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Our History
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Our story is simple. The Sisters began with a few women meeting in a small kitchen in LePuy, France in 1650. These six women, aided by Father Jean Pierre Medaille, SJ, promised to share community, prayer and service to God's people. Father Medaille inspired the pioneers with these words, "Live, as much as you can, in such a way that your life, in honor of the Holy Spirit, may be a continual act of the most pure and perfect charity that you are able to practice toward God." The Sisters dedicated their lives to living among and serving the 'dear neighbor,' wherever that might lead them. In 1836, with the encouragement of Mother St. John Fontbonne, six Sisters left France on a daring journey to America to establish the first American community for Sisters of St. Joseph. They began their work in Carondelet, near St. Louis, Missouri and from that time and place, communities have been established throughout the United States, ever striving to be a presence for unity.
A young
Sister Gertrude Moffitt, accompanied by two companions, answered the call
from St. John the Baptist Parish in Tipton, Indiana in 1888. From the
small, humble cottage in which they lived, the Sisters of St. Joseph of
Tipton, Indiana established a vibrant presence in the area. Mother
Gertrude, the Foundress of this community, was a visionary who laid a
foundation of strength upon which all future Sisters in Tipton can build.
Throughout their time in Tipton, the Sisters have been led by women of courage and vision. Once titled "Mother Superiors", these women were called to guide the community in all its works. Following Vatican Council II, most religious communities adopted a system of election of a team of leaders through a prayerful discernment process. Continuing in that tradition, in 2002, the community elected three women to serve as the Leadership Council through 2006. This team is now working with a Futuring Committee examining their foundational roots . . . and reaching out to a vibrant future with other Sisters of St. Joseph. The St. Joseph Academy The Sisters educated women for decades at St. Joseph Academy in Tipton, graduating the last class in 1972. During those years, hundreds of young women received a quality high school education and an abiding understanding of the Catholic Church. Perhaps as important, these women gained an understanding of women religious and formed lifetime relationships with those who served as their teachers and those who attended classes with them. The Alumnae have been faithful benefactors of the Sisters and continue to volunteer time and financial resources to help with the various ministries of the Sisters. They tell of their positive experiences and enjoy learning about the work and lives of the Sisters. Alumnae return to St. Joseph Center for their annual reunion. They come to reminisce, to visit with their classmates and to spend time with the Sisters who taught them. The Alumnae Gathering has become an important event for so many who eagerly anticipate this special time each year. They gather on the fourth Saturday of June each year.
Click here
to see a list of the Parish Schools where the Sisters taught. |
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1440 West Division Road, Tipton, Indiana 46072 · Phone: 765.675.4146 · Fax: 765.675.7471 |
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