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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.

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Sister Sonal Castelino's First Profession

Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 11 am

The Eucharistic Liturgy and Rite of First Profession of Sister Sonal Marina Castelino, CSJ will take place at 2 O’Connor Drive on Saturday, August 15 at 11 am.

Celebrating in Thanksgiving Our 175th Anniversary

On October 7, 1851, four Sisters of St. Joseph arrived in Toronto to care for orphans and teach in schools. In 2026, we began celebrating our 175th anniversary.

Hoping in the Face of Crisis

The Role of Hope in Climate Action

Wednesday, September 16 at 12 – 1:30 pm at University of St. Michael’s College

In the face of climate catastrophe, why should we hope? Join us on campus for a free, in-person event and buffet lunch as we explore the role of hope in climate action.

Speakers: Hilda P. Koster is the CSJ Associate Professor of Ecological Theology at the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology. Sabrina M. Chiefari is the CSJ Integral Ecology Specialist and an Environmental Educator.

Journey for Justice Newsletter

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.

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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.

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

175 Years of Gifts and Gratitude

Celebrating our 175th anniversary.

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.

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.

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Portrait of Sister Grace Sauvé

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.

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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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See us on Social

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Be yourself and the rest falls into place. #WisdomWednesdays ... See MoreSee Less

Be yourself and the rest falls into place. #WisdomWednesdays

Sister Gwen Smith's smile filled us with joy and we're always glad to be reminded of her kind, patient, hands-on warmth and welcome for the dear neighbour. ... See MoreSee Less

Sister Gwen Smiths smile filled us with joy and were always glad to be reminded of her kind, patient, hands-on warmth and welcome  for the dear neighbour.

What are the signs of a true prompting from God for you? #MaximMondays ... See MoreSee Less

What are the signs of a true prompting from God for you? #MaximMondays
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