As Sisters of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart, together with our Affiliates, Companions and Incorporated Works, we strive to make a difference by reaching out to those in need and seeing the face of God in the other.
We endeavour to be in harmony with and share in the mission of Jesus.
From our foundation in 1866, Sisters have ministered in rural, outback and city places in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Peru, Brazil and Fiji. Currently, we have over 450 Sisters ministering in a variety of works:
- Being and Presence
The Sisters and Affiliates whose ministry can be described as involving Being and Presence are involved in parishes, rural outreach, and visitation of the elderly in their homes or in residential aged care. Some are spiritual directors or guides. They are Chaplains or pastoral carers to prisoners, seafarers or those in hospitals. Some Sisters work in school communities supporting children and families. - Suffering and Healing
Responding to the needs of those suffering, Sisters and Affiliates offer compassion and understanding through healing ministries in psychology, counselling and other forms of therapy. Josephites can be found working on the edge of society among asylum seekers and refugees, the homeless and those with mental illness. Through their ministry the Sisters and Affiliates advocate for justice and a compassionate response to need. - Educating and Caring
From earliest times education has been at the heart of Josephite ministry. Sisters have and remain involved in primary, secondary and tertiary education, as well as faith education in parishes and the wider community.
Through their involvement with the Association of Josephite Affiliated Secondary Schools (AJASS), Joseph, Julian and Mary MacKillop (JJAMM) – a gathering for student leaders of Josephite schools, and the Josephite Action Group (JAG) – a network of young people caught by the Josephite charism, the Sisters and Affiliates continue to raise awareness of those most in need within and beyond our communities.
In responding to the cry of Earth the Sisters and Affiliates, through the Eco-Spirituality Team and Josephite Laudato Si’ Action Plan Team, continue to promote an exploration of the theology at the centre of Laudato Si’, advocating and giving witness to environmental sustainability.
Aware of the need for justice for all, the Josephite Justice Network continues to raise awareness of those who suffer from displacement, especially refugees, asylum-seekers and trafficked women, and to advocate for those rendered voiceless in our society.
The Sisters work in partnership with others and organisations responding to need, wherever they are, and where the need is greatest.
To learn more about how the Sisters are Responding to Need you’re invited to visit the Pods below.