Congregational Symbol

This symbol identifies The Sisters of St. Joseph as a unique group within the Church as well as among other Congregations of St. Joseph.

The Cross symbolizes the call of our charism --- "to bring the good news of the Gospel to those miseries which prevail in this time and in this place." Through our Baptismal commitment, which is deepened by our profession of vows, we embrace the life, death and resurrection of Christ. The Cross emphasizes the centrality of the Paschal mystery in the Christian experience.

The Shape of the Symbol in all cases is irregular. As CSJs we strive always toward the more - toward reconciliation and unity in a world broken and battered by disunity - disunity among peoples, nations and a disharmony with the ecosystems of the planet. The Shape also suggests the "chaos" of Genesis over which God's spirit hovered in the act of creation. The Spirit of God remains with us in an enduring covenantal relationship that calls us forward into relationship with all of those who seek to bring about the reign of God.

The Style of the symbol is feminine and open. As CSJ women, we are open to change, to new life, to the challenge of "the more," and open to wherever the call of the Gospel takes us during our moment in time.

The Sisters of St. Joseph, as women called towards Christian reconciliation and unity, strive always for the "more," that is they pray and work to bring these realities to a greater level of harmony and completeness.