On September 8, 2007, our Golden Jubilarians celebrated the 50th anniversary of their entrance into the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 8, 1957.

It was both a privilege and honor to stand with them as they renewed their vows. The presence and delight of God was certainly tangible throughout the Liturgy and the on-going celebrations. Combined service to the Church of Boston totaled 750 years! How blessed are we to be recipients of such talented and generous women!

October 2, 2007, we celebrated 134 years of the founding of the Boston Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph. We gathered to pray for reconciliation in our Church and in our world. We also prayed that God would bestow abundant blessings on all who have been our companions in carrying out Jesus’ mission "that all may be one." We prayed for the grace to be women of unity and reconciliation uniting all peoples without distinction.

On October 14, 2007, Bethany Health Care Center observed the Jubilees of ten sisters. What a celebration it was. Six sisters observed 75years, two 60 years of service, and two 50 years of service. Imagine, 670 years of service among them! In their own words, it was proclaimed unequivocally that they would "do it over again in a minute!" How inspiring!

The challenges we as a people face now and into the future remain constant. As I write this column, we are experiencing the effects of global warming in a personal way. The unprecedented October temperatures in the Northeast, melting ice in the Arctic, the scorched lands of the Sudan, brush fires burning out of control in the West reveal an earth that is hurting. Do we hear her warning?

October 20, 2007 over 200 Sisters attended a Congregational Gathering held at Fontbonne Hall in Framingham. The tone of the day was both energizing and challenging as we discussed and planned together our direction in ministry and mission. How can we continue to be a stimulating presence to the people of Boston and beyond given the reality of our resources? This question demands reflection and dialogue with each other and with you our supporters.

Your donation in support of our mission and ministries indicates your belief in who we are and what we do. Thank you for this confidence. Please know that we hold this trust as sacred.

May God our Creator, Jesus our Redeemer and the Spirit who calls us to life be with you today and all days.