Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph

In 1947 the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph sponsored the St Mary’s Home for the Aging in Detroit Michigan. When the Fisher Freeway was constructed, the home was moved from Detroit to Livonia in 1960.

In 2012 Marycrest expanded from skilled nursing to include independent living, with the addition of Marycrest Heights.  In 2013 the Franciscan Sisters of St Joseph transferred Marycrest to Trinity Health.  Because of the impact of Covid, Marycrest Manor gave up the skilled nursing and is now assisted and independent living. The FSSJ are grateful for the continuation of our Mission and Ministry.

In 1954 The Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph started their ministry at St. Clare Manor in Lockport, NY under the auspices of Catholic Charities of Buffalo, NY.  The Sisters served not only the elderly at this facility but also persons with various physical needs.  This ministry ended in 1995

Ministry at St. Mary’s Hospital began in 1940 just before the U.S. entered World War II.  During the war years many doctors and nurses entered the military for service overseas and the Sisters remained to continue St. Mary’s service to the people in one of the poorer sections of Brooklyn.  In 2003 the Sisters left the ministry at St. Mary’s realizing what a great gift, blessing and privilege it was to grow and share with employees and patients while serving the people of God in an environment dedicated to the poor and those in need. Sr. Robertine is the Sister pictured on the left.

Opened in 1960 by the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph the hospital has been serving Cheektowaga and Western New York’s eastern suburbs for more than a half-century.  In the 1990s the FSSJ wisely joined with other Catholic hospitals sponsored by various Women Religious in the Buffalo area and formed the Catholic Health System which now directs the mission of Sisters Hospital at St. Joseph Campus.  The building of St. Joseph hospital was used during the beginning of the Covid pandemic and helped many people who suffered. Sr. Maureen Boyle is pictured on the left.

In Brazil, Sr. Helen Dirig taught obstetrics nursing.  Sister Helen and Sister Pius provided a free pharmacy for the poor, sponsored by the mayor’s office.  With the opening of the daycare center, and assistance of public health, children received necessary vaccinations, proper nutrition, and social development skills. Sr. Pius is pictured on the left

In 1946 Sisters ministered at Ozanam Home in Milwaukee, WI, a convalescent home for seniors.  The Sisters ended this ministry in 1966.
Sr. Dulceline served at St. Coletta School for Exceptional Children in Jefferson, Wisconsin.
Sr. Rayneld (pictured) was a nurse and at the end of the Vietnam War assisted in the evacuation of children from this war torn country.