St. Joseph Worker Program

The St. Joseph Worker Program empowers women committed to social change to respond to the needs of the times.

Values:
-Community
Forming small intentional communities, St. Joseph Workers focus on living simply and building respectful relationships. Weekly Sharing of the Heart evenings (a Sisters of St. Joseph tradition spanning hundreds of years) allows household members to share and learn from each other. This program informed by a Sharing of the Heart is proven to be highly transformational in terms of personal growth.
-Justice
Justice related work placements (thirty six hours a week) are in the areas of social service, health care, immigration, education and social change and, as the Sisters of St. Joseph have said for nearly 500 years, care for the “Dear Neighbor.” Placements are intended to provide opportunities to serve and learn about direct service and systemic action: the “two feet of justice.”
-Spirituality
Women are encouraged and supported in growing their spiritualty and are invited to experience the spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph who focus on love of God and neighbor without distinction. This spirituality extends beyond religious denomination, recognizing that all living beings are recognized as sacred and deserving of our love and respect. Love of God and neighbor without distinction is the foundation that moves the Sisters into social action.
-Leadership
Everyone leads differently. A well rounded experience in leadership benefits career development, activism, community and civic engagement. Through experiences such as trainings, intentional conversations (one-to-ones), mentorship at service sites and unique leadership opportunities, the St. Joseph Worker Program supports women as they strengthen their individual leadership skills.

Requirements

All women, ages 21 to 30, are invited to apply to the St. Joseph Worker Program.

• Volunteers are matched with a placement site where they serve full-time (36 hours per work week)
• One night a week is designated for "Sharing of the Heart." This CSJ tradition provides Workers with an opportunity to develop spirituality, listen and learn from each other.
• Community nights, retreats, social justice opportunities, and other personal development activities help make the year a truly transformative experience.

St. Joseph Workers receive:

• Room & Board
• Health insurance (premiums and some additional funds toward copays and other medical expenses are covered)
• Transportation to and from placement site
• Living allowance
• Spiritual mentor

Additional benefits may include:

• Graduate or undergraduate course credits through St. Catherine University (some exclusions apply -- please ask)
• College loan forbearance or deferment
• Professional networking and mentor possibilities

The St. Joseph Worker Program is an 11-month program (typically August to June) based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul in Minnesota, U.S.A.

Workers live in intentional community in dedicated St. Joseph Worker houses with other St. Joseph Workers. Currently, St. Joseph Worker houses are located in the Phillips neighborhood in Minneapolis.