We will be attending part of the Sister Assembly in May. We have prepared a letter and a video to introduce ourselves to the sisters, we thought we’d share those here as well.

Friends of St. Joseph Introductory Cover Letter

LAPartners Orientation, 3/5

The Legislative Advocacy Partners (LAP) is offering an opportunity for those wishing to become LAPartners to an orientation.

Thursday, March 5th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm

At Carondelet Center, G-1
Please RSVP to 651.690.7043 by March 2.

Sarah’s Needs

Sarah’s… an Oasis for Women has a need for cooking pots and vacuum cleaners
for women who are moving on from Sarah’s. If you have new or gently used items that you would like to donate, please contact Martha at 651-696-8672 or email: communityrelations@sarahsoasis.org

11th Day Prayer for Peace, 3/11

Wednesday, March 11, 2015 6:30 p.m.

Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1890 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul
International Women’s Day 2015
Empowering Women – Empowering Humanity: Picture It!

Two Free CSJ Events, 3/21

Choose morning, afternoon, or both

Morning: The CSJ Way: Community, Spirituality, & Justice

Spend a Saturday morning with the Sisters of St Joseph and Consociates learning about the ways to become involved with this Community of spirituality and justice as program participants, volunteers, Friends, Consociates, Sisters and/or other ways of associating.

The morning includes an exploration of the following:
*Embracing a spirituality of daily life from the prospective of a Sister, a Consociate, and a Partner in Mission
*The Relationship between women religious and the Vatican from the book Power of Sisterhood
People from all spiritual traditions are welcome.
Includes a light lunch for those who wish to stay for the afternoon.

Saturday March 21st, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm

Carondelet Center, 1890 Randolph Ave., St. Paul
Register with Jill Underdahl-651-696-2873 (junderdahl@csjstpaul.org) by Tuesday March 17

Afternoon: Open House & Tour

This year in honor of consecrated life, Pope Francis calls us to remember the past in gratitude while living the present with passion and embracing the future with hope. Open House and tour will highlight the past, present, and future of the Sisters of St Joseph and Consociates.

Saturday March 21st, 1:30 to 3:30 pm

Meet at Carondelet Center, 1890 Randolph Ave., St. Paul. Preregistration is not required for the afternoon event. Bring your interested friends and neighbors.

Stuffing and Stamping Invitations 3/10

Volunteer opportunity! Get together with your friends and help a great cause! We need your help stuffing and stamping invitations for the 2015 Carondelet Gala for St. Mary’s Health Clinics on Tues., March 10, 9 AM – 1 PM at Carondelet Village Auditorium. Contact Mimi at 651-690-7058 or mpizzi@csjministriesfoundation.org. Treats and door prizes for your help!

Prayers for our two sisters

Prayers for our two sisters in hospice and in the dying process in the next 24-48 hours. Sister Maggie Kvasnicka and Sister Kathleen Foley. Both were in leadership and very active until just recently in the church and CSJ Community .

Breaking the Impasse VI: “A Call for Immigration Reform”

Featuring Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director, NETWORK A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby and Dr. Bruce Corrie, PhD, Assoc. V.P. for University Relations and International Programs at Concordia University!

Tuesday, February 17, 2015: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Rauenhorst Ballroom, Coeur de Catherine University
2004 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul, MN

Free and open to the public with parking at O’Shaughnessy Lot, GATE 4 (on Fairview South of Randolph).

Supply Drive for Area Homeless People

The Gospel of Life Task Group of the Province Justice Commission encourages your help with this year’s HealthEast’s supply drive for area homeless people. Shopping lists will be available at the drop-off sites. Monetary donations are welcome. Checks can be made out to HealthEast Foundation Homeless Project, 1690 University Ave. W., St. Paul, MN 55104. Contact Sister Ann William Leach, 651-695-5423, for additional information.

Sunday, February 1 through Sunday, February 22
Campus Drop-Off Sites: CSJ Ad Center, Carondelet Center, Carondelet Village and at St Kate’s Chapel before and after Sunday Liturgy

11th Day Prayer for Peace, Chanting for Peace

11 February at 6:30 p.m. Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1890 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul. Prepared by the Minneapolis Chapter of SGI-USA, Soka Gakkai International USA and Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates. For more information: 651.690.7080.

The CSJ Way: Community, Spirituality, and Justice

A Morning Retreat & Afternoon Tour!

Please come and bring your friends. Come to the morning or afternoon or all day!

Spend a Saturday morning with the Sisters of St. Joseph and Consociates learning about the many ways to become involved with this community of spirituality and justice.
Joan Mitchell, Jean Wincek, Susan Hames and Bree Loyd will be presenting in the morning.
The afternoon includes the story of the use of our Randolph properties through the years.

This year in honor of consecrated life, Pope Francis calls us to remember the past in gratitude while living the present with passion and embracing the future with hope. The CSJ Way will include an exploration of how:

• Gospel and Vatican II’s -“Universal Call to Holiness” informs the CSJ Community and Ministries
• Women Religious tell the story of the Apostolic Visitation from the book, Power of Sisterhood
• People can engage in the CSJ Community as program participants, volunteers, friends, Consociates, Sisters and/or other ways of associating.

Saturday March 21, 9:00 am to 12:30 pm – a Retreat-like Experience of Content Described Above
1:30 to 3:30 pm – Open House and Tour
Carondelet Center, 1890 Randolph Ave. St. Paul, MN

Contact Joan Pauly Schneider at 651-690-7063,jpaulyscheider@csjstpaul.org or Jill Underdahl, CSJ, at 651-696-2873junderdahl@csjstpaul.org

January Friends of St. Joseph Meeting

Our theme is Generous promises for 2015. You may want to bring your Chapter booklets if you can locate them. This is our time to Stir the Fire. Your welcome to bring a treat if you like. We will gather at Peggy and Ed’s at 4:30pm on Monday, January 5.

11th Day Prayer for Peace

January 11, 2015, 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel
1890 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul

Spiritual Practices in the New Year Through Wisdom Ways at Carondelet Center

Meditation
Tuesdays, January 6 – June 9
7:00 – 7:40 p.m.

Walking in Harmony
Fridays, January 9, February 13, March 13, April 10, May 8, June 12
9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Breathing: Listening and Discovery
Fridays, January 16, February 20, March 20, April 17, May 15, June 19
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.

Men’s Centering Prayer
Wednesdays, January 14, February 11, March 11, April 8, May 13, June 10
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Sacred Chant Choir
Wednesdays, January 14 & 28, February 11 (4 – 5:15 p.m.) & 25, March 4 & 25
5:30 – 6:45 p.m.

SPIN Midday Interfaith Dialogue

Announcing a special session on: “Black Lives Matter—the Role of Religious Leaders and Communities.” On Thursday, January 8, 2015, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. the Rev. Charles Gill, Pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church/St. Paul and President of the St. Paul Interdenominational Black Ministerial Alliance, Mr. Damon Drake, local community activist and Muslim member, and the Rev. Rob Eller-Isaacs, Co-Minister at Unity Church-Unitarian (who participated in the Mall of American protest), are invited to share comments and reflections on the role of religious leaders and communities in responding to recent events and the systems and injustices that have stimulated them. Also, through a short video Rev. Osagyefo Uhuru Sekou, Associate Pastor of Formation and Justice at the First Baptist Church of Jamaica Plains in Boston, and representative of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, who has done training in non-violence in Ferguson, MO, will comment on the role of clergy. Panelists will respond to questions in large group dialogue, followed by small group dialogue among all present. Questions such as “What would “deep solidarity” look like? What is the effect of protests and why participate or not? What is at the heart of the matter for each of us? We especially invite clergy/religious leaders as well as any others to join us for this session. Sessions are free, open to all and will be held at the Saint Paul Area Council of Churches, 1671 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105. Doors open at 11:30 a.m., light refreshments/beverages provided; bag lunches welcome.

Coming in February

Community Garden

In the 2014 season, Celeste’s Dream Community Garden grew 250 pounds of sustainably-raised produce and donated 200 pounds of that total. Join us in 2015 for fun, fellowship, and vegetables!

Tuesday, February 10
Garden planning with soup and bread
6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Although the Community Garden is sponsored by Celeste’s Dream, you are welcome. They like it being inter-generational.

Breaking the Impasse VI: A Call for Immigration Reform

Featuring Sister Simone Campbell, Executive Director, NETWORK A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby and Dr. Bruce Corrie, PhD, Associate Vice President for University Relations and International Programs, Concordia University.

February 17, 2015, 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Rauenhorst Ballroom, St. Catherine University,
2004 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul

Presented by the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates, Myser Initiative on Catholic Identity at St. Catherine University and NETWORK A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby.

December Friends of St. Joseph Meeting

We are gathering Monday, December 8th for a potluck supper at the Fisher’s. Bring something to share. Kathy will bring something hot to put in a bowl probably chili or soup. Come anytime between 4- 4:30 so we can be ready to start eating as close to 4:30 as possible.

Following supper we will:

• Pray together.
• Hear about “Call to Action” from Carolyn Puccio.
• Plan our calendar for the year. (Bring your calendar.)

Think if there is a topic you might want to present or lead us in discussion on.

Advent Evening Prayer

Join us for prayer, reflection and music on the Sundays of Advent.

Sunday, November 30
Sunday, December 7
Sunday, December 14
Sunday, December 21

4:30 p.m.
Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1880 Randolph Ave, St. Paul
For more information, call 651-696-2805
Daily Advent reflections and images at csjprayer.net.

Note: Advent Evening Prayer takes the place of 11th Day Prayer for Peace

Handcrafted Holidays

Thursday, December 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Coeur de Catherine, second floor atrium

Do your holiday shopping at this annual arts and craft show, featuring items handcrafted by faculty, staff and students. Lupori ornaments and other alumnae products will be available for purchase. Cookies and hot cocoa provided by the St. Kate’s Activities Team and Alumnae Relations. Admission is free.

Singing Meditation During Advent

Friday, December 5th, 5:15 – 6:15 p.m.
Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel atrium, 1890 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul

Gather to deepen your Advent journey with sacred chant and silent prayer/meditation. Learn and sing music from Hildegard of Bingen and from the Gaelic tradition. Facilitated by local singer/musician Katy Taylor. Hosted by the CSJ Membership and Association Offices (Celeste’s Dream, Consociate Services and Sister Membership). Suggested donation $5-$10.

The Candlelight Christmas Concert

Our Lady of Victory Chapel at 8 p.m on Saturday, December 6

The St. Catherine University Women’s Choir, along with the String Chamber Orchestra, will present “Come, Let Us Adore!” The concert features music for the Advent and Christmas seasons, interspersed with readings of scripture passages and poetry. Audiences of all ages are invited to enjoy this annual gift of music. “Art music,” familiar carols, and an audience sing-a-long will be part of the fare in the hour-long concert.

Silent Meditation

Join us on Tuesday evenings for times of meditation. These 40-minute meditation sessions include a short reading followed by one 25-minute meditation.

During these times of prayer, we will sit in silent meditation with one another. Meditating together supports our personal practice. Come as often as you are able.

Tuesdays, December 2 to 23, 2014, 7:00 to 7:40 pm
COST: Free. Registration not required.

Praying with Our Lady of Guadalupe for Children
and Families on Our Southern Border

Wednesday, December 10, 6:30 p.m.
Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel Atrium
1890 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul

Collecting donations of winter clothing (new or good condition), child (3-4 yr. old) and adult (small/med) and travel size blankets for the Immigrant Assistance Ministry at Sacred Heart Parish, McAllen, TX.

Presented by: Celeste’s Dream and the Immigration Task Group of the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates and St. Catherine University Campus Ministry.

Welcome to our second year of sharing opportunities within the CSJ Community that fit with our charism of Love of God and Neighbor without Distinction.

2014 Friends Retreat

This September 19-21 the Friends of St Joseph are having a retreat at Timberlee (the Sisters’ lake place which is a short distance beyond St Cloud). You are welcome to join us for all three days or come up for Saturday which is the main day of our retreat.

In a community setting we will pray, listen and share wisdom, eat and play together. We will get to know each other as we consider how we live our charism and what we are called to by learning about our 2013 Chapter. A Chapter is the goal setting body of the CSJ Community held every six years.

Please consider joining us. Please take a look at our detailed planning page and fill out our registration form if you plan to come. Check out the pictures of our retreat at Timberlee 2013 and enjoy.

Eleventh Day Prayer for Peace

Eleventh Day Peace Prayer is on September 11th at 6:30 in Our Lady of Presentation Chapel (1890 Randolph Avenue). The peace prayer is on the 11th of every month. It is put on by the Justice Commission.

Power of One Person

Ade Bethune Lecture Series, the Power of One Person: In celebration of 100th anniversary of Ade Bethune, the collection of her work is on display in the Catherine G. Murphy Gallery at St Catherine’s University. Lectures on September 18, October 9, November 18, 6:30. Free. To register Contact Ruth Brombach at 651-690-8665.

If you want to be taken off this email list or if you know someone interested in the Friends of St. Joseph, reply to this email and let me know.

Sunday by Sunday on Wednesdays

Do you want to make your Sunday Liturgy mean more to you and to “feed your life”? Join us in “come as you are” gatherings on Wednesday evenings in July, 7-8pm at Peggy and Ed Fishers (677 Wilder). We will use “Sunday by Sunday” (free copies are available).

Join us any or all of the these Wednesdays: July 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30. You are welcome to bring a friend. These will be informal, come-as-you-are gatherings, even if you’ve just finished mowing!

11th Day Prayer for Peace

Friday, July 11, 2014, 6:30 p.m.
Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1890 Randolph Avenue, Saint Paul
For more information: jtromiczak-neid@csjstpaul.org
Prepared by: Gospel of Life Task Group of the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates

Summer Solsitice and Lammas

June 18 – Summer Solstice: The Light, the Joy, the Grace of Your Journey
July 30 – Lammas: Gathering the First Fruits of Your Journey
Gather at 5:30 pm; Ritual from 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Carondelet Center
1890 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul

Contact: Mary Lou Flandrick at 612-724-6008
Cost: Free, no registration required

These seasonal gatherings were started by Roseann Giguere, CSJ, who passed away on June 9, 2013.

Joy of the Gospel Book Study

A book study of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation “Joy of the Gospel” will be held on Wednesday June 4,11,18, and 25 from 4:15 to 6pm in Carondelet Center Room G1. Joan Mitchell will facilitate the evenings. Cost: $5 per session. Books of the text of the document are available at St Patrick’s Guild. These evenings are open to any who wish to attend. Please RSVP to Linda Crosby at 651-690-2005 to allow adequate preparation of materials and the space.

Sponsored by the Consociate Education and Pastoral Care Circles

Support immigrants

Support immigrants who are being held at the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center. Join the St. Stan’s social justice group there on Sunday, June 1, at 2:30-3:00 pm. The address is 425 Grove Street. Exit 94 East at 7th Street and turn left at the top of the exit. Just over the bridge, take a left at the Savoy. Grove Street is on your left.

The CSJ Immigration Working Group is a co-sponsor

Health Care Access in Minnesota

The Health Care For All Task Group of the Justice Commission invites all interested persons to come hear Lucinda Jesson, MN Commissioner of Human Services. Her topic is “Health Care Access in Minnesota: Framework for the Future.” She will speak at 10:30 on Tuesday, June 3rd in G-1 of Carondelet Center. All are welcome!

Friends’ Gathering

Monday, May 19th at Ed and Peggy Fisher’s, 766 Wilder, St Paul.

• 5:00 – 6:15 Planning Meeting for the Timberlee Retreat Weekend which is Sept. 19-22
• 6:15 Prayer
• 6:30 Potluck supper

You’re welcome to any part of this gathering. Please respond RSVP to kryancsj@yahoo.com

Ritual of Consociate Commitment and Candidate Welcome

Come and be inspired!

The Ritual of Consociate Commitment and Candidate Welcome will be held on Thursday, May 1st at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Our Lady of the Presentation with reception to follow in the dining room. All are welcome.

A warm congratulations to our new Consociates making commitment:

• Dannielle Bunting
• Anita Duckor
• Betty Schindler
• Ann Shields
• Mary Kay Tuohy (will be making her commitment at a later date)

And a warm congratulations to our new Candidates being welcomed:

• Christopher (Kit) Breshears Connie Falvey
• Herb Frey
• Carol Geisler
• Catherine Kobberman
• Andrea Pearson Tande

The Impact of Pornography on Children, Youth, and Culture

Wednesday, May 7, 7:00 p.m. at Lumen Christi Catholic Community featuring Cordelia Anderson, national speaker and educator on sexual violence prevention, with over 35 years of experience.

Free and open to the public.

Sponsored by the Anti Human Trafficking Working Group of the Justice Commission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates, and funded by the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters.

For more information: Ann Redmond, CSJ at 952.836.9974

Eleventh Day Prayer for Peace

Celebrating Mothers, May 11th, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Presentation Chapel at 1890 Randolph attached to Carondelet Center. Planned by the CSJ Student Alliance from St Catherine University.

April 11th is Eleventh Day Peace Prayer 6:30-7:15 at Our Lady of Presentation Chapel, 1880 Randolph.

April 14th is our Second Monday Friends Gathering, 4:00-5:30pm at Peggy and Ed Fisher’s house 677 Wilder. Ed and Kathy will lead us with the theme of “Holy Communion” and the Eucharist. We will experience Communion through a brief meditation, a Scripture reading, a quotation from the 2013 CSJ Acts of Chapter booklet and discussion. All are welcome.

Everyone is welcome to come to the Consociate Engagement Circle’s Happy Hour on Tuesday, April 15th from 5:00-6:30pm at the Carondelet Center for an evening of community, creativity and fun with the Grandmother Circles. Enjoy creating simple, usable and wearable art (no craft experience needed) to be sold to support orphaned children in Kenya. Wine, juices and light snacks will be provided. 5pm-social time and 5:30-6:00pm Carol Gariano-Grandmother Circles presentation. Hope to see you all there! Bring your friends and family!

St Joseph Worker Program Benefit Bling Thing! Thursday, April 10, 6:00-8:30pm, 22nd floor of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 11 Kellogg Blvd East, St. Paul, MN 55101. Tickets are $20 general admission, $10 for seniors and students. Your ticket will get you a glass of wine, appetizers, and the chance to bid on hundreds of beautiful pieces of jewelry, scarves, and purses, all at affordable prices. All proceeds benefit the St. Joseph Worker Program. Call St. Joseph Worker Program Director Suzanne Herder, CSJ, at 651.696.2762 for more information.

The homophobia & Heterosexism Task Group from the CSJ Justice Commission invites us to join the them in viewing a movie called Kinky Boots. It is about “Lola”, a sassy cross-dressing cabaret singer, who, if her designs are accepted, can save a failing factory by her creative design of boots. Fun and original, Kinky Boots is a must see movie. It will be shown on Monday, April 23, 6:30-8:30pm at Carondelet Center, room G1. (The Broadway play adaptation of the film won six 2013 Tony Awards, including “Best Musical”.