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Frequently Asked Questions about SJEM Sponsorship

SJEM is a model of Catholic sponsorship called a ministerial public juridic person, a status granted by the Vatican that enables lay people to take on the sponsorship role alongside religious. It was established by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province in 2020. It originally included Avila University, Fontbonne University, St. Joseph’s Academy (St. Louis), St. Joseph Hearing + Speech (formerly St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf), and St. Teresa’s Academy.

SJEM is a model of Catholic sponsorship called a ministerial public juridic person, a status that has been granted to SJEM by the Vatican. Although “ministerial public juridic person” sounds like an individual, it is a canonical term for a group of persons, both lay and religious, who, together, further the mission of the church. This group assumes the responsibility for ensuring the Catholic identity of its sponsored institutions is retained in perpetuity.

SJEM member schools are:

Since their foundation, these institutions have remained true to their Catholic identity and CSSJ values through the sponsorship of the sisters. The sisters are now transferring that sponsorship to SJEM, meaning that SJEM will serve as the bridge between the schools and the church.

The Sisters of St. Joseph are taking a proactive stance as responsible stewards to establish a structure that will ensure the schools they established remain Catholic and true to CSSJ values. The sisters believe the ministerial public juridic person is the next step in the evolution of Catholic education as the laity are already serving as leaders who ensure that the CSSJ mission and Catholic identity is being lived out on their campuses.

It doesn’t. SJEM has been approved by the Vatican. The schools are still Catholic institutions as defined by the church and will maintain a non-profit status.

No, the Sisters will remain active and present at the schools, serving as board members, employees, volunteers and prayer partners. They will also serve as members of SJEM as well as lead the educational formation program for the members.

The school communities are already infused with Catholic and CSJ values. To deepen that spirituality, SJEM will develop a formation program for lay leaders who will then be responsible for continuing the values by implementing programs and activities for faculty, staff and students at their institutions.

SJEM’s members, the lay leaders appointed by the sisters’ province leadership, are chosen based on criteria that demonstrates a commitment to Catholic education ministry in the CSJ tradition. The members are individuals actively involved with the institutions and have knowledge of and a commitment to the ministry of education.

In the spirit of Vatican II, these lay leaders will respond in a new way to their baptismal call as part of the educational ministry of the church. Members are charged with applying Catholic theological tradition, CSJ heritage and Catholic social teaching, identifying and implementing organizational activities at the schools, and taking a leading role in discourse with church leaders.

Day-to-day operations are not affected. Finance, governance and academics of the schools remain the responsibility of administrators and board of trustees. They will collaborate with SJEM on issues of sponsorship. While the school communities can expect little operational change, they can look forward to a renewed focus on programs that explore CSJ spirituality and the Catholic tradition. It also unites the school within a wider network, enhancing opportunities for formation, collaboration, and connection.