by Susan Francois, CSJP

In our Congregation archives, we have the final advice of Mother Evangelista (Honoria Gaffney) to the assembled community of sisters in Nottingham from her deathbed, as recorded by Sister Ignatius Killian.

These words ring true to her lived experience as a Sister of St. Joseph of Peace, from the beginning of her vocational call to her very last breath.

by Stephanie Peirolo, CSJP-A

I work as an executive coach and consultant for companies that are in the business of making money. I got into this work because I wanted to improve a system that I thought was broken. But recently I’ve come to believe that the system isn’t broken. It is working effectively as designed to make owners and shareholders richer at the cost of the people who actually do the work.

by Kelly Marsicano

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace 2022 Chapter Call states: “These new times demand a change of heart: to be, think and act differently.” It is a recognition that we find ourselves in a place we have never been.

With this change of era, we have a choice: to try to reclaim what was or to respond in new ways.

by Frank McCann, Congregation Peace through Justice Facilitator

Becoming a Congregation that lives Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’ involves more than just turning off lights or taking shorter showers to conserve water. We are committing to a new consciousness concerning our relationships with Earth, our neighbors and fellow creatures.

Pause features poems, reflections and short excerpts on the same subject by various writers. This issue's compositions are dedicated to the spiritual gifts endowed by our natural surroundings.

by Bryan Johns, CSJP-A

I had a dream the other evening. In my dream, you were only seen by someone if they loved you; if you loved someone, you could see them.

by Melody Maravillas, Congregation Chief Financial Officer

In 2017, Hidden Figures hit theatres nationwide. The film is based on the true story of three African-American women who were crucial to NASA’s efforts during the 1960s space race. Sixty years later, despite the great strides society has made, our progress still feels half-baked.

by JV Valladolid

Meet JV, 33 years-old, born and raised in Newark, they have been working for the Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) for close to 10 years, first as a volunteer in direct family services and for the last two years as a Frontline Communications Manager for environmental justice. JV shared with us what drew them to this work, why they are passionate about it, and how they keep that passion alive.

by Rachel Dawn Davis, Public Policy & Justice Organizer for Waterspirit

Waterspirit is a spiritual ecology nonprofit inspired by the beauty of the Jersey Shore. We envision a world where water, trees, and food are sufficient for everyone. It is our hope that shared activism can push such visions into reality.

by Andrea Nenzel, CSJP

Prayer is talking with God. Listening. Dancing for joy. Sharing presence with God. Screaming in anguish. Prayer happens in sacred spaces, at home, in nature, anywhere, anytime. Prayer can be shared with those of my faith, and prayer can be shared across denominational and faith lines because there is but one God and we are all sisters and brothers.

by Margaret Jane Kling, CSJP

We are excited to announce that Images of Refuge by Sister Margaret Jane Kling was published in March by Kenmare Press, the CSJP imprint. This collection of letters and other documents records the period that she served in El Salvador during the civil war, first with Sister Andrea Nenzel and then with Sister Eleanor Gilmore, as volunteers with the Jesuit Refugee Service.

By Frank McCann, Congregation Peace through Justice Facilitator

Through the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, Pope Francis is challenging the Church to come together to recognize the ecological crisis that we are in and to put creation in its integral place in our lives of faith.

By Melody Maravillas, Congregation Chief Financial Officer

My family always had opposing views about money. Working with the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace has allowed me to marry both philosophies. Budgeting and operating economically bring out my father’s values. Charitable giving and impact investments allow me to live out my mother’s. I have never felt such clarity and purpose in what I do.

Pause features poems, reflections and short excerpts on the same subject by various writers. This issue's compositions are dedicated to Earth.

By Kelly Marsicano, Communications Coordinator, Peace Ministries

Strengthening and sustaining the ministries of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace has been the mission of Peace Ministries, Inc. since its inception eight years ago. Now, the seeds that were planted have begun to blossom.

by Seema Kakar

I came to the United States of America from Afghanistan at the end of 2013. While I was getting my degree, my family received threats from the Taliban because I was living in the United States, and the Taliban could not accept me studying in the U.S.A. In August 2021, the Taliban took over Afghanistan, and my family there was in imminent danger.

by Stephanie Peirolo, CSJP-A

“Every human is creative. Creative courage allows us to push through self-doubt and creative fragility so we can design bravely against oppression.”

The Chapter Call is a distillation of the Congregation’s participation and response to the presentations, discussions, prayer, and sharing through the various Chapter processes in 2020-2022. Unanimously affirmed at Chapter, the Chapter Call provides a guiding principle for the many decisions that will challenge the Congregation in coming years.

by Angela McCarthy, CSJP

But Jesus did give us seven words: “Love one another as I love you.” And those seven words, I believe are what motivate the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace both in their ministry and prayer life. For, truthfully, ministry and prayer form one unit perceived from different angles.

For centuries women religious have quietly, even invisibly, been demonstrating, one heart at a time, what a revolution of the heart looks like. Now, with an aging population and smaller numbers, no longer able to be as personally active in their sponsored ministries, they have discovered other ways to make a difference, including collaboration with lay partners, impact investing and direct giving.