150 years in Boston

This year marks the 150th anniversary of presence and service of the Sisters of St. Joseph among the people of Boston. First, we want to say thank you to you for the many ways you have journeyed with us and continue to support us in our mission of unifying love.

From the day Sister Regis Casserly and her three companions traveled from New York and arrived in the Jamaica Plain section of Boston on October 2, 1873, through the many challenges and opportunities that brought us to where we are today, you have partnered with us.

We came in response to an invitation to educate a growing population of Catholic immigrants who were not welcome in the public schools at the time. During these 150 years, we have continued to respond to changing needs and changing times. In the process, we have educated thousands of people in more than 130 educational institutions, ministered in over 30 health care ministries, and participated in more than 85 service ministries within the Archdiocese of Boston. In turn, we have also learned from you and benefited by your presence in our lives. Clearly, we have touched one another’s lives in countless ways. Imagine the impact! Imagine our gratitude!

Our 150th logo is designed as a graphic representation of our unfolding which dates from our origins in 17th century France and actually deeper into history to the original impulse of God’s creation of the universe. And our tagline: Unifying Love Flares…! If you’re asking, what does this mean, we invite you to ask,

what does this mean for me and for others who partner with the Sisters of St. Joseph?

We are a community whose mission is to realize the prayer of Christ: that all may be one with God and with one another. Our growth is about responding with courage in impossible situations; embracing anything of which a woman is capable; witnessing in challenging times; standing with the marginalized in the struggle for justice; and doing all with a contemplative spirit.

Therefore, our 150 years in Boston is a celebration of and for all who have been a part of this journey. We celebrate founders whose original impulse of unifying love brings us to this day as well as sisters, associates, agrégées, and you, our partners in mission, who continue this impulse as it flares among and beyond us.