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The CSJ Institute welcomed more than 30 Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet from the St. John of God Retirement and Care Center on November 13 for its annual Harvest of Hearts celebration. Co-hosted with the Mount’s student organization Kappa Delta Chi, the event offered students a special opportunity to engage directly with the women whose legacy shapes the Mount’s mission. The gathering also included several residents from St. John of God who joined in the afternoon of conversation, creativity and community.

Despite the drizzly morning, students arrived early to transform the center’s hall with fall leaves, lace and pumpkins. Soft music and a projected woodland cabin scene set a welcoming tone as the sisters entered, many pausing to take in the decorations before settling in at tables with the 16 Mount students.

For first-year student and CSJ Institute archival assistant Genesis Lazcano, the afternoon became a meaningful lesson in connection. “I really enjoyed my conversations with Sister Kathleen [McCarthy], Sister Pat [Moore] and Sister Teresita [Espinosa],” she said.

"These moments are exactly what the Institute hopes to cultivate," said Shannon Green, senior director of the CSJ Institute. “Our students know the inspiring history of our founders, and we want to give them opportunities to meet our sisters, hear their stories and build authentic relationships. The CSJs love hearing about what is happening at the Mount, and our students are seeking that real-life connection.”

The program paired light refreshments with a hands-on activity that encouraged collaboration, creating Thanksgiving and Christmas cards using art materials provided by the Institute. Students assisted sisters as needed, and the room filled with conversation, storytelling and bursts of laughter. 

The impact extended beyond the event. “Our members had a wonderful time, and we look forward to collaborating [with the CSJ Institute] in the future,” said Kappa Delta Chi Vice President Grecia Lopez.

By bringing students and sisters together, the Harvest of Hearts celebration continues to strengthen the relational thread that ties the Mount community to its CSJ heritage.