The Sisters of St. Joseph were founded in Le Puy, France, on October 15, 1650. The first Sisters divided the city and went among the people to do what was needed.
In 1836, six Sisters left France and came to Carondelet, Missouri. From there, the Sisters of St. Joseph were established in many areas of the United States.
Four Sisters traveled up the Mississippi River and arrived in St. Paul, Minnesota, on November 3, 1851. Again, they did what needed to be done. They taught immigrants and Native American children, and provided health care during a chlorea epidemic.
Eventually, the Sisters opened more than 100 institutions for education and health care in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Today, the Sisters of St. Joseph ministries in education, health care, social service and spirituality continue to respond to the needs of the times. CSJ ministries teach English as a second language, help women in transition, provide health care for the uninsured and offer spiritual direction.
