in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown
…women of prayer
…committed to ministry

The Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is blessed with the presence of over sixteen communities of women religious (Sisters) who strive to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The focus of a Sister’s life is twofold-intimacy with God through prayer and love of the Church through service. Her commitment is lived out in community and expressed in a vowed life of simplicity through poverty, faithfulness through celibate chastity and openness to God’s will through obedience.

Depending on her own gifts and the particular focus of her community, the sister whom you may get to know could be a teacher, a parish minister, a social worker, a health care professional, a DRE, a director of low-income housing, an artist, a college professor, a scientist, a comtemplative, a campus minister, a missionary, a lawyer, a retreat director, a prison minister or serve in another vital ministry. She may care for the elderly, work among the poor, educate youth or foster peace and justice. It is not so much what she does, but the person she is within her ministry and her community that is a witness to the value of her consecrated life.

Introduction to Religious Life
…An Opportunity for Discovery

The Director of Vocations will assist a young woman in meeting a Religious Sister currently ministering in our diocese. She will be happy to answer any questions about the charism (focus) of her community and explain the steps involved in discerning a vocation.

Young women are encouraged to participate in “Come and See” vocation awareness days sponsored by different Communities, explore affiliate programs and even collaborate with Sisters in various diocesan ministries.

After an initial meeting and spending time with a Religious Community, the young woman may move to the next pivotal stop along her journey. Entrance into the years of spiritual, intellectual and personal formation that is unique to her community. This period of formation may be followed by novitiate, temporary commitment, and finally, full profession as a woman religious.

Meet Our Sisters!

Carmelite Community of the Word (CCW)
Incarnation Center, Gallitzin (814) 886-4098
e-mail: genadccw@aol.com

Carmelite Sister for the Aged and Infirm (O.Carm)
Garvery Manor, Hollidaysburg (814) 695-5571

Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (SSCJ)
Provincial House, Cresson (814) 886-4223
e-mail: sscjusa@nb.net

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas (RSM)
McAuley Hall, Cresson (814) 886-4159
1-800-795-6279
e-mail: vocations@trymercy.org

Sisters of St. Joseph of Baden (CSJ)
O.L. of Alleghenies Convent, Lilly
(814) 886-5820
e-mail: membrcsj@usaor.net
website: www.stjoseph-baden.org

Sisters of St. Ann (SSA)
Mt. St. Ann, Ebensburg (814) 472-9354

Little Sisters of Jesus (LSJ)
Tunnel Hill, Gallitzin (814) 886-4679
website: www.rc.net/org/littlesisters

Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill (SC)
(412) 661-8545
e-mail: mclark17juno.com

Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale (OSF)
St. Therese Convent, Johnstown (814)536-2287

Dominican Sisters (OP)
I.C. Convent, Lock Haven (570) 748-2365

Felician Sisters (CSSF)
St. Stanislaus Convent, Northern Cambria
(814) 948-6480
website: www.feliciansisters.org

Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth (CSFN)
Jesus the Good Shepherd Convent
105 31st Street, Altoona, PA 16602
(814) 943-9889

Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM)
O.L. of Perpetual Help Convent, Altoona
(814) 942-3819
ihm.marywood.edu

Sisters of St. Agnes (CSA)
Marian House Manor, Altoona
(814) 942-5018

Contemplative Religious Life
Discalced Carmelite Nuns (OCD)
Carmelite Monastery of St. Therese
Loretto (814) 472-8620