World Day of Migrants and Refugees
Goodness in Dark Places. Today (27 September) is the 106th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Because of what I have seen and lived, I know that the journey of refuge or migration is a dark, difficult place. Yet there is always goodness to be seen. Let me take you there. A refugee camp on […]
Take Fresh Courage
Share the Hope. In 1902, at the age of 60, Mary MacKillop suffered a stroke. Her mind was unaffected and her speech intelligible, but, with her right side paralysed, she had to make major adaptations to her life. She now walked with a stick and, towards the end of her life, was eventually confined to […]
Celebrating Mary’s Canonisation
To mark the 10th anniversary of the canonisation of Mary MacKillop, Australia’s first Saint, the Sisters of Saint Joseph invited all to celebrate the wonderful life and inspirational legacy of Saint Mary of the Cross. The theme for the celebration was “Take Fresh Courage” a quote written by Mary MacKillop on 21 May 1877. Sr Mary […]
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 […]
Eco-Spirituality
The Eco-Spirituality Team is passionate about Planet Earth. As a team we engage in action that arises from a compassionate heart in solidarity with Earth. We plan and participate in awareness-raising activities that encourage and nurture contemplative living, such as ecological retreats, workshops, rituals, and reflective online materials. (COVID-restrained at the moment!) We encourage personal […]
Being and Presence
The Sisters and Affiliates whose ministry can be described as involving Being and Presence are involved in parishes, rural outreach, visitation of the elderly in their homes or in residential aged care. Some are spiritual directors or guides. They are Chaplains to prisoners, seafarers or in hospitals. Some sisters work in school communities supporting children […]
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, […]
Mission
The Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart continue God’s mission by immersing themselves in the midst of life to empower others and bring hope. The Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart shares in the one mission of Jesus, sent by the Father to proclaim the Kingdom. Our response […]
Working With Us
Working with the Sisters of Saint Joseph A career with the Sisters of Saint Joseph provides an opportunity to support the sisters in their mission to empower others and bring hope. Our staff and volunteers work closely with the sisters in a range of roles in Australia and New Zealand. Our culture is guided by […]
Josephite Charism
The Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart continue God’s mission by immersing themselves in the midst of life to empower others and bring hope. Please note permission is required for use of ALL images and text in the Sisters of Saint Joseph website.
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 […]