July 14, 2019

Sisters of St. Joseph welcome immigration attorney as newest member

REGIONAL
By Kathleen Harrington

Sister of St. Joseph Deirdre Griffin signs the book as part of July 13 Mass during which she took her first vows as the newest member of the Sisters of St. Joseph. (IObserve photo/courtesy Sisters of St. Joseph.)

HOLYOKE- “Wherever you go I will go,” read Sister Jane Morrissey at the Mass where Deirdre Griffin professed her first vows to enter the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield on Saturday afternoon, July 13.

The Mont Marie Chapel was filled with family, friends, and members of the Sisters of Saint Joseph community from across Massachusetts to witness Sister Griffin’s joyful public profession of her religious vows.

Sister Griffin planned the Mass, selecting the reading from the Book of Ruth proclaimed by Sister Morrissey that reflects her commitment to join the mission to serve others. “I hear Jesus moving through my own heart,” she said in sharing her reflection on the Mass readings.

Saying yes to God is a mystery, she explained, acknowledging the questions she has faced over the last years about her choice to enter religious life.

Professing to live a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience, Sister Griffin explained, “Living my vows makes me steadfast in my service to God. I was a possibility waiting to happen,” she said.

Sister Joan Ryzewicz, president of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, called Griffin forward to profess her first vows. By her side at the altar was Sister Ginny Maitland, who served as mentor to Sister Griffin.

Sister of St. Joseph Deirdre Griffin is joined by family and friends as she took her first vows as a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph. (IObserve photo/courtesy Sisters of St. Joseph)

She then was presented with a cross that given to all members as they enter the community and they she signed the book officially joining the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sister Ryzewicz called on the entire community to stand and join in a blessing over Sister Griffin.  

Patrick and Betty Griffin, parents of the newest member of the Sisters of St. Joseph Congregation, say their daughter’s Catholic school education was influential in her seeing religious life as a possibility.  “Catholic schools were definitely important, especially in high school,” said Patrick Griffin. “She graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Brighton,” he said. “Deirdre went to law school at Boston College,” explained Betty Griffin.

Sister Griffin, an immigration attorney who has coordinated refugee resettlement services, will head to Guatemala for six weeks to work on her Spanish language skills. Her mission will focus around immigration issues.