Freshmen Discover Rich History of Founders
February 3, 2025
Last week, freshmen students in Star Seminar spent time learning about the rich history of our founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and how their work and charism continues to influence us to this day. Barb McCormick, STA Principal for Academic Affairs, who also is a CSJ Associate, led the discussion, which included information about the founders’ origins back to 1650 in Le Puy en Velay, France.
The students read passages from, That All May Be One, a book introducing the spirit and charism of the CSJs, who are always moving toward unity with God, with one another, and with all creation. Specifically, students recited a prayer written by Sister Mary Catherine Walton which touches on the sisters going into the city to serve the dear neighbor and gathering in the kitchen afterward to share their stories from the heart. This history is lived through the STA advisory system when students gather each day and/or come together during long advisory community days to share their journey or stories (“sharing of the heart”) with one another. The Star Seminar sessions closed with learning about the school’s ties to lace, how it was and still is a prominent symbol of the CSJs, and how it symbolizes the relational call of the CSJs to unifying love that unites neighbor with neighbor, and neighbor with God, without distinction.
Watch video about the CSJ’s history from Mount Saint Mary’s University
Students are pictured with the text used to learn about the Sisters. They also sat in the symbolic representation of the original kitchen to recognize the history of the Sisters of St. Joseph.