Sharing Your Stories
We are honored to hear your stories--personal reflections about how the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet have impacted your life.
Click here to share your story or message of congratulations.
You can also post on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/csjsl.
________________________________________________________________
First, I would like to congratulate all of the sisters in celebrating 175 years of ministry in the United States and beyond. Think of how many lives you have touched over the course of the history of the congregation as well as through your own lives and ministries. Surely that is why so many remember you fondly and make a point of paying it forward.
It doesn't seem that my six years of close association with the CSJ's would matter all that much, yet it remains at the core of my reality. The development of a sense of the spirituality of all life began in childhood and has endured because at Carondolet my life became deeply rooted in the Gospel. "Love one another as I have loved you" is the challenge of a lifetime that has nourished, led, and often kicked me forward through 13 years in Catholic education and 20 years in the university system of Georgia, trying my hardest to encourage young people to read widely and deeply and write with clear purpose and in clear prose. And I'm willing to bet I'm not the only person who has ever left the community only to continue to be inspired by it.
My fond memories of life in community have long outlived ones of hurt, anger or disappointment. Not many are very specific any more. They are more like photographs of people I cared for (and continue to care for), as well as places, in particular the chapels at the mother house and the juniorate, the grounds where we walked or sat to rest for a while, and the Sunday afternoon walks for Baskin Robbins or to the zoo.
Thanks for the memories. "We stand on the shoulders of giants, Sisters." May we never forget it!!
Flo Walsh Atlanta, GA
Entered the CSJ community in 1963 and left in 1969
My story I feel that I owe my religious vocation to the Sisters of St. Joseph, who were my teachers in grade school and high school. I am particularly grateful to Sr. Mary Bernarde (Marie Getz) for the encouragement and example she gave me. The Sisters of St. Joseph will always have a special place in my heart and prayers.
Peter Nault
Former elementary and secondary school student.
I am 59 years old and have had a life of various experiences. I met Sister Marilyn Peot about 25 years ago. She has been the principal person who has taught me and led me to find God within; serving as my spiritual director. I am so thankful as I know I am who I am today due to her kindness, wisdom, gentle prodding and her prayers. Bless the Lord for her committment and obedience.
Patty Redman
I was taught by the CSJs in Peoria, 1967-1971. The sisters were so down to earth and could talk to them about anything going on in the world and knew what to say. They knew if we had a problem before we could say anything. Thanks for the memories.
Ann Creech
I was the youngest member of the first 6th-grade class at St. Mary's School, Waco Texas. Sister Mary Ann Mulligan, CSJ (Sister Ellen James, as she was then) was my first piano teacher. She was so young and beautiful, and I believe this may have been her first teaching assignment. She instilled in me a lifelong love of music and piano, and to this day I begin my daily piano practice, getting ready to enter the International Piano Competitions for Outstanding Amateurs with the warm-up routine she taught me. Now that I am in my 70s, and she in her 80s, we still correspond regularly by e-mail. I and a fellow piano student of hers and classmate of mine, Bill Braden, are presently working up the Mozart two-piano concerto. I am reminded of her daily when I sit down at one of my three splendid grand pianos. She and I pray for each other every day. What a blessing she has been in my life!
Patrick Dunne
In 1999, Sister Patricia Clune opened the doors of Queen of Angels Catholic School, a new school in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Without a doubt, she had the prayers and support of Sister Anna, Sister Loretta and all the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet to back her. To inspire her faculty and staff, on the first day of preplanning, Sister Patricia played the song, I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack. So as the music resonates and you celebrate 175 years of service, I hope you dance. Congratulations and many thanks for your inspiration, prayers
and faithful service.
Mary Beth Smith
I began teaching at St. Anthony's Catholic School in Atlanta, GA in 1986 where I met Sr. Patricia and Sr. Anna, and Sr. Loretta. While teaching there I had several miscarriages. I found spiritual and emotional support and love through the feelings of hopelessness and loss. Within 2 years I gave birth to a healthy baby girl. I am so
thankful for the prayers and words of encouragement of these truly devoted sisters. I have been blessed by their presence. Thank you for your constant service to our Lord. I know that you continue to reach out to help others through your
dedication. Peace.
Kathy Vandiver
I worked with Sister Patricia Clune at Queen of Angels Catholic School in Roswell, GA. What a wonderful order of caring, intelligent, humorous women! I'm so thankful for the chance I had to work with them and to get to know them. They are an inspiration to everyone.
Debra Kopec
Sister Paticia had the gift of making people feel special and valued. She was always friendly and called each of the students by name. Sister was a friend as well as a boss. It was easy to see Jesus in her smile and fun loving nature. She was instrumental in making our school what it is today. Thank you, Sister.
Peggy DeGance
I came to Queen of Angels Catholic School (Georgia) during a very difficult time in my life. My faith was waining and I was about to give up on trying to turn things around. Sister Patricia Clune (our principal) not only supported me through this time but gave me love and prayer and sound advice to help move forward positively in my life. Sisters Anna and Loretta both encouraged me to stay strong and move forward. I thank all of you and for the impact you have made on my life and the lives of so many. I love you all.
Frances Gomes DuChene
I attended Sacred Heart School in Atlanta, Georgia for 11 years, graduating in 1943. The sisters that taught me are what has shaped my life. So many...S. Marcella Marie, S. Mary Therese, S. Bernadette, Mother Carmelita, S. Kathleen Marie and the list could go on. Sacred Heart School stood behind Sacred Heart Church and has since been torn down. The church is still standing and has been named a basilica in the last year. I moved out of the Atlanta area to South Georgia when I married and just three years ago moved back to the Atlanta area--this time to Cartersville, Georgia. Many a day I pull out the old high school annuals and reminisce about those years. Congratulations, Sisters, for the many, many lives you have touched in the last 175 years!
Lucile (Flanders) Ussery
Atlanta, Georgia
It was and honor at Sts. Mary & Joseph to be chosen to be one of the six altar boys to serve at the motherhouse. My older brother, Richard served at the motherhouse from 1953 to 1956 and our mother was very proud that her sons could serve the Sisters of St. Joseph, who had given so much to the families of Carondelet and St. Louis. Most of the other parish altar boys thought the six motherhouse servers were crazy for getting up at 5:30 AM every three weeks to serve, but they never knew or felt the honor that the six of us did, for serving all the sisters, novices and postulants regardless of time and frequency. In looking back over my life I rank my years as an altar boy at the Sisters of St. Joseph at Carondelet as some of the best memories of my youth with Sister Angelita and Fr. Leo from the Franciscan Abbey at St. Anthony's on Meramec Street. The conversations we servers shared with both of these religious help mold our lives, and commitment to our faith through our adult lives. Congratulations on 175 years of service, "ad Servium" and thank you and God for allowing me to be part of CSJ in a very small part of serving you, but a major part in my life.
Marc Garcia, a former altar boy at the
motherhouse from 1962-1965
As a former English student of Sister Ellen Roach from Valdosta State College in the 1980s, I simply wanted to let Sister Roach know how much I appreciated her
instruction and though I was a somewhat of a troubled college student
then, I went on to straighten up, go to graduate school, get a Ph.D.,
teach, and now work as an administrator for a college. Thanks for all
the support back then. I do appreciate it so very much. For those in education, often the greatest reward is to know that our students were somehow successful.
Niles Reddick, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs,
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, Tifton, Georiga
Thanks so much for the information about my aunt, Sister Mary Ruth Regan. My mother, Ann Kemp (Hasenmueller) lived in the St. Louis area for all her 85 years, and I did from 1952-97. We spent many a Sunday afternoon during the 60s/70s visiting Sister Ruth. My wife and I always remember fondly our visits with Sister Ruth during the 80s, and her famous line, "This will be really pretty in two weeks", referring to the leaves returning. She would point out and name each parish as we would drive through town. What a treasure she was! Quite a character she was, tough as nails at times, but truly kind and generous always.
John Kemp, nephew of Sister Mary Ruth
I kept in close touch with Sister Rita Anton (aka Sister Ellen Kerstiens) for many years until her death. She was very special in my life. The last time I saw her, she picked up my husband and me at the train station and brought Sister Ann Irene who had also taught with my husband. We had a great visit. I treasure the education I received from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, especially the strong English education. High school at St. Agnes Academy with the Dominicans was made much easier than many of my classmates!
Barbara Garney, taught by the CSJs at St. Rose of Lima in
Houston and whose mother and husband taught with the CSJs.
Sister Josepha Marie made such an impact on me. I was lucky enough to have her for both Trigonometry and Advanced Mathematics in 1966 and 1967 respectively. She was a wonderful teacher, ALWAYS had time for her students who needed extra help, and in my case really encouraged me to pursue a career which involved mathematics, in college, which I did. My favorite trick (which she taught me and which I have shared with my own children) was how to multiply any number by eleven, EASILY.
Kathy Desmond McPherson, former student
at St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Florssant, Missouri
Sister Grace Patrice Lord was a beloved member of our family and we always looked forward to her visits to Indianapolis in the summer time as well as Christmas. We also fondly remember our many trips to the St. Louis area to visit her at her various assignments. My mother, Gerrie (Lord) Sweeney, was the baby of the Lord family and the last of that generation; she passed away on December 12th, 2009, at the age of 85, after a long and toilsome battle with Alzheimer's Disease..my mom's mother and a few of my mother's sisters, including Sister Grace, suffered with some form of dementia before they died...Much like Sister Grace, mom remained happy and she smiled anytime she recognized anyone...I know how difficult it was just taking care of my saintly mother until her death, so I cannot imagine what it is like caring for so many in your care at Nazareth (Living Center)...Thank you for all you did for my aunt and please rest assured that my prayers, and the prayers of my family, are with the Sisters of St. Joseph, both active and retired, and that your earthly efforts are more heavenly than you'll ever know.
Patrick Sweeney, nephew of Sister Grace.
My dear Sister Mary Carlotta... was short of stature, but I related to her so well because of her sweetness and stature. I have thought of her often throughout my 82 years and I owe her so much for giving me her love and compassion when I really needed it. My prayer is that she is enjoying her reward for such dedication and service to her fellow man.
Thomas Crossland, former student
of Sister Mary Carlotta
I actually never saw Sister Mary Elise Wilson after 8th grade graduation, but still think of the enormous dedication she and so many others brought to their jobs as grade school teachers. I graduated from law school the year after she died, and I am sure she and the other sisters I had at St. Roch had a lot to do with it and whatever success I had later in life.
Michael J. Tucker, former student at St. Roch
where Sister Mary Elise was principal (1961)
Sister Jean Fontbonne was a wise and compassionate soul. I just had the opportunity to thank my fourth grade teacher and had hoped to thank Sister who also saw something in me that others apparently did not. There was only one other sister I would thank and, since she was old then [I really did have some idea of old as my grandparents lived with us] and I cannot remember her name, I can only offer thanks in spirit as I can to Sister Jean. I hope they both know they kept me going to a PhD.
Lori Lohman, former student at St. Francis de Sales
High School in Denver.
