Sisters have responded to their mission to build community abroad and in Canada.

Ministry in Haiti and Honduras

In the early 1960's, Vatican II invited religious orders to respond to the needs of the Third World. A number of Sisters of St. Joseph responded to this challenge. We continue to have a presence in Haiti, both physical and supportive. Sister Mary Alban Bouchard remains in Haiti, continuing her peace work as well as helping people with their housing needs. Now in Canada, Sisters Lorraine Malo and Rosemary Fry assist Haiti through different projects. In Honduras, Central America, Sister Patricia Dowling carries on her over-20-year ministry with two L'Arche communities.

Becoming Neighbours: walking with newcomers

Sisters developed unique collaborations to aid newcomers to Canada as well. Nineteen Roman Catholic Men and Women Religious congregations came together to assist immigrants and refugees as friends, guides and mentors during their initial adjustment to the country. They established Becoming Neighbours,  a "joint apostolic ministry" — the first such effort in the city of Toronto — under the direction of Father Peter McKenna SCJ. Please visit the Becoming Neighbours website for more information.

Holy Childhood Association: building awareness in schools

Sisters encourage missionary zeal though their work with schools. Founded in 1843, the Holy Childhood Association is an international organization whose membership is made up of students in Catholic elementary schools and religious education programs; it is an organization dedicated to fostering children's awareness of the missionary nature of the Church. Sister Mary Ellen Burns serves as the Vancouver Diocesan Director of this group.