The Sisters of St. Joseph

The Mystical Communion of the Sisters of St. Joseph
    Catholic Church can be looked at in several different ways.   The church is divided up into six models:   institution, mystical communion, sacrament, herald, community of disciples, and servant.   The Sisters of Saint Joseph dedicate their lives to live out these models of the church.   As stated on their website (Consensus Statement), "The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates are a community committed to continuing Jesus' mission in the world by responding to the needs of our time.   In the spirit of the Gospel, we work toward right relationships with God, persons, and Earth.   We strive to foster the common good through advocacy, creative arts, education, healthcare, social service, and spirituality."   Myself and two other classmates went to visit the Saint Bethany clinic of the Sisters of Saint Joseph.   We found out how they dedicate their lives to helping others as they help themselves.   The Sisters of Saint Joseph practice the mystical communion model of the church in their every day lives.
    The Sisters of Saint Joseph are a Roman Catholic order of women, including approximately 14,000 members worldwide.   The order was founded in Le Puy, France by the Jesuit, or Society of Jesus, and were accepted by the bishop in 1650.   In reply to the rapid growth of the institute, the Sisters of Saint Joseph journeyed to America.   According to the Sisters' mission statement, "The Sisters aspire to 'a profound love of God and the dear neighbor', and love and work so that all may be one." (Consensus Statement)   After visiting the Saint Bethany Clinic, we found that they continue to live out their mission statement in the Twin Cities.   The Sisters operate many different ministries to help other people as they help themselves, such as, teaching English as a second language to others, helping with immigrate women, bring communion to hospitals, and run hospitals to take care of the sick and elder sisters....