A Grateful & Generous “Yes”

Communications Office

Lee Hogan, CSJ President, witnesses the signing of Perpetual Vows of Jean McKinney, CSJ.

We never know if God might call us to a new vocation in life until we stop and listen. Several years ago, Jean McKinney, CSJ, stopped, listened, and noticed that God was calling her to something new.

Jean grew up in Brighton in a large family. She studied economics and accounting at U. Mass Boston and Bentley College and went on to work in the field of Remote Technology Support.

In 2016, after several years as a CSJ Associate, Jean began the process of becoming a canonically vowed member of the congregation and on March 19, 2023, professed Perpetual Vows as a Sister of St. Joseph of Boston.

Among the questions asked by Lee Hogan, CSJ President, during the Profession of Vows were:

Desiring to follow Christ, do you wish to live your commitment in gospel-orientated service to God and God’s people in the spirit and charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston?

Left to right: Marian Batho, CSJ, Councilor for Formation, Jean McKinney, CSJ, Mary Murphy, CSJ

Is it your wish to strengthen and deepen your response to God’s call through the profession of simple perpetual vows in our congregation?

Jean’s affirmative response continued with her proclamation of vows, which in part stated:

Loving God, seized and inspired by You who are
Inclusive, Outpouring and Animating Love,
I, Jean McKinney, desire to live for You,
anticipating, recognizing, and responding to You
in all my dear neighbors, in myself, in all people,
in all creation.

I freely vow to God Chastity, Poverty and Obedience forever,
in the Congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Boston
according to its Constitution, spirit, and mission.
I vow always in my heart to live the aim of my vocation,
which is being Love,
and never to do anything which contradicts
my commitment to a life full of reverence and respect
for all creation, with gentleness and holiness

Jean McKinney, CSJ, pauses in the foyer during the reception that followed the liturgy.

During the Ritual of Profession, Marian Batho, CSJ, commented, “We have witnessed your living the mission with great love and compassion as a volunteer at Bethany, in your years as an Associate and now in your readiness and desire for Perpetual Profession as a Sister of St. Joseph. I know I speak for all of us, who have the privilege of being part of your ever-widening circles of relationship in saying we are grateful for your generous yes! May God continue to give you the strength and courage to respond to that call. May the Spirit of wisdom enlighten your mind and the Spirit of compassion touch your heart as you live out this commitment.