Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania

04/02/2026

After meeting with Pope Leo XIV, the Presidency of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious speaks to Vatican News about the situation of ...

04/01/2026

We are excited to welcome Stephanie Hall as WRAC's Communications Specialist Consultant!

Stephanie has an extensive background in communications, including more than 25 years working with Catholic sisters as Communications Director for the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania. She is a long-time member of Communicators for Women Religious (CWR) and served on its board of directors for 6 years. She co-spearheaded the 2017 Cycling with Sisters initiative, a 100-mile “pedaling pilgrimage” that included prayer stops focused on social justice issues and culminated at the CWR conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Stephanie previously assisted with communications for the National Archives Project for Women Religious (NAPWR) and served on WRAC’s communications committee. We are thrilled that Stephanie will be contributing her expertise to WRAC’s communications efforts! Welcome to the team, Stephanie!

03/26/2026

On March 25, 1836, six brave and determined Sisters of St. Joseph arrived from France on the banks of the Mississippi in St. Louis to live out their mission of serving the dear neighbor and responding to the needs of the times.

Today, 190 years after the arrival of the first Sisters of St. Joseph in the United States, our sisters continue to respond to the needs of the times throughout the United States and the world.

Learn more about the original six sisters who came to the U.S. in 1836 here: https://csjcarondelet.org/founders-day-and-the-first-french-sisters-in-america/

03/20/2026

Wishing all of our partners who claim St. Joseph as their patron a Happy Feast Day!

St. Joseph is watching diligently over WRAC's construction site waiting for the second floor concrete pour. St Joseph, pray for us!

03/18/2026

This issue of News & Notes highlights a season of meaningful progress and connection. From the milestone Topping Out Ceremony and continued construction of the heritage center to a memorable evening at our Suffs fundraiser, there’s so much to celebrate. Join us as we explore the history of Catholi...

03/14/2026

March 8-14 is Catholic Sisters Week!
Throughout the year, Catholic Sisters stand with the poor and immigrants, teach children, fight injustice, heal the sick, share spirituality, empower women, defend the planet, promote peace, create community, and offer hope. For one week each year, during Women’s History Month, we shine a spotlight on these women and invite all who have been inspired by or influenced by a Catholic Sister to let the world know. This year's theme is Stories of Hope and Heart, highlighting the compassion, service, and resilience of Catholic Sisters. Many of us in the Diocese of Erie have been part of the lives and ministries of Catholic Sisters. Do you have a story of hope and heart that involves a Catholic Sister or Sisters? How have Sisters influenced your life and given you hope? Do you have a fond memory? Or just want to give a shout-out to a Sister? Visit www.eriecatholicsisters.org and share your story.

03/11/2026

This Catholic Sisters Week, we’re lifting up stories of hope and heart from our members.

✨ Today’s spotlight: The Women Religious Archives Collaborative is home to the archives of Communicators for Women Religious (CWR), offering a deeper understanding of the work of Catholic Sisters since the late 1990s. As we celebrate the 13th Catholic Sisters Week this March 8-14, we are pleased to share the history of Catholic Sisters Week through CWR’s archival materials.

👇 Read the full story here:
https://archivescollaborative.org/how-did-catholic-sisters-week-come-to-be/

03/11/2026

03/11/2026

Today we highlight the enduring ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Founded on the mission of unity and reconciliation, the Sisters of St. Joseph have served faithfully in Catholic schools, parish life, healthcare and social outreach throughout our region.

Their lives reflect a simple but powerful call: to bring all people into closer union with God and neighbor.

Their impact lives on in the faith of the generations they have formed. Join us throughout the week as we highlight the religious communities who continue to bless the Diocese of Erie. You can participate too! Visit https://eriercd.org/csw.html to learn more.

03/11/2026

This week is Catholic Sisters Week. We remain deeply grateful to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania for the strong foundation and lasting tradition of excellence they established at Villa Maria Academy. Their legacy continues to shape our community today, and their charism is still vibrantly present in both our building and the life of our school. ✝️