Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph

We, the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph,

witness the Gospel in joy and peace, committed to prayer, service, and

care for all creation.
FSSJ Mission Statement

St. Clare of Assisi

“St. Clare’s conversion, represented by Jesus’ way of the cross, was a lifelong process of self-transcending love. She not only saw God’s image in the life story of Jesus’ responsiveness to God and his responsibility for others, but also felt the call to go and do likewise. Clare’s aim was to imitate Christ in all of her life, after the manner of St. Francis, so that she could arrive at absolute conformity that involved an imitation of the poverty and humility of our Lord Jesus Christ. Her image of Christ was defined from the viewpoint of poverty and humility”.

Clare’s Life as a Magnificat, a Dissertation for Masters of Arts in Franciscan Studies by Sister Ann Lyons, FSSJ

Picture:  Ambiance in St. Francis Park Chapel created by Sister Lynne Anne Schimminger, FSSJ

Our Mission & Vision

Helping to connect people to faith

We, the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph,
witness the Gospel in joy and peace,
committed to prayer, service, and care for all creation.

MONTHLY REFLECTION

Click ‘Read More’ to read a reflection by Sister Mary Beth Bejma, FSSJ on Hope

Season of Creation

The Season of Creation is a celebration observed by Christians world wide from September 1-October 4.  This celebration was strongly supported by Pope Francis and continues to be supported by Pope Leo.  September 1 is also World Day of Prayer for Creation.  This season invites believers to give thanks for God’s gift of creation, reflect on ecological stewardship, and commit to protecting Mother Earth.  This year’s theme is Living Water.

The Biblical for this year’s theme is drawn from Ezekiel 47: 1- 12, which portrays God’s life-giving water flowing from the temple of God. The river grows deeper and deeper restoring barren land, reviving waters, and sustaining flourishing ecosystems. The vision invites human responsibility: recognizing ecological damage, embracing interconnectedness, we are called to immerse ourselves in the water, and actively safeguarding and working for the renewal of creation so that environmental healing and human well-being may flourish together.  We are also reminded that Mother Earth is 70% water and the human body is 60% water.

“Without an inner transformation, peace will remain fragile and short-lived. But where hearts are renewed, new possibilities begin to open. What has been used for destruction can be redirected toward life, toward the care of the poor, the nourishment of the hungry, and the safeguarding of creation. This is the path of authentic ecological conversion, where the effects of our encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in our relationship with the world around us (Laudato Si). Peace, then, begins in the heart and flows outward to our relationships, communities and the broader world.”
Message from Pope Leo on World Day of Prayer for Creation 2026

Picture is Pope Leo celebrating Mass for Creation

What We Do

Ways to Get Involved.

Mission & Ministry

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Prayer ~ Reflection

Remembrance Garden

A place that offers opportunities for prayer

and quiet reflection.

Plan a Visit

©2026 Franciscan Sisters of Saint Joseph
5229 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY 14075
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