Our Community was founded in Baltimore in 1974 by Sister Mary Elizabeth Gintling. Inspired by Charles de Foucauld and the writings of Rene Voillaume, Sister Mary Elizabeth chose to follow Jesus in a simple, contemplative lifestyle, serving the poor and striving for peace and justice.

Today our Motherhouse is located in Salisbury, Maryland, within the boundaries of the Diocese of Wilmington. Daily Mass, liturgical prayer, contemplation, adoration, and community life provide the framework of our ministry, which consists of:

Joseph House Crisis Center: a social service center for low-income families and individuals.
Joseph House Workshop: a residential job-readiness program for homeless men
Joseph House by the Sea: a religious gift and book store in Ocean City Maryland.
Representative Payee Program: a service to help people one-on-one with budgeting and money management.
Good Neighbor Program: a service of assistance to the elderly and the homebound.
We are also involved with the Village of Hope: a residential life-training program for homeless women (with and without children). Attached to the Village is also a medical clinic, for low income patients.

Our novitiate (St. Joseph Cloister) is located in Princess Anne, Maryland.
Women aged 21-50, who are practicing Roman Catholics with a high school diploma, may apply.

We pray that Jesus will speak to those He desires for this beautiful life of service and prayer.