Carondelet Magazine 2017

Volunteer Program
BROADENS THE CSJ MISSION
The St. Joseph Worker Program has a mission to empower women committed to social
change to respond to the needs of the times.
Since it began in 2002 in our
St. Paul Province, more than
150 women have completed the
program since 2002, according
to Sister Suzanne Herder,
director of the St. Paul Province’s
program. She has been
facilitating the development of
the program since 2004.
The St. Joseph Worker Program
fosters the self-empowerment of
women ages 21 to 30 through the
values of leadership, spirituality,
social justice, intentional
community and living simply,
allowing them, in the tradition of
the Sisters of St. Joseph, to serve
where the need is greatest.
Volunteers live in intentional
community and are matched
with work placements
compatible with the Sisters of
St. Joseph’s mission. The
program includes weekly
community nights, retreats,
social justice opportunities and
other personal development
activities to make the year a truly
transformative experience.
The resulting connections are
deep and long lasting. “Past
program participants are
continuing their affiliation,” says
Sister Suzanne. “They are very
active and have started meeting
monthly to continue the Sisters’
‘Sharing of the Heart’ tradition.”
In addition to St. Paul, currently,
active programs exist in
Philadelphia; Queens, New York;
Los Angeles and Orange, California,
with more being planned.
“This is a new type of volunteer
service,” reflects Sister
Suzanne. “Based in a grounded
understanding of the Sisters
of St. Joseph’s mission, the
program provides opportunities
for women to develop ideas of
community and spirituality so
they can apply their social
justice and leadership skills in
the broader community.“
“This year has literally changed my life…
there are no words to express my gratefulness,
happiness and joy to have been a part of this
wonderful group of strong, beautiful, dedicated
women. Once a St. Joseph Worker, always a
St. Joseph Worker!”
“Este año ha cambiado mi vida…no encuentro
palabras para expresar mi gratitud, alegría
y gozo por haber participado en este grupo
maravilloso de mujeres tan fuertes, bellas, y
dedicadas. Seguiré siendo parte de San José
Obrero para siempre!”
– Katy Brandes
“I am definitely not the same woman I was
when I showed up to the Joseph House.
I have grown professionally, personally,
and spiritually.”
“Definitivamente, no soy la misma mujer a
la que ingresó a Joseph House. He crecido
a nivel profesional, personal y espiritual.”
– Donna Bonnicatto
14 CARONDELET