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Celebrating 140 Years of Caring for Minnesota's ChildrenFor 140 years – longer than the light bulb, radio or Coca Cola’s been around – St. Joseph’s Home for Children has cared for children.
About 250 people gathered Thursday, March 19, 2009 on the Feast of St. Joseph to celebrate St. Joe’s history of caring for society’s most vulnerable members. Founded in 1869, the German Catholic Orphan Asylum merged with several other providers, ultimately moved to Minneapolis and became St. Joe’s. Today, St. Joe’s annually meets the needs of about 1,500 children.
The anniversary celebration included a mass, with a homily by Archbishop John Nienstedt, a video presentation and a performance by the musical group The Okee Dokee Brothers.
The crowd of about 250 sang and clapped along as the duo – which describes its musical style as “children’s music with a real folk and roots slant” – played cover versions of “Lean on Me” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.” They also got some help on lead vocals from two St. Joe’s residents during a version of “Wade in the Water.”
 “We had a great time. I thought it was just a blast,” said Justin Lansing, who plays banjo in the band along with guitarist Joe Mailander. The band also volunteers at St. Joe’s on Wednesday nights to play music for some of the children.
Catholic Charities CEO Fr. John Estrem thanked all of the people who have helped the children of St. Joe’s to lead their “best possible lives.” Estrem gave special thanks to Marty Moldo, who volunteers almost daily to help manage St. Joe’s donation warehouse, and Marian Mulcare, who has volunteered at St. Joe’s since 1946.
He also took time to recognize the work of Catholic Charities’ staff.
“The staff at St. Joe’s and the staff who work with children throughout our agency are extraordinarily dedicated,” Estrem said. “Many of them do jobs that, frankly, I could not do. Because of you, St. Joe’s provides hope, courage and love.”
View a video about St. Joe's at Catholic Charities' YouTube channel.Find us on: 
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