On Saturday, August 15, Sister Pat Murphy, CSJ was among many who attended the Public Prayer and Witness to Stand with Migrants in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Sister Pat Murphy, CSJ inside the Missouri Capitol.
The prayerful procession into the capitol building.
Our prayer began with the rosary at St. Peter Catholic Church. Each decade’s meditation focused on the challenging and unjust realities facing our immigrant neighbors and was connected to a Catholic social teaching principle. Each decade was also prayed in a different language, reflecting the languages represented in that parish community.
Those gathered processed silently across the street to the Missouri State Capitol Rotunda and participated in a prayer service of solidarity for migrants and refugees, led by Bishop Ralph O’Donnell. During the prayer service, three people shared their migration stories.
Together, we asked the Lord’s mercy and protection for those who are far from home or in vulnerable situations and witnessed to the God-given dignity of every human person.
Religious leaders from around the world invite you to discover the Season of Creation 2026: Living Water and to join them on this journey of faith and action.
Reflect
Pope Leo XIV recently released his message for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1, 2026. We encourage you to read the full letter, but here is an excerpt for your reflection:
Today, we are witnessing many crises and much human suffering. At the same time, it seems that the disruption to the harmonious balance of creation is accelerating. These phenomena are not unrelated; they are a single plea for healing and peace arising from a wounded world.
The God of life, revealed in Jesus Christ, offers a peace that the world cannot give: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (Jn 14:27). This peace is neither superficial nor fleeting; it flows from the enduring love of Christ and his care for every human person.
Yet this promise of peace stands in stark contrast to the realities we see in many parts of the world. The prophet Isaiah spoke of a time when nations “shall beat their swords into plowshares” (Is 2:4), transforming what destroys life into what sustains it. But today, we too often witness the very opposite, as efforts continue to be directed toward violence and war.
Take Action
Share a thought that nourishes hope or brings peace to a situation of disharmony.
Take a walk in nature and spend time reflecting on the fact that God’s essence keeps all of nature alive.
What action are you committing to, to reduce the effects of climate change?
Spiritual Renewal
As human beings, we reflect the living presence of God in a unique manner, embodied through respect, kindness, and compassion. I encourage you to think of someone with whom you have lost connection, need to forgive, or have disrespected. Consider reaching out to them in a spirit of love to share a word of encouragement, expecting nothing in return, and focusing solely on giving.
Contribute to an organization that is fighting climate change:
Hace varios años, la Hermana Joan Teresa Groth y yo tuvimos una conversación sobre los diarios; ella compartió una reflexión que se me quedó grabada. Dijo que no tiene sentido llevar un diario si no lo releemos periódicamente.
La palabra «retrospectiva» significa «mirar hacia atrás». Al escribir el poema, miré hacia atrás y volví a leer una entrada de mi diario de abril de 2023. Dejé que me transportara a lo que había visto y escuchado durante mi retiro; recordé algunos de los momentos llenos de gracia de aquellos días. «Una retrospectiva ~ 27 de abril de 2023» captura la esencia de lo que había escrito originalmente en la entrada del diario, el fruto de volver a revivir esa experiencia en oración.
El título de este poema invita a la reflexión. Considera la idea de “mirar hacia atrás”: vuelve a leer tus notas del retiro o una entrada de tu diario; siéntate a contemplar una fotografía que hayas tomado o un boceto que hayas dibujado. Échale otro vistazo, simplemente “quédate” con ello por un rato, deja que el Espíritu te guíe. Observa adónde te lleva y qué emociones te despierta. Quizás quieras compartir esta experiencia con alguien.
«Retrospectiva ~ 27 de abril de 2023»
Agradecida por el tiempo tiempo para sencillamente “ser” sin horario sin responsabilidades
Tiempo para estar presente a la belleza dejar que el sube y baja de mareas me lave sin temor ni movimiento forzado
Tiempo para estar atenta al cuerpo poder descansar con abandono caminar sin destino en mente pausar ~ absorber la belleza
Tiempo para sentarse inmóvil sobre la banca favorita y a la vez levantar el vuelo con las aves fijarse en el helecho entre cobija musgosa sobre raíces visibles
Sin limitar mi gratitud a momentos específicos de tiempo simplemente inundada por el conocer la bondad amorosa de nuestro Creador.
Laura Bufano, CSJ 1 de mayo de 2026
Traducido al español por Teresa Ávalos, CSJ
Several years ago, Sister Joan Teresa Groth and I had a conversation about journals; she shared an insight that remained with me. She said that there is no point in keeping journals if we don’t periodically re-read them.
The word retrospective means “looking back.” In writing the poem, I looked back, re-read a journal entry from April 2023. I allowed it to bring me to what I had seen and heard during my retreat; I recalled some of the graced moments of those days. “A Retrospective ~ April 27, 2023” captures the essence of what I had originally written in the journal entry, the fruit of prayerfully revisiting that experience.
The title of this poem offers a suggestion for reflection. Consider “looking back” — re-read your retreat notes or a journal entry; sit with a photograph you may have taken or a sketch you may have drawn. Take another look, simply “be” with it for a while, allow the Spirit to lead you. Notice where it takes you and what emotions it evokes. You may wish to share with someone about the experience.
A Retrospective ~ April 27, 2023
Grateful for time time to simply “be” no schedule no responsibilities
Time to be present to the beauty allow the ebb and flow of tides wash over me without fear or forced movement
Time to listen to my body able to rest with abandon walk with no destination in mind pause ~ drink in the beauty
Time to sit motionless on a “dedicated” bench yet soar with birds in flight notice fiddlehead ferns amid moss coverlets over exposed roots
Could not confine my gratitude to time-specific moments simply awash in the awareness of our Creator’s loving-kindness
Laura Bufano, CSJ May 1, 2026
Dear Family and Friends,
We invite you to participate in our “A Chance to Win, A Chance to Give” drawing.
This drawing supports the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and their ministries while giving you a chance to win exciting prizes. Every entry helps us continue making a lasting difference in the lives of the Dear Neighbor through compassion, hope, and love.
Grand Prize
$3,500
Second Prize
$1,000
Third Prize
$500
Suggested Donation: $5 per ticket | 12 for $50 | 24 for $100
Drawing Date: September 30, 2026 (winners need not be present)
Thank you for your generosity and continued support. Your partnership helps bring God’s love and hope to others.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Marie Aloysius Schuh, CSJ, formerly Sister Mary Greta, who died at the Teresian House in Albany, New York, on August 19, 2026.
Born and raised in Syracuse with her two brothers, Sister Marie was the only daughter of Aloysius and Mary Agnes Capels Schuh. She went to St Anthony’s Parish for both elementary and high school. Sister Marie entered the Sisters of St Joseph of Carondelet in 1953. She earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the College of St. Rose and a master’s in education from Syracuse University.
For 23 years, Sister Marie ministered in schools in the Syracuse and Albany diocese. In 1979, she was missioned to Peru, where she spent the next 40 years among the poor, especially the incarcerated. In 2019, Sister Marie returned to the U.S. where she retired, first to St Joseph’s Provincial House and then to Teresian House in 2023.
No one was a stranger to Sister Marie. She had a deep love and respect for the poor and vulnerable. The men at San Juan de Lurigancho prison, outside of Lima, Peru, looked forward to her presence among them each week as she was a beacon of love and hope for each of them. She is forever held dear in the hearts of our Peruvian sisters and those she ministered to in Peru.
In addition to her parents, Sister Marie Aloysius was predeceased by her brothers, William and Robert. She is survived by Susan Schuh, her sister-in-law, three nieces and one nephew all of whom were very close to her, many grand nieces and nephews and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.
Sister Marie Schuh’s wake will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Monday, August 31, in the Chapel of Saint Joseph’s Provincial House, Latham, with a prayer service at 3:00 p.m. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated in the Provincial House Chapel on Tuesday, September 1st at 10:00 a.m.
Contributions in Sister Marie’s memory may be made to: Office of Mission Advancement, St. Joseph’s Provincial House, 385 Watervliet Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110 or donate online.
November 11, 1938- August 20, 2026
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Margaret Jude Corey, CSJ, who died peacefully on August 20, 2026 at St. John of God Care Center in Los Angeles.
Sister Margaret Jude came with her parents, brother, James, and sister, Katherine, to Los Angeles from Chicago when she was a freshman in high school. She enrolled in Bishop Conaty High School, where she met the Sisters of St Joseph. She said, “Every day I thank God for these special people in my life.” She followed her heart and entered our community in Los Angeles on September 15, 1956.
Affectionately called “Jude” or “Smudge,” she had a gift of optimism that brought a spark of joy and energy wherever she went. For most of her years in ministry, Sister Margaret Jude was a high school math teacher. She was a mentor for many young women and prepared them to meet the challenges of the world and make it a better place. Her love of students and mathematics was a winning combination. She received the Soroptimist International of Downey’s Women of Distinction Award for 1995.
Sister Margaret Jude had a special love for crocheting baby blankets, each one made with patience, tenderness and a kind of prayer woven into every stitch. Those blankets wrapped so many little ones in comfort, just as her presence wrapped our community in kindness.
She also loved watching the Los Angeles Dodgers; baseball always brought her happiness and joy. She often referred to the Dodgers as “my boys.” Some of her final words were “Go Dodgers.” We can only imagine her watching every Dodger game from heaven, cheering them on with that same spirited love.
She taught us in the spirit of the Gospel, “The gift you have received, give as gift.” She indeed, gave us much from her loving, generous spirituality.
We will share funeral arrangements once they are made.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Los Angeles Province, 11999 Chalon Road, Los Angeles, CA 90049 or donate online.
May she rest in peace.
October 29, 1925 – August 18, 2026
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Agatha Grossman, CSJ, who died peacefully on August 18, 2026 at Carondelet Village in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Sister (Ann Frederick) Agatha was born on October 29, 1925 to Anna Leuthard and John F. Grossman in Chokio, Minnesota. She entered the novitiate on September 8, 1945, and professed final vows on August 15, 1951.
She earned an associate’s degree in nursing from the Fargo School of Nursing (Fargo, North Dakota); a bachelor of science degree in nursing from St. Louis University (St. Louis, Missouri); and a master of science degree in nursing from the University of Minnesota (Minneapolis). She also has a certificate as homemaker/home health aide, and took a refresher course in nursing at Lakewood Community College (White Bear Lake, Minnesota).
Sister Agatha worked in St. Paul Province hospitals, including: St. John’s Hospital (Fargo, North Dakota); St. Joseph’s Hospital (St. Paul, Minnesota); St. Michael’s Hospital (Grand Forks, North Dakota); and St. Mary’s Hospital (Minneapolis). She served in health care in the Vice Province of Peru from 1970 to 1983. After returning to the United States, she worked at Sisters Care in St. Paul, Minnesota; at Bethany Convent in St. Paul, Minnesota; in the St. Louis Province ministry in Jonestown, Mississippi; and in outreach to the Hispanic community in Gaylord, Minnesota.
A celebration of life will take place on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul. The service will be livestreamed on the St. Paul Province YouTube channel.
Memorials in her honor preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province Retirement Fund.
Dear Agatha, rest in love and peace.
August 22, 1937 – July 29, 2026
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Sister Diane Hunker, CSJ, who died peacefully on July 29, 2026, at Carondelet Village in St. Paul, Minnesota. She was 89 years old.
Diane was born in Superior, Wisconsin on August 22, 1937, the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, a fitting beginning for her lifelong devotion to Mary. A deep admiration for her first-grade teacher sparked in her a sense of her own calling, and in 1952, at the young age of 15, Diane entered the community of the Sisters of St. Joseph, in Superior, Wisconsin.
Her educational path was extensive and included an LPN Associate Degree from Superior Vocational School (1970), a certification diploma in spiritual direction from St. Louis University (1980), a bachelor of arts in theology from the College of St. Catherine (1991), certification in Clinical Pastoral Education from St. Mary Medical Center, Duluth, Minnesota (1993), and certification in Spiritual Direction from the Center of Spiritual Guidance, St. Paul (1998).
Diane’s vocational journey spanned a wide range of ministries and communities. She was first missioned to teach at several Sisters of St. Joseph-sponsored schools in the Superior, Wisconsin Diocese (1956-70). After nursing school, she served at Holy Family Hospital in Richmond, Wisconsin, and St Francis Nursing Home in Superior, Wisconsin (1977-83). She was then appointed to Crosier Seminary in Onamia, Minnesota as the assistant vocations director and admissions counselor (1984-89). It was during this time that members of Diane’s beloved community in Superior joined with the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, in St. Paul (1986). While there was deep sadness and loss, Diane also felt hope and a deep sense of security for the future.
In 1991, Diane transitioned into pastoral care and chaplaincy work at St. Mary’s Care Center in Madison, Wisconsin; Marian Center in St. Paul, Minnesota; and Benedictine Health Center in Duluth, Minnesota (1991-1999). Her last formal ministry was at Holy Spirit Parish in St. Cloud, Minnesota (2001), where she was beloved and happily served for 15 years as a pastoral associate.
At the close of her life, a dear friend reflected, “Diane was a unique reflection of God’s Love through her compassionate presence, prayerful encouragement and listening heart.”
Diane is preceded in death by her parents James and Julia (McDonald) Hunker. She is survived by her dear friends and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and Consociates.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of the Presentation Chapel, 1884 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul, with burial following at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights. Mass will be livestreamed here.
Memorials in her honor preferred to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Paul Province Retirement Fund.
Dear Diane, rest in love and peace.
About us
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet are a congregation of Catholic sisters. We, and those who share our charism and mission, are motivated in all things by our profound love of God and our dear neighbors. We seek to build communities and bridge divides between people. Since our first sisters gathered in 1650, our members have been called to “do all things of which women are capable.” The first sisters of our congregation arrived in St. Louis, Missouri in 1836, and we now have additional locations in St. Paul, Albany, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Japan and Peru. Today, we commit to respond boldly to injustice and dare to be prophetic.
Contact
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet Congregational Offices
10777 Sunset Office Drive, Ste. 10 St. Louis, MO 63127
