The (Ukrainian-rite) Greek-Catholic congregation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph is a thriving community which enjoys a number of young vocations. The congregation was founded in 1898 in Ukraine with the aim of devoting itself especially to working with children and young people. The sisters care for orphans, run kindergartens and schools and also help the priests in the parishes. Altogether the community has 40 religious sisters in Ukraine, spread across three religious houses. They also have other convents in Poland and Siberia.
In Potelychy, in West Ukraine, a town some 25 miles (40 km) from the capital Lviv, the sisters run an orphanage. It is called „Pysanka“, the Ukrainian word for „Easter egg“. At present there are nine children and young people living there, organised in „family“ groups. Their ages range from four to 19 years old and they are all from broken homes where they have hitherto experienced very little in the way of love or security. There are three sisters, who care lovingly for these young people and try to help them to overcome their psychological hurt and trauma and to form a loving relationship with God.
As for the sisters themselves, however, their own convent is in urgent need of renovation. Above all the draughty windows need to be replaced, since they let in the rain and damp whenever it rains or snows, leaving damp and mouldy patches. Likewise, the electric wiring needs to be replaced and many of the walls re-plastered. ACN is helping with a contribution of 10,000 Euros.
