August 14, 2017

Sisters of St. Joseph exceed ‘Support the Sisters’ campaign goal

REGIONAL
Staff report

Sister Joan Ryzewicz, newly elected president of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, speaks during the June 25 Transfer of Leadership ceremony at Mont Marie Chapel in Holyoke. (IObserve photo/courtesy of Sisters of St. Joseph)

SPRINGFIELD – The Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield announced today that they have exceeded the goal of the capital campaign launched to support the care of the congregation’s elderly sisters.

“It is with heartfelt thanks that the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield announce that the ‘Support the Sisters’ fundraising campaign has reached and exceeded its $8 million goal,” stated an Aug. 14 press release from the congregation’s communications director.  

Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski, honorary chair of the Support the Sisters fundraising campaign, poses with (left to right) Sisters Constance Daub, Patricia Johnson, Paula Robillard and Joan Magnani, after the August 2015 announcement of the Springfield Diocese’s $1 million gift to the sisters. (IObserve file photo by Rebecca Drake)

“Because of the generosity of thousands of donors and supporters, the sisters will have a more secure future and will be able to continue living their mission well into their advanced years,” the press release stated. “The campaign was launched by a committee of dedicated community leaders in 2014 after it became apparent that the congregation of about 200 sisters needed to reduce its retirement shortfall. Donors, many of them served by the sisters in schools, parishes, and many other ministries, responded by making generous contributions.”

The press release offered thanks to the capital campaign committee, led by chairs John E. Foley and Michael J. Ashe Jr., which worked tirelessly to raise the needed funds.

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, founded 134 years ago, came to the Springfield Diocese as educators in the late 19^th century, but soon expanded their ministry other areas, such as Springfield’s secular almshouse, the city hospital and the jail. Many sisters taught in parish schools and parish ministries, receiving modest stipends which, for those who taught, were paid only during the academic year.

The congregation announced in May 2013 the necessity of running a capital campaign to ensure food, housing and medical care for the retired sisters. Many Sisters of St. Joseph still work in various ministries, schools and parishes throughout the diocese.

In addition to the capital campaign, the sisters also made the painful decision in 2014 to sell their motherhouse, Mont Marie in Holyoke, to reduce annual expenses.  

The Support the Sisters campaign was announced in May of 2015 to close a $5 million gap for the care and living expenses of retired sisters. Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski served as honorary chair of that campaign.

Sister of St. Joseph Joan Ryzewicz (IObserve photo/courtesy of Sisters of St. Joseph)

Commenting on the Aug. 14 announcement that the campaign goal had been exceeded, Sister Joan Ryzewicz, president of the congregation said, “We are humbled to know that so many people are concerned that our community of St. Joseph is able to care for our sisters with respect and dignity.

“Through the ongoing generosity of others, we will continue, in mission and ministry, to serve the dear neighbor with gentleness, peace and joy,” said Sister Ryzewicz.