- April 30, 2019
by Sarah Baker, Communications Specialist
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province (CSJ) hosted their 13th Annual Generosity of Joseph Honors Gala on April 26, honoring two individuals for their devotion to serving others and living out the mission of Jesus. More than 100 sisters, patrons, family, friends and associates gathered at the historical Carondelet Motherhouse in St. Louis to celebrate CSJ Associates BJ Atkinson and Nan Bone, both of Kansas City, who recognize human dignity in all.
Each year, the Sisters of St. Joseph acknowledge individuals, couples, and/or organizations whose life and service positively influences and contributes to the betterment of society, encouraging others by example to practice life-altering generosity, just as our patron, Joseph, did. In their own ways, each of our honorees imitate Joseph for their care given to others.
BJ dedicates her life to advocating for her dear neighbor by reaching out to the poor and serving those in need as director of Emergency Assistance at St. Therese Little Flower Parish.
“We have to advocate for God’s people who cannot speak for themselves. To walk with people,” says BJ. “You have to be the rock, the anchor to them. I pray for the person who I know is going to be on the streets in a couple of weeks because they don’t have rent or enough heat in their home. You work with anybody who walks through the door, no matter who they are … without distinction.”
Since June 1995, she has served 100+ families each month—up to 30 families a week—with emergency assistance for food, rent, electric bills and medicine. She also promotes justice with a particular concern for the poor by attending numerous social justice programs and meetings.
“In our world today, I feel that serving the dear neighbor is one of the most important things,” says Sister Helen Alder, CSJ, fellow parishioner at St. Therese and friend of over 20 years. “…Basically, love each person as a child of God. Our charism says to love God of all things and the dear neighbor without distinction. That’s what BJ is to me. She truly is kind and loving to everyone.”
As president of St. Teresa’s Academy (STA) for the past 12 years, Nan has as empowered the lives of 600+ young women and embedded in them the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph.
“Nan epitomizes the generosity of St. Joseph in her graceful leadership of the St. Teresa’s Academy family,” says Kevin Connor, chairperson of the STA Board of Directors. “She has led like Joseph, but is particularly like him in her humility, her modesty and her willingness to follow the Holy Spirit through the many joys and the periodic sorrows.”
Her marveled work ethic has led to numerous accomplishments in support of the CSJs’ mission including the Passing of the Legacy Ceremony, a 90-hour community service requirement, the building of the Windmoor Center, top priority for diversity and inclusion initiatives, and so much more.
“I think maybe I was put here to help the girls understand what this mission is and how they have to go out and make a difference in the world,” says Nan. “These are the smartest, brightest and most caring girls that you will ever meet. They take on every initiative, fighting for every cause. I’m the luckiest person in the world.”
Nan’s decade-long legacy will come to an end as she will retire from her position following the 2018-19 school year.
The awards presentation also included a video (below), allowing guests the opportunity to get a glimpse into the honorees’ ministries like never before.
The evening ended with dinner and a blessing in song from the CSJ sisters and associates as they sang Sancte Joseph.
FUND-A-NEEDS
The Generosity of Joseph Gala also featured two fund-a-needs.
Journey House: Journey House in Kansas City, Missouri, is an interim residence for up to 15 women returning to society from prison. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet are integral to the JH community. Sister Rose McLarney, co-founder and president, lives with the residents along with Sister Gabrielle Smits. They provide a welcoming reception, non-denominational spiritual direction and experiential learning opportunities.
Gulu Project: The entire CSJ community plays an active role in this project by providing more families in Gulu, Uganda, with water filtration systems. Learn more.
Click here to continue to help support our fund-a-needs. Please specify the need you will be supporting in the comments section.