Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions
Q:	What is the Mission of the Institute?
A:	To teach and to heal.  All of the programs and activities strive to promote relaxation, rejuvenation, healing, personal and professional growth.
Q:	When did the Institute open?
A:	The Institute opened on May 1st, 2005.   The property was purchased three years earlier.  The land had been used more than 100 years ago for farming and logging.  In the late 1800s there was a homestead where the chapel now stands and fields were cleared for farming.  The property was then abandoned during World War I, visited occasionally by hunters and loggers. The President, Jenny Sheetz, designed and decorated all of the buildings.
Q:	What does the Institute do?
A:	The Institute’s primary focus is healing and teaching.         There are 6 areas of activity. Training and meeting services for businesses and organizations Country Inn for couples, individuals and families Retreat Center for individuals and church groups Spa for healing, wellness & renewal School for Massage Therapists and Holistic Healthcare Practitioners Publishing of books, videos and training materials
Q:	Why is the Institute named St. Joseph?
A:	In many Christian Churches, patron saints are chosen as special protectors or guardians over areas of life.  St. Joseph, the stepfather of Jesus, is recognized as the “patron of workers” and “model of workers.”  Catholics believe St. Joseph prays especially for families, fathers, expectant mothers and working people. In the Catholic tradition, St. Joseph is honored with a “Feast Day” on May 1st of each year.  On the Feast of St. Joseph in 1993, Jenny first envisioned the Institute and designed the Wellness Center, which was built 12 years later using that initial concept.
Q:	Is the Institute affiliated with any Church or organization?
A:	The Institute has no affiliation with any group or church.  People of all faith traditions are welcome.  The Christian tradition that is evident throughout the property is presented as non-denominational.  The owners believe that emphasis should be placed on what unites people of faith, and that Christian beliefs should be recognized in how people live with one another.
Q:	Who owns St. Joseph Institute
A:	The principle owners of the Institute are the husband and wife team of Jenny Sheetz and Michael Campbell. Jenny is a professional counselor, nutritionist, bodyworker and author.  She is a native of Altoona and has spent most of her adult life studying and practicing healing through natural means. Michael spent 20 years as CEO of a Toronto based consulting firm that focused on marketing, communications, leadership training and management services.  They have three children.  The two boys are musicians-actors-dancers and are usually found touring somewhere in a theatrical production.  The youngest, a daughter, is a budding scientist, majoring in chemistry and mathematics at Duquesne University.
Q:	Does the Institute offer training programs for organizations and groups?
A:	The Institute has a series of training programs that are customized for each groups.  The areas of expertise include leadership, business ethics, relationship building, communications, problem solving, decision making, conflict resolution and a variety of healing, wellness and spiritual themes.
Q:	Why is the kitchen gluten free?
A:	Many of the health problems that bring people to the Institute can be improved through a change in diet and the avoidance of foods that negatively impact wellness.  This requires our kitchen to accommodate various food allergies and different diets. One of the most difficult food allergies to address is gluten sensitivity.  Gluten, the protein in wheat and most other grains, is found in thousands of food products.  The sensitivity to gluten can be as high as 20 parts per million and the reaction can create flu-like symptoms that last for days and cause damage to the small intestine.  The only way to offer true protection is to ensure that no gluten is allowed into the kitchen. The Institute uses its own recipe for a gluten-free flour that is substituted in recipes that call for flour.  Guests find that our baked goods – cookies, cakes, pies – have a great taste.
Q:	What kind of meals are served at the Institute:
A:	Our goal is to serve healthy meals that are tasty and nutritious.  Meals are prepared from basic ingredients using organic meats and produce as often as possible.  We strive to make each meal nutritionally balanced with portions that are appropriately sized for healthy living.  The cooks try hard to ensure that everyone leaves the dining room with a smile on their face.
Q:	What is the origin of the stain glass and statues in the chapel and surrounding gardens?
A:	The stain glass in the chapel was produced in Munich, Germany 100-150 years ago, and installed in American churches that closed or were destroyed by fire.  Jenny & Michael acquired the glass from a collector near Pittsburgh and had it restored. The Stations of the Cross inside the chapel are more than 75 years old.  They were badly damaged and discolored.  Jenny restored and repainted them. The Statue of Jesus inside the chapel was carved in Portugal.  It is a replica of the statue crafted in 1929 that sought to capture the vision of Jesus recounted by Lucia, the young visionary from Fatima. The outdoor statues and plaques were produced at the Demetz Studio in Italy, which is internationally renowned for religious artwork.
Q:	What is the St. Joseph Foundation?
A:	The owners of the Institute established a special fund for donations.  These monies are used to subsidize the treatments for children and adults who are unable to pay the full cost for healing therapies, counseling, or retreats.
Q:	What happens at the Institute retreats:
A:	The retreat programs offered by the Institute have a teaching focus.  The theme of the retreat is presented in 4 two-hour sessions, beginning Friday night and concluding on Sunday morning.  The programs seek to give people practical skills and knowledge they can integrate into their personal and professional life.  Retreats offer time for rest and relaxation, and opportunities to schedule spa treatments at the Wellness Center.
Q:	Who directs the Wellness Center?
A:	Jenny Sheetz is the director of the Wellness Center.  She trains the staff and develops the protocols for each treatment.  The Institute is very concerned about creating the best possible outcome for each guest that comes for healing.  Our healthcare team works together to create programs and provide treatments to address conditions like chronic pain, fibromyalgia, celiac disease, migraine headaches and carpal tunnel syndrome.  Dr. Hugh Newman, a neurotrauma specialist, serves as our Medical Director.  Our consulting staff also includes chiropractors, physical therapists, nutritionists and other health care experts.
Q:	Is the Institute open year-round?
A:	The Institute operates in all four seasons.  There are limited services on some holidays, such as Thanksgiving.
Q:	Why are there dogs at the Institute?
A:	The Institute has five dogs:  three Golden Retrievers -- Asher, Magellan and Maggie Mae, and two Shih Tzu -- Faith and Grace.  While they are sometimes noisy and excited when new guests arrive, they are all very friendly.  We believe animals can be a great source of comfort to people.  They readily show affection and are very trusting.  Asher, mother of the two younger dogs, is a “therapy dog,” used in counseling.  She has the ability to sense a person’s mood and respond with affection.
Q:	What are the future plans for the Institute?
A:	Our priority is to expand the Wellness Center as well as the healing and training services we offer.  We are also working to expand the variety of activities available to our guests.  A gym, more trails and outside recreation areas were created in late 2007.