FROM THE ASSOCIATES: 

Keeping the CSJ Mission Alive

Kathy Teahan, CSJA

I keep the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston alive by beginning each day with spiritual reading and writing in my gratitude journal, as well as a morning prayer with arm movements that I learned from Sister Julie Fertsch, SSJ, a few years ago.

I smile at and greet every person I meet.

Like other associates, I try to send God’s healing love out to people who are ill, and to the universe — including those whose actions are creating pain and suffering and denying human dignity and the basics of life to others.

Inspired by the sisters of St. Joseph, I try not to be judgmental.
 

Volunteering at the Motherhouse! Left to right: Kathy Tighe, CSJA, Mary MacGillivray, CSJA, Kathy Teahan, CSJA.

I give my time and money: I donate monthly to charitable organizations (i.e.: Feeding America and Americares) and volunteer at the Faith Family Kitchen in Hyannis.

I strive to use my money to support small businesses and “B” Certified products that use sustainable farming practices, fair trade and safe working conditions with just wages, and that provide safe products for consumers. Recently, I have shared Sister Peggy Comfrey’s Justice Promoter emails with some of my local parish members and hope to share with more. I also volunteer at the Harwich Port Library and work politically for social justice in various ways. I conserve energy by walking and carpooling, and recycling everything possible, including food scraps. 

This quiet time with God calms me and slows me down before I begin my busy day, and when I have challenges in my day. As a result, the day goes by more smoothly.

What inspires me to live the CSJ values in my daily life is the joy I feel every day knowing God is with me every moment of my day supporting me and guiding me. Bringing joy to others brings me reciprocal joy! Our world is desperately in need of LOVE to overcome the extreme imbalance of wealth and power in our country and in our world!  

It’s these actions that bring me closer to my relationship with God. Being a CSJ Boston Associate enriches my life with a spirituality that brings more peace and joy to my daily life and improves my relationships with my family and people I meet throughout the day. The spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph encompasses our loving Catholic traditions — along with the rich spirituality of world cultures and ways love has been expressed through the arts and the ages. This spirituality is present in our CSJ Associate monthly gatherings, Zoom prayer services, and retreats. It’s centered upon love of God, love of the Dear Neighbor without distinction, and God’s love for all Creation.

At each of our monthly gatherings I learn more about the unique person I was created to be. At each gathering, a knowledgeable and inspiring speaker presents a theme, which is then discussed in small groups with our Boston Sisters of St. Joseph and fellow Associates.

Learning to pray without words by listening for guidance from the Holy Spirit and by reflecting has brought more joy to my life. This quiet time with God calms me and slows me down before I begin my busy day, and when I have challenges in my day. As a result, the day goes by more smoothly. I find myself taking time to be present and appreciate what is happening in the moments that make up my day.