Ministry of Healthcare

Since the arrival of the Sisters of St. Joseph in St. Paul, our Sisters displayed competency and creativity in as they responded to emerging needs.  In founding, ministering in, supporting, and then relinquishing our hospitals, Sisters involved in health cared demonstrated resiliency and adaptability.  Sisters were not only religious leaders, but also pioneers and innovators in their fields, frequently introducing new services and technologies.

The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet founded the first hospital in Minnesota in 1853, St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul.  In Minneapolis they founded St. Mary's Hospital, which at one time was the largest hospital in the Twin Cities area.  They also founded three hospitals in North Dakota in Grand Forks, Fargo, and Jamestown. 

Growing complexities in health care programs and services changed our relationship with these hospitals, yet we still demonstrate our concern for the unmet needs in health care. 
With the relinquishing of St. Mary's Hospital, the Sisters established the St. Mary's Health Clinics.  These clinics provide health care services to people who do not have medical insurance.  The first clinic opened in 1992 and today eleven free clinics are in operation.

Sisters minister as Chaplains, massage therapists, and holistic care specialists in the Twin Cities area.  In Mississippi and Texas Sisters serve in rural health care clinics.