The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, the sponsor of the St. Joe Foundation, have a rich charism of striving to listen attentively to the promptings of the Spirit. The Foundation board and staff also continue this charism by prayerfully reflecting upon opportunities to respond to God’s Call to “partner with the Spirit” that appear consistent with the charism of Saint Katharina Kasper and tradition of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ. On these occasions, the Foundation may respond with a special invitation to apply for funding.
The Foundation also honors those who appear to walk in the shoes of the Foundress of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, Saint Katharina Kasper. Saint Katharina was known for her personal poverty, love for the poor, simplicity, humility, and dedication to the service of neighbor out of love for Christ.
Foundation namesake, Saint Joseph of the Holy Family of Nazareth, also inspires through his work and generous presence, in how he cared for and defended Mary and Jesus, delivering them from the violence of the unjust by bringing them to Egypt. Joseph was a just man, hard-working and strong. But he also shows great tenderness, which is not a mark of the weak but of those who are genuinely strong, fully aware of reality and ready to love and serve in humility. He too can teach us how to show care; he inspires the Foundation to support those who also work with generosity and tenderness in protecting this world which God has entrusted to us.
Some of the work inspired by God, Saint Katharina and Saint Joseph include:
Funding in this area is by invitation only.
