Day of the Poor.

SSJ Receives New Appointment at Nazareth College

November 6, 2017

Congratulations to Sister Susan E. Nowak on her appointment to the endowed William H. Shannon Chair in Catholic Studies at Nazareth College.

Statement on US and Global Turmoil

August 15, 2017

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester express sadness and deep concern over the recent turmoil among fellow Americans as well as between the governments of the United States and North Korea.

SSJ President Awarded Nursing School Alumna of the Year

May 9, 2017

Congratulations to Sister Sharon Bailey who received the St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing Alumna of the Year!

Buffalo-area College Scholarship Honors SSJ

May 9, 2017

A contribution to D’Youville College in Buffalo has been named in honor of Sister Donna Del Santo and her late sister, Diane.

SJNC Working to Combat Racism

May 9, 2017

The St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center is spearheading a one-of-its-kind program to help combat racism in Rochester.

2017 Artist's Soul Art Show

April 21-30, 2017

Annual Art show showcases the talents of more than 20 area artists, including the work of five Sisters of Saint Joseph.

New Chapter for Nazareth Elementary

April 11, 2017

Beginning fall 2017, Nazareth Elementary School will continue its educational program just a few blocks down the street at the former Sacred Heart School.

SSJ Statement of Support for Jewish Community

March 7, 2017

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester express care, concern and support for all in the Jewish community, indeed for the entire Rochester community in the wake of recent acts of hatred.

National Catholic Sisters Week

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

The Sisters of Saint Joseph are proud to celebrate National Catholic Sisters Week as part of Women's History Month. Join us in this celebration from March 8-14.

SSJ Statement of Concern Over Immigration Ban

February 2, 2017

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester joins in solidarity with others in the faith community concerned by the recent Executive Order to temporarily ban immigrants and refugees from traveling to the United States.

SSJs Continue Push for Social Justice in 2017

January 9, 2017

The Sisters of Saint Joseph are kicking off the new year with a continued push in raising awareness of injustices in our community and throughout the world.

A Blessed Visit by Representative John Lewis

October 26, 2016

Tears, laughter and memories were shared during Representative John Lewis’ first visit to the Motherhouse on October 26.

SSJ Northside Receives Grant

October 11, 2016

St. Joseph’s Northside is among 32 organizations who received grants in 2016 from the Rochester Press-Radio Club Charity Fund.

Hope Hall Receives $2.7M Gift

September 12, 2016

A historical gift for Hope Hall! The school has received $2.7 million from the Gleason Family Foundation, the largest single gift in the school’s 22-year history.

SSJs Celebrating 162 Years with "Public Proclamation"

Friday, June 24, 2016

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester are proud to celebrate 162 years of service to our communities – the City of Rochester, Monroe County, the Diocese of Rochester and beyond.

Artists Soul Art Show

April 22-May 1, 2016

Annual Art show showcases the talents of more than 20 area artists, including the work of five Sisters of Saint Joseph.

Tree Blessing Honors those Who Shared Life with SSJs

Friday, April 8, 2016

A wonderful turnout for the blessing of our two Sweet Gum trees! More than 100 people attended a special dedication at the Motherhouse on Tuesday, April 5.

National Catholic Sisters Week

Monday, March 7, 2016

The Sisters of Saint Joseph are proud to celebrate National Catholic Sisters Week as part of Women's History Month. Join us in this celebration.

SSJ Founded Program Receives National Recognition

Monday, February 8, 2016

A Nazareth College program founded by Sister Kathleen Weider is receiving national recognition.

Shutting Down Oppression

Monday, February 8, 2016

Sister Susan E. Nowak’s students at Nazareth College are shining a light on the atrocities of the Holocaust, Genocide, and mass violence, with the hope of preventing future violence and the trauma it leaves in its wake.

New Leadership Team

Saturday, August 29, 2015

In the spirit of joy and thanksgiving, the SSJs announce the installation of a new Leadership Team.

Artists Soul Art Show

April 24-May 3, 2015

Annual Art show showcases the talents of more than 20 area artists, including the work of six Sisters of Saint Joseph.

GEVA Production to Benefit SSJ Community Outreach!

Friday, March 6, 7:30p & Saturday, March 7, 7:00p

The Second Time Around Players will present the original musical, A New Day Starts Tonight, at the Fielding NEXTSTAGE at Geva in March. Performance proceeds to benefit Geva's educational outreach and SSJ community outreach programs.

Sister Chris Wagner is awarded the 2014 Farash Prize!

November 5, 2014

Congratulations to Sister Chris Wagner who was awarded the Farash Prize and $100,000 for the St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center!

Final Profession of Vows of Sister Anita Kurowski, SSJ

August 30, 2014

The Sisters of Saint Joseph are proud to announce the Final Profession of Vows of Sister Anita Kurowski!

Sister Mary Ida Lynch's 100th Birthday Celebration

August 24, 2014

Sunday, August 24th, Sisters and friends celebrate Sister Mary Ida Lynch's 100th Birthday!

A Well Deserved Honor

April 14, 2014

The Sisters of Saint Joseph congratulate Sister Monica Weis on her retirement from Nazareth College

National Catholic Sisters Week

March 8-14, 2014

The Sisters of Saint Joseph are proud to celebrate the first National Catholic Sisters Week as part of Women's History Month. Join us in this celebration.

Mission Haiti Collection

March 5-April 19, 2014

During Lent, the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester invite you to join us in a Lenten journey with our dear neighbors in Haiti.

Celebrating National Catholic Schools Week

Published Mon, 27 Jan 2014

The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester celebrate National Catholic Schools Week, January 26-February 1, 2014. The SSJs have served as educators in the Rochester area for over 160 years. This week we highlight the SSJ commitment to education which remains strong and steadfast today.

The Beginning

Nazareth Elementary School

St. Kateri

Nativity Preparatory Academy

SSJs Welcome New Bishop

Published Thu, 14 Nov 2013

It is with great joy that the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester welcome The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano among us in this role of loving service to the people of God in the Diocese of Rochester....

SSJ Justice & Peace Efforts Recognized
Published Thu, 09 May 2013

Guests at the 22nd annual Faith in Action dinner on June 11 will be celebrating the community efforts...
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