SSJ Mission/Vision

Sisters of Saint Joseph Mission and Vision

Norwood-Fontbonne Academy is a sponsored work of the Sisters of Saint Joseph (SSJs). Through their support of Norwood-Fontbonne Academy, the SSJs continue to fulfill their mission that “all people may be united with God and one another.”
The Sisters of Saint Joseph are committed to working toward active inclusive relationships with the people with whom they serve. They believe that their commitment to collaborate with others helps unite all persons to God and with one another.
Nearly 700 Sisters of St. Joseph serve in “any good work” across 19 states as well as overseas.

• Sisters engage in education at all levels from pre-school through university. They work in diverse forms of spiritual and pastoral ministry, serving in parishes, prisons, hospitals, and nursing homes.
• They offer retreats and spiritual direction, as well as administer religious education, diocesan offices, tutoring, literacy services, and housing projects.
• They participate in lobbying and other efforts to affect systemic change for peace and justice at the national and international levels. Sisters are involved in social justice concerns and modern-day epidemics.

Additionally, the sisters have widened their Congregational family to include SSJ Associates in Mission, a group of lay women and men who share in the Sisters’ mission through prayer and ministry.
Relationships are central to the spirituality and mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph. Norwood-Fontbonne Academy’s curriculum is directly influenced by this spirituality.

• Students are taught that they are loved by God who longs for a meaningful relationship with them. Through the religion curriculum, experiences of prayer and liturgy, and the integration of the SSJ mission across NFA’s Signature Curriculum and programs, students learn how to develop unity and care with one another and all peoples.

NFA’s Service Learning curriculum, in particular, reflects the SSJs’ commitment to seek out relationships with others in need. Outreach at NFA is the face-to-face relationship with brothers and sisters in Christ.
To find out more about the Sisters of Saint Joseph, please visit the SSJ website at www.ssjphila.org.