Aotearoa New Zealand 1880
The story of the Josephites in Aotearoa New Zealand began in the late 19th century as two threads, which developed separately for a considerable period of time, then began to intertwine in varying degrees, until finally emerging as one in 2013. In 1880, from the Diocesan foundation at Perthville, New South Wales, four Sisters of […]
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Josephite Justice Network
Josephite Justice is committed to reverence the human dignity of each person, to respond to the cry of Earth and the cry of children, to live in consciousness of our place in the evolving universe. This calls us to serve the mission of God in the spirit of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods, especially […]
Groups/Connections
Caught by the Josephite Spirit in Diverse Ways Both our history and our Constitutions urge us to share the gift of the charism with those who walk with us. This gift embraces the many individuals and communities who live the charism in new ways and with intrepid spirit today. We are reminded over and over, […]
Josephite Companions
As Josephite Companions we respond to the call to live the charism of Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods in our daily lives in our own unique way. We support one another by friendship, prayer and service to make a difference in our local area and so further the reign of God.Companions’ Mission Statement Josephite […]
Membership
A Journey of Immersion and Discernment of the Call to Josephite Life: Membership A woman considering membership in the Congregation as a Sister of Saint Joseph, after due consultation may begin a ‘journey’ which provides her with opportunities for personal discernment and immersion in Josephite spirituality, community and ministry. Discernment Guide: She is accompanied on […]
Educating and Caring
From earliest times education has been at the heart of Josephite ministry. Sisters have been involved in primary, secondary and tertiary education, as well as, faith education in parishes and the wider community. Through their involvement with the Association of Josephite Affiliated Schools (AJASS), Joseph, Julian and Mary MacKillop (JJAMM) an association for the student […]
Ministries
Currently, we have over 600 sisters ministering throughout Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Peru, Timor-Leste and Brazil in a variety of works: Being and Presence Suffering and Healing Educating and Caring From our foundation in 1866, Sisters have ministered in rural, outback and city places in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Peru, […]
Making a Difference
As Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart, our Affiliates, Companions and Incorporated Works, we strive to make a difference Let St Joseph’s true children remember their mission and seek first the poorest, most neglected parts of God’s vineyard. Mary MacKillop – 6 March 1900 Let us do all we can to serve God. […]
Our Founders
Saint Mary MacKillop Mary Helen MacKillop (1842-1909), was born on 15 January 1842 in Fitzroy, Melbourne, the eldest of eight children of Alexander MacKillop and his wife Flora, née McDonald. At the age of 24 she dedicated her life to God as a religious sister and took on the name “Mary of the Cross.” She […]
Laudato Si’ Webinar: Part Five
In May 2015 Pope Francis launched his encyclical with the subtitle “On Care for our Common Home” and the title “Laudato Si’” which are the opening words for a hymn composed by St Francis of Assisi in the 1200s. For our time, this document is both relevant and important, since it highlights the priority that […]
So Small a Beginning: Part 5
Sr Marie Foale speaks about the beginnings of the Institute of St Joseph for the Catholic education of poor children. She believes that as a young Josephite growing up, she had a sense that one day Mary MacKillop and Julian Tenison Woods had made a spontaneous decision to found an order.