Movement Towards Union

Since the end of 2006, the Tasmanian and Goulburn Sisters of St Joseph have been taking tentative steps towards unity. In late December 2006 and early January 2007, thirty Sisters from the two Congregations came together at the Emmanuel Centre, Launceston for a four day Assembly during which we “tested the waters” as we reflected on Josephite spirituality and ministry and explored together the possibilities of a shared future.

A Task Force was set up at the Assembly which, over the next two years, would help our two Congregations to ‘stay connected’ and to come to know and understand each other’s stories. In December 2008-January 2009, we gathered again, this time at MacKillop House, Lyneham, ACT for A New Day Conference. During our days together, we recognised amongst us a shared vision and a shared passion and energy for a Josephite future so that by the final session, the fifty-five Sisters who attended had arrived at the very significant decision ‘to explore ways of becoming one congregation that will embrace new forms of being Josephite’

The Leadership Teams of our Congregations are currently working together to assist our members to carry out the mandate of the New Day Conference.