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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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Harvest Justice: Interactive Forum Theatre

Harvest JusticeTwice the Speed of Lighting: A stage theatre experience about food and fairness, offering an opportunity to join migrant workers in solidarity through Forum Theatre.

Journey for Justice: Winter 2025 Issue

This issue of Journey for Justice: Listen! Learn! Act! comes at a troubled time for our planet. As all of us work through a challenging period, we share with you some essential truths, our new Harvest Justice forum theatre project, our support for the Turn Debt Into Hope campaign, and a thoughtful reflection on nature.

A blue, green and purple logo with the words: Sisters of Saint Joseph, 375 Years, 1650, Le Puy-en-Velay

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.

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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

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.

Serving the ‘Dear Neighbour’ Since 1851

Celebrating the 375th anniversary, this video delves into congregational archives to tell three stories from the CSJ Toronto, Sault Ste. Marie, and In Canada congregations.

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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