Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph
Called by God into the Fraternity of Francis, we live in Simplicity, Servanthood, and Joy, renewing the spirit of Mother Colette Hilbert, "In all things Charity."
Current News
Celebrating FSSJ Jubilarians
Sister Valenta Rusin
65th Anniversary
Sister Valenta was born in Detroit, Michigan and was
taught by the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph at
St. Hedwig School in Detroit and Immaculata Academy.
Sister’s ministry included education in elementary
schools, pastoral ministry and Director of Religious Education,
as well as a member of the Leadership Team for 4 years.
Her good sense of humor shows the depth of her prayer life and
her trust in a God who loves all people. Sister’s love of plants
and all things living reflects her love for all creation as
she lives out daily our FSSJ Mission Statement, “witness the Gospel in joy and peace, committed to prayer, service, and care for all creation.”
Sister Andrea Ciszewski
60th Anniversary
Sister Andrea was born in Holyoke, Massachusetts and was taught
by the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph at Mater Dolorosa School.
Sister Andrea’s prayer life and her love of people are the focus of
her service to God’s people. Her ministerial life has been in
education as teacher and principal, as well as professor at Hilbert
College. Her love of young people and offering them a solid
education and sharing her faith led her to the position as
Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Springfield Diocese and
later as parish Director of Religious Education. Her willingness to give her all to her Sisters has led her to leadership roles in the congregation on the Leadership Team from 1986-1990, then General Minister from 1990-1998, and presently is a member of the FSSJ Leadership Team. Sister’s prayer life and faith-filled vision has always been an inspiration for all she encounters. She embodies our FSSJ Mission Statement, to “witness the Gospel in joy and peace, committed to prayer, service, and care for all creation.”
Sister Carol Clare Czyzewski
60th Anniversary
Sister Carol was born in Danville, Pennsylvania. She was taught by the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph at St. Stanislaus School in
Shamokin, Pennsylvania and grew up in Maryland. Sister Carol’s
ministry has been teaching in elementary schools and at Immaculata
Academy, vocation work for the congregation, Associate Director of a retreat center and pastoral ministry in various parishes. Sister presently does spiritual direction and retreats in the Hamburg area as well as assisting in the archival work in the congregation. Sister has a love of languages and taught French, speaks Spanish, and is learning Polish. Her dedication to social issues has led her to take part in peaceful demonstrations for justice as well as a trip to South America to share her faith and creative ways of prayer. Sister Carol lives our FSSJ Mission Statement, to “witness the Gospel in joy and peace, committed to prayer, service, and care for all creation.”
Sister Geraldine Kaczynski
60th Anniversary
Sister Geraldine was born in Buffalo, New York, grew up in
Blasdell, NY and was taught by the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph at
Immaculata Academy. Sister Geraldine dedicated her ministry to
education as a teacher and principal for many years.
Upon returning to Hamburg her love of prayer and service was
instrumental as she accepted the position as Administrative
Assistant to FSSJ Leadership Team and also House Minister to our
Sisters residing at St. Francis Park. Sister’s prayer life focuses her
attention on our FSSJ Mission Statement, to “witness the Gospel in
joy and peace, committed to prayer, service, and care for all creation.”
Sister Marcia Ann Fiutko
50th Anniversary
Sister Marcia Ann was born in Niagara Falls and was taught by
the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph at St. Joseph School in
North Tonawanda and Immaculata Academy, Hamburg, NY.
Sister Marcia has deep faith and has used her many talents in her
ministries of teaching in elementary schools as well as high
schools. Her deep love of community has allowed her to answer the call to become the General Minister of the Franciscan Sisters
of St. Joseph for the past 7 years. And she was on the Leadership
Team for 8 years before that. Sister’s love of music and her prayer
life have been a blessing to all who know her. Sister Marcia continues to live out our FSSJ Mission Statement, to “witness the Gospel in joy and peace, committed to prayer, service, and care for all creation” in all she does.
FSSJ devotion to Mary was reflected in our annual May Crowning ceremony
Our Jubilarians, Sister Marcia Ann Fiutko (50th Anniversary) and Sister Valenta Rusin (65th Anniversary) crowned the statue of Mary in the St. Francis Park chapel and the statue will remain in the chapel all during May, the month dedicated to Mary.
The continuation of our FSSJ Legacy in print …
Colette Hilbert, skilled in fine handiwork
and excellent needlepoint…
As we begin each day, we awaken to Mystery of Grace which unfolds as we encounter others and experience events. The degree to which we intentionally participate with this Mystery affects the ultimate pattern of the unique tapestry of our life.
Threads of joys, sorrows, achievements. and challenges may, in a sense, come together smoothly or they may become entangled. The status of our health, stresses of daily living, conflicting emotions within and the attitude with which we face daily joys, tasks and challenges develop patterns of beauty or knots of stress and negativity on our individual life’s ‘handiwork’ So many factors determine the manner in which we respond to God’s great gift of free will in selecting choices.
Time is a precious gift and all too often we find ourselves wrestling with the many issues, events and expectations before us. Unless we are able to gift ourselves with some of that time for peaceful, quiet moments to assess the quality of our life, we continue on the spiral journey that leads to unwanted and unintended situations.
Quiet time in prayer or reflection is a gift we give ourselves to ‘set things aright’ and to ‘untangle’ anything that drains our spirits. Our attention in those graced moments allow us to see more clearly and to discern our personal decisions intentionally and with purpose. When we are in favor with ourselves, we cannot help wanting to share that joy and hope with others. Our new positive dispositions will result in peace and all good things.
Colette Hilbert was known for spending time working with fine thread to produce excellent handiwork creations. She knew that delicate thread had to be used thoughtfully and carefully in order to avoid unwanted knots and to create the beautiful patterns desired. Through the Mystery of Grace), she replicated the lessons of that craft into her ministry of weaving smoothly the threads of prayer, reflection, discernment, warm greetings, wise advice, and heartfelt compassion. She left a legacy of brilliant tapestry: the lessons of a life well-lived, and the model of her dependence upon God in gratefully praising His Goodness “From the rising of the sun to its setting.”
REFLECTION
How do the knots in my life affect me, my health, and my relationships?
Have I considered taking time for quiet reflection and discernment
to help me untangle knots in my life?
What do I want the ‘pattern’ or ‘tapestry’ of my life to look like when the last thread is cut?
Sister M. Andrea Ciszewski, FSSJ
Immaculata Academy’s All Class Reunion
On August 25, 2024, over 150 Immaculatans gathered at THE OAKS at SOUTH PARK (in their former school auditorium) to celebrate an all class reunion. Guests ranged from representatives of the Class of 1950 to members of the last graduating Class of 2016. The walls of IA once again resounded with the strains of its school song, “Come, come, shout hurrah!” The afternoon provided an opportunity for reminiscing and reconnecting. Alumnae were able to experience how THE OAKS has chosen to honor the legacy of IA by incorporating IA artifacts into their design, and placing wall plaques throughout the clubhouse highlighting the building’s past. Discovered were repurposed IA light fixtures, porcelain sink, locker room slate dividers, hallway gate, IA letters from roof top, Script Immaculata from over main entrance, and Aud doors (now with windows); the Auditorium has been transformed into a Community Room, Backstage into a Yoga Room, Cloakroom, School Store into THE OAKS Leasing Office, the Locker Room into a Pool Lounge honoring IA, Room 106 into a Fitness Center and the School Gym into a Gym for families of THE OAKS with IA logo & bleachers intact. A great day to celebrate the enduring spirit of IA!
St. Josephine Bakhita was born around 1869 in Darfur (now western Sudan). She was seized by slave traders. Over the course of twelve years (1877–1889) she was sold three more times and then she was finally given her freedom. Josephine became a Canossian Sister and forgave her captors.
St. Josephine Bakhita is venerated as a modern African saint, and as a statement against the brutal history of slavery. St. Josephine Bakhita has been adopted as the patron saint of modern Sudan and human trafficking survivors. She was canonized by St. Pope John Paul II.
The Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph are committed to praying for the end of human trafficking. We are grateful to Sr. Deborah Marie for sharing, on our prayer board for all the residents at St. Francis Park, the United Nations Blue Heart campaign to educate and help in the ending of slavery. If you click on the picture with the blue heart you will more easily be able to read the information. To learn more about ending human trafficking go to: https://www.usccb.org/resources/stop-slavery
Our Leadership Team
Sr. Jean Cherry, Councilor, Sr. Marcia Ann Fiutko, General Minister,
Sr. Andrea Ciszewski, Councilor
FSSJ 2022 Chapter
General Chapter Direction Statement
In these transformative times of change, challenge and collaboration, we, the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, embrace our call to Widen the Tent of our Hearts for the common good of God’s people and our common home, Mother Earth.
We willingly extend our hearts and hands to:
– Accept into our lives all persons as our sisters and brothers and to join efforts to bring an end to racism;
– Continue our efforts to minimize climate change and its effects on the life of our planet; and
– Collaborate with lay and religious partners to develop sustainable services and governance for our Congregation.
In the midst of our Holy Aging, we freely offer our gift of a Franciscan ministry of presence.
We began our Chapter with a day of retreat lead by Sr. Margaret Carney, OSF – – pictured on the left. The picture on the right shows Sr. Alexine and Sr. Ann Marie sharing their Franciscan stories of faith and hope.
The Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph spent some of their second day in Chapter widening the tent of our hearts by listening to Dr. Deidre DeBose (left), Vice President of Mission and Equity at Hilbert College. She shared her story of the blessings of faith, honesty, and courage as she faced racism in her life.
The Sisters shared their faith and support of Dr. DeBose by giving her a blessing as she continues her work at Hilbert.
A particularly pertinent quote Dr. DeBose shared with us was,
“Privilege is not about what you’ve gone through,
it is about what you haven’t gone through.”
Janaya Khan
This tent, created by Sr. Ann Lyons, FSSJ and Sr. Lynne Anne Schimminger, FSSJ, was in the Chapter room, reminding us all of our call to widen the tent of our hearts.
Sr. Lynne Anne Schimminger, FSSJ was asked to create a logo for our 2022 Chapter with the theme Widen the Tent of Our Hearts. She drew a Bedouin tent which would ordinarily have a closed back side. However, the back of this tent is open. It beckons us to move out into the future where God is leading us. You’ll notice that the landscape has mountains and hills and is somewhat hazy. Our destination will become more defined as we engage in prayer and contemplative dialogue during the coming year.
The tent flaps are flowing with the breath of the Spirit, allowing for flexibility; the tent pegs are strong and durable to ground us in our Franciscan charism and the Gospel.
The striped colors of the tent signify our diversity since each Sister will be called to widen the tent of her heart in a unique, personal way. As we pray with this logo we are invited to sit awhile in the tent, enjoying the warmth and hospitality of God’s presence—and, then, to open wide the tent of our hearts bringing Christ to the world beyond ourselves.
Feel free to join with us in praying our Chapter Prayer below.
Prayer for Widening the Tents of Our Hearts
Gracious God, we are challenged by the prophet Isaiah to enlarge the tent of our hearts, open wide our tent curtains, lengthen our ropes and strengthen our stakes.
May we not hold back, but stretch our hearts to the limit, embracing all persons as our sisters and brothers.
May our tent stakes go deep to keep us rooted in Christ and
our Franciscan charism.
May we spread our tent flaps unsparingly, clearing out our biases and making room for more compassion.
May we keep our tent cloths supple enough to allow for flexibility, risk, and abundant blessing.
God of Extravagant Love, may we see your beauty reflected in all the faces of humanity that You so love. Amen
FSSJ Celebrate 125th Anniversary at
St. Francis Parish, Athol Springs, NY
Ambiance honoring Mother Colette Hilbert, our Foundress
Providing inspirational music and song:
Sr. Lucille Ann, Cantor
Sr. Andrea, Organist
Sr. Deborah Marie, Liturgy Coordinator
Fr. Ross Syracuse, Pastor at St. Francis Parish, gives the welcome to all at our celebration
Franciscan Friars who celebrated with us:
Fr. Ross Syracuse, OFM Conv., Fr. Michael Zielke, OFM Conv., Fr. James McCurry, OFM Conv., Fr. Charles, OFM Conventual, Fr. Mark David Skura, OFM Conv.
Sisters singing their Charism song, Called by God. This song was composed by Sister Deborah Marie Ciolek, FSSJ
Sister Marcia Fiutko, FSSJ, General Minister of our Order, invites the Sisters to renew their vows of Poverty, Celibate Chastity and Obedience.
Group picture!
Sister Marvina and friends!
Those who taught or ministered at St. Columba:
Sr. Deborah, Sr. Lucille Ann, Carmen Rivera (FSSJ Associate), Sr. Karen, Susan Odle.
Sr. Andrea and the Franciscan Friars
Sr. Ann Lyons and Sr. Lynne Anne Schimminger with friends
Friends from Catholic Health
Joyce Markiewicz, Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer at Catholic Health, and Jill Hirczak, Life Enhancement Director at St. Francis Park.
Dr. Brophy, President of Hilbert College, founded by the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph, presents a citation from the Hilbert Board of Trustees, staff and students in honor of our 125th Anniversary.
Sr. Jean Marie Cherry with friends from the Franciscan Sisters of Allegheny and the Sisters of Social Service in Buffalo.
The Sisters started the day with the Sisters in Leadership pinning on corsages on each Sister. Sister Marcia Ann, General Minister, pins a corsage on Sister Angelis. The corsages were made by Sr. Benedicta.
Immaculata Academy has New Life as The Oaks at South Park
For 88 years the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph served God’s people by educating young women at Immaculata Academy in Hamburg, NY. They are grateful that the new enterprise, The Oaks at South Park, pays homage to the history of the property while offering beautiful, private “carriage house style” luxury apartments that will provide safe housing. For more information on The Oaks go to Home
The picture on the right is the cornerstone of Immaculata Academy with some of the articles found in it.
Hilbert College announced that a new baseball field and a new softball field has been named the FSSJ Field Complex, in recognition of the College’s founding congregation, the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph (FSSJ). The FSSJ Field Complex, which is slated to be completed for the Spring 2021 season, recognizes the generosity of the Sisters, whose sale of the property adjacent to Hilbert’s campus specified that the fields would be made available for Hilbert’s exclusive use.
Prayer
Each Franciscan Sister of St. Joseph is praying together or privately for our world at this time. Some pray in Chapel, some in parlors. Where or however we pray, God is with us. Know that you and your families have us holding you tenderly in our hearts.
As St. Francis taught us by example, we not only pray when we pray together but our hope and our call is to “become a prayer.” It is something all followers of Jesus are called to do.
Becoming St. Francis Park
The Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph have always been open to the Spirit of God and what God is asking of us at each time in history. In the 2000s the Sisters became more aware that we were being called to create a legacy of a new home – one that would be constructed in the Spirit of St. Francis’s love of creation and one that would allow us to open our home, our spirituality and our hope for the future to others. In 2010 the new Immaculate Conception Convent was built (LEED Platinum) at 5229 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY.
In 2018, Catholic Health purchased Immaculate Conception Convent and helped the Sisters’ vision become a reality with the opening of St. Francis Park, an independent living facility for seniors from all walks of life. We invite you to spend some time on this site to learn more.
5229 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY 14075
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