Join Us

As an Associate

If you feel drawn to a greater love of God and neighbor, and desire to be part of a praying, faith sharing and supportive community, you might want to consider becoming a CSJ Associate.

Associates are women and men who align themselves with the Sisters of St. Joseph in their mission and share their charism without making a commitment to a vowed life.

As a CSJ Associate, you’ll join the Sisters in ministries, Local Associate Communities, workshops, days of prayer, retreats and community gatherings.

Process for Becoming a CSJ Associate:

Contact the Co-Directors of the Associates either: S. Phyllis Esposito, CSJ 631.589.0540 or Liz Tully at: etully2003@optonline.net

For one year, you'll be invited to attend local meetings as well as large group meetings in Brentwood. The following year you'll be part of a formal orientation process. At this point you may request association with the Congregation.

The current Local Associate Communities meet at:

St. Athanasius, Brooklyn
Jamaica Community at Immaculate Conception parish
Sacred Heart, North Merrick
Sacred Heart, Hempstead
St. Joseph Renewal Center, Brentwood
Holy Spirit, Nesconset
St. John, Bohemia

If you’d like to join us as a CSJ Associate, please take that first step and contact one of the Co-Directors. Only with your involvement can the Sisters continue their mission to widen God’s circle of love.

New Associates Share Their Reasons for Making a Commitment

Donna Smith
I felt called to the Sister’s of St Joseph’s Associate program after visiting Brentwood and learning about the rich history of the Sisters. I feel blessed to be working with the Sisters their mission of walking with Jesus. I particularly resonate with the Charism of healing and forgiveness as this has been so present to me in my life as well as in the lives of the mentally ill that I serve in my work. Thank you for your prayers.

Pat Murphy
I am from St. Rose of Lima parish in Massapequa. I serve in the choir, in special needs and in prayer shawl ministry. I am a PFI graduate.
I grew up with my cousin Denise playing “nuns”. Our paths diverged as adults. Denise entered your convent and I raised a family. I was thrilled to learn of the Associate program. My life has now come full circle and I can join the Sisters in a different way. I am so happy to share in the CSJ mission.

Ann Curley
As the mother of 3 and grandmother of 8, life is busy. However, God calls and I respond. So here I am seeking association.
The very first time I set foot on the grounds of St. Joseph's and walked up to the Renewal Center passing St. Joseph, I knew there was something here for me. That was in 2002, and while I still don't know what that something is, I feel I'm getting closer.
Thank you for welcoming me and for holding me in prayer.

Sandra Fox
Bonjour, Associates and Sisters of St. Joseph. I just read Emerson, who state’s “Life is Full of surprises”. So it was for me 2 years ago, when I heard about CSJ Associates. I have been attending Associate meeting at Sacred Heart Convent in North Merrick.

I would like to express my immense gratitude for the prayers for myself during this time of discernment.

Bernadette Beck
I am the primary caregiver to both my husband, Jamie and my infirmed mom.
I work at an animal shelter as consolation minister comforting people who have lost their pets.
I have received great support and encouragement from the Associates and Sisters in my local Associate group.

I am thankful for your prayers during this time of discernment

Theresa Fontinell
My husband, Frank, and I have been married for 53 years. We have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. I‘ve been a member of St. Mary’s parish in E. Islip and serve as a Eucharistic Minster, Lector and consolation ministry. I have volunteered at Maria Regina for over 10 yrs. I had worked for the Diocese as a Pastoral Assistant to the Charismatic Prayer groups with S. Marcella Purpura. I am happy to join the Sister’s in their mission.

Karen Anderson

I retired after 27 years as Outreach Coordinator working with S. Phyllis. In my heart I know that I consider myself a lay
minister of the church and due to my retirement there was a very large piece of my life missing.
Through prayer and reflection God revealed to me that this would be the perfect time for me to join the CSJs as an Associate. The charism of the Sisters deeply resonates within my soul.

Carol Hayes
I am a widow, who is blessed with my 3 children and 5 grandchildren. I am very active in my parish, St. Anthony in Oceanside. I am also a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

There is such a sense of belonging and love at Brentwood. The Community, prayers, and events have enriched my life. It is hard to put into words but everything is done with such love. I am excited to join the Associates and Sisters.

Maureen Lalonde
I have 3 wonderful children and 6 grandchildren. I am a Eucharistic Minister and a Consolation Minister at St. Anne Parish, Brentwood. I am a hospitality volunteer at the soup kitchen. I also volunteer at Maria Regina gift shop. I love volunteering and working with people.

Thank you for praying for me during this time of discernment.

The following women are discerning becoming CSJ Associates.

Carol DeMangin
My spiritual journey has been calling

me to “something” for a while now. I feel the need to be in close association with others on the path to discovering who Jesus is for each of us and where He is calling us to be. Thank you for praying for me during this time of discernment.

Maureen

Maureen Clinnin
I have been married to my husband, Ron, for 42 years. I am the mother of six children and grandmother to Ashley and Thomas. I am a participant in various programs in my parish, serving as a lector, in the Mom and Tots program, and with the Women’s Spiritual Growth Group which I love.I am thankful for Sharon Handler for planting the seed. I’m looking forward to becoming a CSJ Associate.

Dr. Mary Anne Geskie
I have been married to Tom for 46 years. I have two children and two grandchildren. I have been a Consulting Psychologist for the CSJs. As I prepared to retire, I felt quite sad that I would lose contact with the CSJs and their mission which I admire and care so deeply about. And so, with eager hopefulness, I found the Associates. The experience has been deeply enriching and it is a true blessing in my life.

Michele Zahradka I am married and have four children. I am involved in my parish, St. Anthony of Padua in Rocky Point. I have a passion for sharing God’s love with
children through the religious education program. I look forward to continuing my journey with God through the Associates and Sisters of St. Joseph. Thank you for all your prayers during this time of discernment.

Mary Ann Gaisser-Sadler
I see my life as a global weaver and communicator between religions, peoples and cultures. I live this out in my parish, in the Society of the Most Holy Trinity and in the Humanistic Center of LI. I am wowed by the moment to moment Love of the Triune God, the Real Presence, the gift of His Mother. I am passionate about loving God and neighbor without distinction.