Sisters of Saint Joseph of Rochester

06/11/2026

to students from Nazareth Hall Cadet School carrying the school's banner in a rainy parade through downtown Rochester, ca. 1960. From 1952 to 1970, Nazareth Hall's elementary school curriculum included military training provided by officers of the ROTC unit at the University of Rochester.

06/10/2026

What to Know Wednesday from the Office of Justice, Peace & Care for Creation.
From Mercy Spirituality Center: What Comes Next? Our Response to the Immigration Crisis

After our panel on immigration and nonviolence, the question becomes: what’s next? Where do we go from here—and how can we, as members of this community, support our immigrant neighbors? Join our Summer Institute to explore meaningful next steps together.

We will discuss how we can physically support the immigrants and refugees in our community, discuss how meaningful our letters, phone calls, and emails are when we send them to our legislators, and learn how to properly de-escalate violent or anger filled situations if they arise.

Date: Tuesday, July 14th - Thursday, July 16th
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: TBD
Fee: $90
Register at:

Our mission is to create a community of active contemplatives by providing lifelong growth opportunities, spiritual direction and retreats.

06/07/2026

Fresh bread before a meal is one of life’s simple joys. As Sister Melissa Gernon shares in this week's "Welcoming the Holy" reflection, it can also remind us of a deeper hunger—the longing to be nourished by Christ in the Eucharist.

Weekly reflections from our Sisters.

06/07/2026

Sister Susan Schantz reflects on how a detour during a recent lakeshore walk reminded her that some of life’s greatest gifts appear on roads we never planned to travel.

Dear Friends, On the last Saturday of May, I drove to Rochester’s Durand Eastman Park to walk along the lake shore. There’s a wonderful st...

06/04/2026

to members of the Student Council at Elmira Catholic High School, meeting with faculty advisors in 1954. From 1930 until 1955, the Sisters of Saint Joseph and the Sisters of Mercy shared teaching duties at the school. Pictured here are Sisters Edwarda McCarthy, Teresa Clare Ehrmentraut, and Mary Stephen Mosey, SSJ, along with Sister Joachim Pearson, RSM. Also pictured: future SSJ Mary Ann Sliwa (back, first on left).

06/04/2026

What do families need? How do communities work together? 🏡💙 Our 1st graders participated in Junior Achievement, JA Our Families program, where they explored how families, businesses, and community helpers work together to meet needs and support one another. 🚒🩺 Through discussion, activities, and neighborhood mapping, students practiced identifyed needs versus wants, discovered the goods and services families rely on, and recognized ways they can contribute at home and in their community. 💗 A special thank you to Sr. Melissa for leading this engaging JA in a Day experience and helping our students see how even the smallest contributions can make a big difference!

06/03/2026

What to Know Wednesday from the Office of Justice, Peace & Care for Creation: Beautiful words from the SSJ Community in Baden

https://www.facebook.com/CSJBaden/posts/pfbid02JtHpVURSg2jpF5KLzgSBsfCdzj1YUxrxMiC2qdgYaBbMDsuy1ivMjGmvAbegnLZel?rdid=9CMNSBVHf2BWsJf2

June is a month in which both Pride Month and the Catholic devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus are celebrated. At the heart of both is a reminder of the dignity of every person and the call to love one another with compassion, mercy, and respect.

We believe in unity, reconciliation, and inclusive love. We want every neighbor to feel welcome, valued, and loved. We hope you’ll take a minute to read this beautiful article and thoughtfully reflect on the sacred dignity of every person and God’s boundless love for all.

As Fr. James Martin, SJ writes:

“Maybe the best way to think about Pride Month is to imagine what you would say to a young person who finally summoned up the courage to tell you that they are LGBTQ. You know that God created them. You know that God loves them. And you know that God wants them to be who they are. So, you would probably say, ‘I am so proud of you for being able to say that.’ That’s the kind of pride we celebrate this month, and that Catholics worldwide can celebrate.”

Read his entire article here: https://bit.ly/3RKsDoq

05/31/2026

On this Trinity Sunday, Sister Joan Sobala reflects on faith, love, and what it means to belong to the family of God who holds us through every unknown future.

Dear Friends, The sturdy looking man came out of the examination rooms as I came into the lobby of the medical office. “Good morning!” I s...

05/29/2026

Another SSJ Volunteer Luncheon is in the books! We had a wonderful time this week celebrating our dedicated volunteers who embody compassion, generosity, and the true spirit of service. Whether it's tending to the Motherhouse gardens, volunteering in the SSJ Gift Shop, or just visiting with our retired Sisters, we are so grateful for the countless ways they share their time and talents with our community. Thank you for all you do! 💙

If you are interested in becoming an SSJ Volunteer, contact Martha Mortensen-Kolkmann at [email protected].