SJNCFL.ORG
Getting to know our Cohort One
Edition 1: March 2023 - A six month check in.
Inspirational interviews held between Kate Fermani (Case Manager) and our incredible Cohort One mothers.
Thank you, Jon Benoit, of BEHST Builders for hosting a team building event at The JAX Cooking Studio. It was such a fun and delicious way to get to know each other and improve our cooking skills. The class encouraged good communication and strengthened friendships among our Sisters, Cohort One members, coworkers and the BEHST cooking team. It’s the perfect recipe for this SJNC crowd!
On September 12, 2022, we welcomed five amazing women to join us as a part of the
St. Joseph Neighborhood Center community.
A week of orientation included spiritual engagement, with helpful sessions, interactive workshops, campus tours, and social activities. Each event was mindfully developed to prepare our new apprentices for the next 24 months of hard work. Qualified mentors encouraged times of reflection. New friendships were formed among the women. Hearts & minds were open to the opportunities that lay before them.
Below are some scenes captured during orientation week:
St. Benedict The Moor School
The Sisters are proud of the history their congregation shares with the Lincolnville community at St. Benedict the Moor School. By restoring the historic school, they desire to spread God’s love and build hope for the future for young single mothers.
“I don’t just see what it is… I see what it was and what it will be.” Sr. Stephanie Flynn, SSJ, Executive Director of SJNC
A vital part of the SJNC program is learning the history and charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St. Augustine. The first Cohort visited St. Benedict the Moor School as part of this lesson. They paid respect to the students that came before them, and the Sisters who sacrificed so much to serve the Lord by serving the Dear Neighbors of Lincolnville.
"It’s really not about renovating an old building, it’s about renovating the lives of these women." Sr. Kathleen Carr, SSJ, General Superior
Spiritual Direction
Sr. Eileen Marie Flanagan met Cohort One with open arms and this opened their hearts. She will assist the young mothers in becoming more aware of who God is for them. Deep discussion and reflection will help them identify God's presence in their lives and help them to learn they are never alone.
“When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor will flames consume you.” Isaiah 43:2 NAB
The women participated in “getting to know you” meetings; as well as educational sessions such as: identifying your best self, financial fitness, mindfulness in the workplace, the importance of time management, ACE basics, and the Sisters of St. Joseph history, mission and purpose. It was a week filled with group discussions and reflections.
“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.“ Chinese proverb
Orientation concluded with a celebration and a beautiful congregational blessing. In a moving ceremony, each Cohort received a ring engraved with the words ‘Faith over Fear’ as a symbol of their commitment to the SJNC Program.
The congregation and lay staff lined up to offer individual prayer and ask the Lord to bless these mothers and their children. Many felt the presence of the Holy Spirit embracing the women of Cohort One. Many commented that there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
“Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:17
“The Sisters have created a place where we are allowed to be ourselves, and where there is no judgment, only mutual support and encouragement. We are the ‘Fab Five’, we are the Single Mothers of St. Joseph Neighborhood Center. We are grateful and ambitious... watch out world, here we come.”
“Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, as indeed you do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11