Parish Ministry

From their earliest days, Sisters of St. Joseph have been known as “sisters of the neighborhood.” After their arrival in Brooklyn in 1856, Sisters lived and worked in parishes and spread east throughout Long Island. They staffed parish elementary schools and were the backbone of a Catholic School system that spread from Brooklyn to Cutchogue. Children not in these parish schools were able to attend CCD programs run after school hours. Sisters also used their teaching skills in adult education programs, and RCIA programs. They also provided social services and ran soup kitchens where needed.  Presently, there are still Sisters  ministering in parishes as their primary work. There are also many Sisters who live in parishes and volunteer their services wherever needed.