Jubilarians

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange rejoice in gratitude for the gift of our 2011 Jubilarians and their response to God's call.

Sister Annette Bachand
Sister Carmel Anderson
Sister Denise Collins
Sister Felicia Sarati
Sister Florence Hund
Sister Jane Dawson
Sister Jayne Helmlinger
Sister Kathleen Maloney
Sister Louise Ann Micek
Sister Maria Goretti DeCoite
Sister Martha Marie Linhares
Sister Mary Rogers
Sister Theresa LaMetterey

75th Jubilee

Sister Annette Bachand

"One of the happiest days I can remember was the day I received word that I would be allowed to make vows. Looking back, I can see my life has been filled with many blessings. I remember my teaching days and the different places it took me, like Australia, where I spent three years with the Sisters there while I taught in a parish school. I have had a good life all of these years."

70th Jubilee

Sister Carmel Anderson

"When I think of these 70 years, my heart is filled with joy for the abundant spiritual blessings I have received - almost daily Eucharist, the Sacraments, retreats and spiritual gifts. I remember the gifts of community - friends who were and are beacons of confidence and spiritual help, those who gave me courage when the waves seemed too high, those who have lasted, and especially those who have accepted me in sprite of my rough edges. I remember, in particular, the very special women, near and far, both sisters and others - you know your names - who have been special travelers with me, and for Sister Lee Ann's family who has made me a long-distance member these many years. There have been many others, priests and friends, who have been special gifts too - all of this from the hands of a loving Father who, indeed, has given me a hundredfold thus far, and I rejoice in gratitude. I remember each of you and the many students I have had in my prayers - daily - thank you - each of you."

Sister Florence Hund

"I thank God for the many years of religious life, which have been filled with many graces and blessings. I am deeply grateful to my community for everything they have given me, for their tremendous support, and their love and friendship. I thank God for family and friends - I've become so rich in God's grace through each one."

60th Jubilee

Sister Denise Collins

"My religious vocation is such a great gift. I'm grateful to God for the invitation and many blessings, and to my Sisters, my family and friends."

Sister Felicia Sarati

"This moment of celebration of God's faithfulness to me and to my CSJ family is one of deep gratitude. The multiple blessings that I have experienced in my ministerial life and in my 60 years as a Sister of St. Joseph overwhelms me and I can only echo the words of the Psalmist: 'Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to God and praise his name forever. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations.'"

Sister Jane Dawson

"I thank God for my 60 years as a Sister of St Joseph of Orange and express my gratitude to the sisters in Sydney and in Orange for their many kindnesses to me. I am grateful for the many opportunities I have been given to be God's instrument to the people to whom I have ministered and from whom I have received so much in return. I am indeed grateful to God for so many blessings."

Sister Maria Goretti DeCoite

"The lived experience of these 60 years has been filled with excitement, learnings, dedication, pain and joy. Ministries of education and pastoral care have graced me with the fit of multiple encounters with God's people. I consider myself extremely blessed and deeply grateful. My life would not have been complete had I not been a Sister of St. Joseph of Orange. Psalm 139 has deep meaning for me."

50th Jubilee

Sister Kathleen Maloney

"'My life has been a tapestry of rich and royal hues, an everlasting vision of an ever changing view...a wondrous woven magic in bits of blue and gold... a tapestry to feel and see, impossible to hold'. This quote from a 1970s song by Carole King expresses my feelings about my 50 years in religious life. My life is blessed with a wonderful family, good friends and a loving community. Becoming a Sister of St. Joseph of Orange is the best thing I've ever done! I am grateful to our gracious God, to the Congregation, and to my family."

Sister Louise Ann Micek

"My vocation is pure gift. God gently nudged me into this Congregation through the example of wonderful women religious. Only gradually did I realize the extent of my commitment in living out the spirit of Unity and Reconciliation: God in me and me with God to the dear neighbor, and me with the dear neighbor to God."

Sister Martha Marie Linhares

"Living a life of faith can be exciting: the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercy never comes to an end, the Scriptures and witnesses are always present. As a CSJ, I have been blessed in endless ways of pouring out in services the love I have received...pressed down and overflowing so that now I give praise with my Sisters in constant thanksgiving for knowing God's love is a greater good than life (Ps.63). His fidelity is our boast."

Sister Mary Rogers

"I have loved my life as a Sister of St. Joseph! With God's unconditional love; the affection and support of the community, family and friends, what greater way is there to live one's life?"

Sister Theresa LaMetterey

"My 50 years as a Sister of St. Joseph have been blessed by the people and experiences that have made it a wonderfully enriching, ever-changing and ever-challenging journey. My heart is full of gratitude for God's faithfulness to me. I have experienced over and over again God's compassionate and sustaining love, without which I would not be the person I am today. I am grateful for my Community, my family, my friends and my co-workers who have been the bearers and revealers of God's faithful love, affirming me and challenging me to keep growing. It is with deeply felt peace and joy that I continue to walk with my Sisters into a future full of hope, using my energy to help bring all people and all creation into unity with God."

25th Jubilee

Sister Jayne Helmlinger

"As I reflect on the gift of my vocation, I thank God for Spirit's work in my life. God has blessed me with a wonderful community, loving family and friends, meaningful ministry, and a wealth of experiences that have broadened my understanding and wonder about God in all of life. As I celebrate my Silver Jubilee, I abbreviate St. Paul's prayer of thanksgiving: Glory be to him whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine; glory be to him from generation to generation in the Church and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)"