Joan “Julie St. John” Farley

Sister Joan Farley, SNDdeN grew up in Lowell, Massachusetts, a bustling mill town and close-knit Catholic community. Her family lived in the shadow of St. Patrick’s Church, where the rhythm of parish life shaped her early years. Just down the street was the parish school staffed by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, and it was there, in first grade, that she met Sister Elizabeth St. Ann. From that moment, Sister Joan knew the path she wanted to follow: “She was my inspiration. That dream has lasted a lifetime.” 

In 1950, Sister Joan entered the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and took the name Sister Julie St. John. She professed first vows in 1953 and her final vows in 1958. Teaching became her first ministry. She taught at Blessed Sacrament in Cambridge, Massachusetts (1953–56), and at St. Theresa’s in Providence, Rhode Island (1956–59). She went on to serve many years at East Catholic High School in Manchester, Connecticut (1961–69, 1971–74), and later at St. Rose School in East Hartford, Connecticut. 

Sister Joan’s ministry expanded beyond the classroom with two remarkable and grace-filled opportunities. She served as a prison chaplain in Cranston, Rhode Island, offering spiritual care to incarcerated individuals. Later, she joined her twin brother, Father Jack Farley, SVD, in leading parish retreats across the United States. These ministries, she says, “carried me through a lifetime of joy and provided strength to deal with challenging times.” 

Throughout her life, Sister Joan has found profound joy in community living with her SNDdeN Sisters. “It has been a unique grace,” she shares. A favorite scripture continues to sustain her: “Do not be afraid, I am with you. I love you and you are mine.” 

Updated in 2025