CSJ Heritage Center | Avila University

Our Purpose

The CSJ Center will be a lasting tribute and a living legacy to Avila’s founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and the work they have done for the past four centuries. This center is an interactive compilation of three important components — heritage, spirituality and service — a tribute to the historic and ongoing mission of the CSJs and a challenge to propel these life-affirming ideals into the future. It provides Avila University the opportunity to understand, acknowledge and maintain the heritage and charism of the Sisters by creating a legacy wall, heritage center, and programs that pay tribute to their immense contributions to the university, the community, the nation, and the world.

The CSJ Center creates a structure for spiritual and service-based opportunities and training that will empower students, faculty, and staff to learn, develop and articulate the mission and values that the Sisters of St. Joseph have consistently demonstrated in service to the “dear neighbor.” Additionally, it will function as an important academic liaison, educational source, and expanding network of interactions between the university and the Sisters of St. Joseph Global Community. This includes 28 congregations, over 10,000 Sisters and over 5,300 Associates in 50 countries. Enhancing and promoting the Catholic identity of the institution, this center will effectively link the past, present and future of the CSJs, Avila University, and the global community. It creates a living legacy — a gift — to honor the past, enrich the present, and vision the future based on commitment, community and right relationships.