February has drawn the St. Joseph Community Health Foundation into a season of celebration, reflection, and hope. Together with the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, we have honored our history, welcomed new inspiration, and prepared to enter the Catholic season of Lent with a renewed commitment to compassion and service.

On February 1, we celebrated the Feast of Saint Katharina Kasper, whose life of humility and service continues to inspire the Foundation’s mission. Her founding of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ in 1851 created a legacy rooted in care for the poor, the sick, and the marginalized, a legacy that lives on in St. Joe’s work today. Her reminder that true love of God brings forth true love of neighbor, remains a guiding light for our foundation.

This year’s feast day also marked the release of “Praying with Saint Katharina Kasper,” a Spirit-filled book by Sister Joetta Huelsmann of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. This book, 25 years in the making, offers readers a chance to meditate on trust, service, and the spiritual convictions that shaped Saint Katharina’s life. We encourage all who are inspired by Saint Katharina to make use of this powerful resource. Copies are available through the Lindenwood Retreat and Conference Center. Please call (574) 935-1780 for more information.

To kick off Lent on Ash Wednesday, the Foundation co-sponsored the annual Servus Omnium breakfast, at the University of Saint Francis, welcoming Kerry Robinson, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA. Her keynote, “People of Hope: A Life of Service and Purpose,” encouraged attendees to recognize how even small acts of generosity can transform lives. St. Joe CEO, Matt Smith, presented Kerry with Sr. Joetta’s new book as a symbol of shared mission. The gathering offered a thoughtful and uplifting beginning to the Lenten season.

Looking forward to Easter, the Foundation continues into Lent, a season of reflection, renewal, and recommitment to the common good. Inspired by Saint Katharina’s simplicity and attentiveness, the Foundation embraces this time through:

• Prayer that opens our hearts to God and to the needs around us
• Fasting that deepens solidarity with neighbors who go without
• Almsgiving that strengthens our community through generous action

These practices remind us that our lives are interconnected and that compassion is at the heart of our mission.

Together, these celebrations and reflections are an invitation to carry Saint Katharina’s spirit of humble service into the weeks ahead, renewing our commitment to hope, dignity, and care for all.