St. Joseph’s Day Celebration at Arlington Catholic

“Sisters of St. Joseph are smart, innovative, and risk-takers. The list goes on and on with their good works. Even though we do not have as many sisters in schools or other organizations, our mission continues today because of what we taught to the “dear neighbors” around the world. I stand here today proud to be a sister of St. Joseph and honored to serve at St. Agnes and Arlington Catholic.” These potent words from Barbara McHugh, CSJ, resounded in St. Agnes Church in Arlington during Saint Joseph’s Day on March 19, 2026 (and the AC Founder’s Day celebration). This gathering was an opportunity for all present to reflect on the ministries of the sisters, such as Bridge Over Troubled Waters (now known as “Bridge”), to celebrate the sisters present, and envision how the charism is kept alive by partners in mission as the community continues to evolve.

Founders Day 2026 Speech

Written and presented by Sister Barbara McHugh, CSJ

Good morning everyone.  I am happy to greet you once again on St. Joseph’s Day and Founders Day.  I am proud to welcome some of my Sisters in community. We welcome Sister Cathy who served as Principal of Arlington Catholic for 19 years.  Welcome home, Sister Cathy!  We welcome Sister Charlotte Ann who entered from St. Agnes Parish and attended St. Agnes School.  Sisters’ Carlotta, Brenda and Charlene, all of whom taught at St. Agnes School are here this morning.  Thank you to all of the other Sisters present who are happy to meet you.  You have heard me speak over the years about many Sisters who have fostered my own vocation.  One of whom is here today Sister Mary Ellen who was my high school Math teacher and my basketball and softball coach.  Now you can really find out if I was any good! We also welcome Sister Rita.  We know that it is not polite to ask a woman her age; however, Sister Rita is 99 years old!  Welcome all.

      For the past several years I have shared with you my own story of becoming a Sister of St. Joseph and a little bit about the history of the Sisters.  You have heard me speak about my family and their influence on my life; and last year I spoke to you about the good works of the Sisters. 

     Today I would like to talk to you about a special ministry founded by our Sisters.  In the 1960’s, many young teenagers were struggling with homelessness in the Boston and Cambridge areas. Three Sisters of St. Joseph, all of whom were teachers, went out after school and began reaching out to these teenagers.   At first the Sisters provided sandwiches, cold drinks and non-judgmental conversations.  As a matter of fact, one of the Sisters taught at my school, St. Mary’ in Brookline.  As grammar school students, we helped her fill the convent station wagon with sandwiches, etc. Simon and Garfunkel had a very popular song at that time called Bridge Over Troubled Waters; using some of the words to the song…”When you are down and out, when you are on the streets and pain is all around, like a bridge over troubled waters, I will walk with you”…These Sisters were overwhelmed by what they saw on the streets. They applied for grants, spoke to physicians, and were able to provide medical services and dental care. They worked to provide a volunteer-run mobile van to bring about emergency health care to the streets.  Thus began Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Bridge became — and after more than 50 years remains — a national model and program for youth development services devoted to helping troubled, homeless youth to turn their lives around for the better.  These teenagers could be YOU, but for the grace of God and your families, you have a better life. Two of these three women have gone to God.  One of whom is alive and lives at Bethany Health Care Center in Framingham. We are grateful for the ministry of Sisters’ Marie Keough, Barbara Whelan and Barbara Scanlon. For people who remember Sister Mary Scanlon who taught at Arlington Catholic for many years, Sister Barbara Scanlon is her sister.  Well done, good and faithful servants!

     Sisters of St. Joseph are smart, innovative, and risk-takers.  The list goes on and on with their good works today.  Even though we do not have as many Sisters in schools or other organizations, their mission continues today because of what they taught to the “dear neighbors” around the world.  I stand here today proud to be a Sister of St. Joseph and honored to serve at St. Agnes and Arlington Catholic.  Thank you for allowing me to share a part of our history.  Please know that you are held in the prayers of all Sisters of St. Joseph around the world.  Thank you and God bless you all!