SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER [SJW]

The chief purpose for our founding was to live religious life as it is defined by the Church, through Our Holy Father and the Council Fathers. Our Motherhouse, Formation House and rural elementary academy are located in Walton, Kentucky. We also have a nursing home in Versailles, Kentucky.

The SJW Spirit

We chose as our motto!

HERE I AM, LORD, I COME TO DO YOUR WILL,

and as our symbol, a censer with a cross above it and SJW on the crossbeam. The censer symbolizes the continuous burning out and emptying of ourselves in the love and service of Christ. The motto and the symbol flow from our charism:
"WE, DAUGHTERS OF THE CHURCH, IN ORDER TO PRESERVE RELIGIOUS LIFE ACCORDING TO THE MAGISTERIUM, PLEDGE OUR WILLINGNESS TO SUFFER --EVEN TO THE LOSS OF LIFE, IF CALLED UPON TO ACCEPT THIS GREAT GRACE --TO UPHOLD CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH AT ANY COST. "

The prayer-life of the Sisters was formulated to give a balance of communal spiritual development and private commune with God. In community, the Sisters share daily Mass, Liturgy of the Hours and five decades of the Rosary. A minimum of two hours of spiritual reading weekly is required, but may be done privately or with a group. The following exercises are fulfilled daily, but privately: at least one half-hour of mental prayer or meditation, at least one half hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament and some moments for examination of conscience. During the school year we have a monthly day of retreat and in the summer a week of retreat.

In November, 1985 it was decided that we would have daily Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at the Motherhouse. The chief prayer or petition in this exercise is that those being called by God to serve Him in His Church, as priests, brothers and sisters, will accept this great grace and answer His Call.

Formation

Postulants. Postulancy is normally a six to ten month period, depending on need. No secular studies are taken; and no studies, including religious ones, are taken for credit. The aspirant studies religious life in general and the life of a Sister of St. Joseph in particular. She has classes in Church History, the Constitution of the community and she lives the life under the direction of the Formation Director.

Novices. The novitiate is for two years and includes studies of the vows and continuation of religious studies. Again no studies are made for professional credit. Short periods of work in the apostolates of the community are permitted for experience and decisions for later assignments. Novices are not to be assigned to a full-time apostolate.

Professed: Progress in the spiritual life must be pursued until the end of our life on earth. We are blessed in living at a time when wonderful materials on the spiritual life are available to us -- books, tapes, holy people giving talks at workshops, and days of prayer.

Habit

Professed wear a uniform black habit, with a half scapular. A crucifix on the front and a black veil, with a white turn-back around the face, are also worn. Sister-nurses wear a habit of the same pattern; but when on nursing duty, all pieces of the habit that are normally black are white, including hose and shoes.

Novices wear the same basic black habit; however the scapular and veil are blue and no crucifix is worn. The crucifix -- an exterior sign of our devotion to Our Crucified Lord -- is blessed and put on the newly professed during the First Profession Mass.

Postulants wear a full black uniform skirt, plain long-sleeve blouse and sensible black shoes.

Apostolates:

• Teaching the Faith -- Preschool to Adults
• Catholic Education
• Nursing Care
• Office Work in Catholic Institutions
• Dietary and Domestic Work in Catholic Institutions

For Further Information:
Write or call Superior or Formation Director at

St. William Convent
1 Saint Joseph Lane
Walton, KY 41094
(859) 485-4256

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