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Who We Are

We, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto, are a Roman Catholic congregation of women founded in France around 1650. We have been in Toronto since 1851.

As a religious community, we are brought together by the love of Christ. We are called by God, the Gospel and the Church to serve those in need in simplicity and compassion and to pursue social justice and equality for all. We are committed to creating a society transformed by Gospel values in the areas of social justice, peace and creation.

We invite others to join us in living the Gospel values and serving the “dear neighbour”, with a current focus on Indigenous justice, the climate emergency, labour exploitation and human trafficking.

We continue our long tradition of advocacy and support for creation care and social justice, with a special emphasis on clean drinking water as a human right.

We seek collaboration and participation in our mission, ministries and spirituality.

Catholic Sisters Week 2026

As part of celebrating Catholic Sisters Week (March 8 – 14) and inviting others to learn about women religious, Sisters Jennifer Martin, Kristine Fernandes and Sonal Castelino have shared special video messages.

See the Videos

Journey for Justice: December 2025 Issue

This issue of Journey for Justice explores a variety of paths, goals, steps, progressions and destinations with the understanding that we never start from nowhere, with a special emphasis on the Harvest Justice: Twice the Speed of Lightning stageplay on migrant worker justice.

Read the newsletter Learn about our social justice ministry

Celebrating 375 Years

Tradition gives October 15, 1650 as the date on which Bishop de Maupas gave our congregation its official existence and the name of St. Joseph. Beginning on October 15, 2024, Sisters of St. Joseph throughout the world are celebrating our 375th anniversary.

Join CSJ Toronto Archives in exploring 375 years of apostolic ministry through a series of online exhibits that journey through our beginnings in 17th century France and 19th century North America.

View the Online Exhibits Video: Serving the ‘Dear Neighbour’ Since 1851

CSJ Land Acknowledgement

Out of deep respect for those who have cared for these lands since time immemorial, we are committed to tread lightly on the land, protect water as sacred, and affirm our desire for right relations with all Indigenous Peoples.

Read Land Acknowledgement

What we do

Social Justice & Creation Care

Education, advocacy, prayer and action.

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School Visits

Programs are created and facilitated by CSJ staff.

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Vocation Ministry

Discerning God’s action in your life.

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Spiritual Accompaniment

Guiding you on your journey.

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News & Reflections

Journey for Justice: December 2025

In our journeys towards justice, we never start from nowhere.

The Hidden Cost and Treasure of Forest Fires

Sister Janet Speth reflects upon the Season of Creation.

Harvest Justice: Twice the Speed of Lightning

Performing onstage September 27 in Guelph & October 1 – 5 in Toronto.

World Day of Prayer for Creation

Beautiful music, sacred words, and readings.

More CSJ News & Reflections

Get Involved

As a Sister

Discerning God’s action in your life.

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As an Associate

Spirituality and service within your own lifestyle.

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As an Employee

We value compassion, teamwork, dignity and environmental awareness.

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As a Volunteer

Share your time and talents.

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In Memoriam

Sister Agnes Teresa Sheehan

A lifelong educator, Sister Agnes Teresa taught first in elementary schools in Toronto, Oshawa and Etobicoke, became a principal and then a supervisor, a university lecturer, and a professor.

Sister Grace Sauvé

Sister Grace contributed extensively to health care in the field of pharmacy, and would later focus on congregational services, formation, history, spiritual direction, and contemplative art.

Sister Mechtilde O'Mara

Sister Mechtilde was a professor, administrator and mentor who held a multitude of roles in education, faith, and service, especially to young adults.

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Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto

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Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto

The Grassy Narrows First Nation community, located in northern Kenora in Ontario, continues to face mercury contamination of their water supply. The River Run 2026 event on September 23 will be a chance to walk with them on their path to achieve mercury justice and freedom. actionnetwork.org/events/river-run-2026

#creationcare #SocialJustice #FreeGrassy #WaterIsLife #bluecommunities #wateristhefirstmedicineSign up NOW for Grassy Narrows River Run Rally 2026 🌊🌊🌊

Wednesday, September 23, 2026
12pm
Toronto

RSVP: actionnetwork.org/events/river-run-2026

Join Grassy Narrows youth and community members as they travel 1,700km to demand that Ontario and Canada:

• Compensate everyone in Grassy Narrows fairly for the mercury crisis
• End the pollution by stopping the Dryden mill and ending mining and nuclear waste plans that threaten Grassy Narrows
• Support Grassy Narrows in restoring their community and way of life from the damage mercury has done

Family-friendly event. Rain or shine. ✊🏽

#FreeGrassy #GrassyNarrows ... See MoreSee Less