S. Kathy Claflin

Name: Sister Kathy Claflin, SSJ
Hometown: East Norriton, PA
Entrance Date: September 12, 1967
First Profession Date: August 15, 1970
Final Profession Date: August 10, 1975

Present Ministry: Vocation Director

What attracted you to Religious Life?

I first met the Sisters of Saint Joseph in seventh grade. During my high school years some were my teachers while others were involved in my after school activities. I experienced the sisters’ love for their ministry as educators and their friendly demeanor with the students. It was obvious to me that they genuinely enjoyed being with one other. Their joy was natural. At mass I witnessed their deep love of God and prayerful presence. As I grew in my faith and love of God, I realized that the sisters mirrored what I desired in my heart. I wanted to make a difference in our world by sharing my love for God with many people. As I pondered what I would do after high school, in my heart I knew God was inviting me to live as a Sister of Saint Joseph.

What do you enjoy most about being a sister?

As a Sister of Saint Joseph I feel blessed to have shared life in community with so many wonderful women. I have had the opportunity of praying, studying, ministering, witnessing, cooking, shopping, laughing, crying, and relaxing with other women who share comparable values and visions. We support, nurture and challenge one another everyday to be our best selves for our world.

What was one of your greatest challenges in learning to live Religious Life?

I grew up with three sisters and two brothers, so I was used to a crowd at home. However, entering a large community and getting to know everyone was initially a challenge. Through the years it has become a gift and blessing to be a member of “The Congregation of the great love of God.”

Name a time when you really knew that you made a difference in someone’s life.

One particular year I encountered a student in my class who was experiencing emotional

difficulties which he periodically brought into the classroom and disrupted the learning environment. I worked with him daily to find ways to control his outburst. Some days were more challenging than others for myself as well as the other students. At the end of the year

this student made me an origami bird with a personal message. It read, “Sister Kathy, I was drowning in the toilet and you pulled me out. Thank you.” I still have the paper bird and note. I knew God used me to make a difference in the life of this young student.

What kind of ministries have you done over the course of your Religious Life?

I have been an educator in grade schools, a pastoral associate in parishes, and presently am the Vocation Director for my community. During my summers as an educator, I volunteered with the poor in rural Appalachia, KY; worked with migrant farmworkers in Gettysburg, PA; companioned teenage girls who were in need of family services and assisted earthquake victims in El Salvador. All of these experiences drew me closer to God and deepened my commitment as a Sister of Saint Joseph.