ABOUT US
Saint Martha was created with one goal in mind: Creating beautiful, practical ideas for everyday Catholic hospitality. In hosting, we use our homes as means of quiet but powerful evangelization to those that share our faith and even, perhaps, as the lone spiritual influence for those that don't share our faith life. We hope to bring the Culture of Life to all who enter our doors.
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True, radical hospitality calls to the dignity of each person. The joy guests receive from a generous and warm reception reflects God's joy in us.
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"Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ."
- Saint Pope John Paul II
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Q & A
with Maria; Chief Everything Officer at Saint Martha
WHY DID YOU SELECT ST. MARTHA AS YOUR PATRONESS?
First of all, she loved Jesus. I love Jesus too, so that's something we have in common. She hosted Jesus in her home, she opened her life to Him, his apostles, his followers and took great pride in her service. Secondly, she wasn't perfect: she complained about her sister, she worried a little too much, but she served the greatest Servant, Our Lord. Practically, she likely hosted hundreds of meals, cleaned thousands of feet and cleaned for endless hours to ensure that those that followed Jesus' were comfortable, fed and relaxed to hear the Good News.
WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH THE PINEAPPLEÂ FISH LOGO?
The fishaple/pineafish is a combination of so many things! The fish or Ixthus has been a symbol for Christ since the early days of the Church. Jesus performed a few amazingly hospitable miracles, amongst them the "Loaves and Fishes". My beloved pineapple still is known to represent hospitality, warmth, friendship and generosity.  And so the pineafish was born.
WASN'T IT CRAZY TO START A NEW PROJECT AROUND HOSPITALITY DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC DURING WHICH PEOPLE WERE DISCOURAGED FROM GATHERING IN PERSON?
Probably. But maybe the world needs to hear excitement, passion and ludicrous ideas about hosting people in your spaces and in your hearts now more than ever.
WHO IS THE BRAINS BEHIND THIS OPERATION ANYWAY?
It's me, Maria: olive-lover, rosary-sayer, wine-drinker and hostess with enough cheese in her fridge for a small army. My goal in life is to lead others to Jesus and His Mother through hosting, being hosted and connecting with people. Basically, I party for Jesus. And I'm all in.
I'm a wife to a fireman and a mama to 3 kids I love fiercely. I used to speak German. I've lived on vineyards in Italy, next to pig farms in Indiana, in the lung seizing cold of Minnesota, at a convent on a mountain and, currently, in Texas. I have a career in financial services; but I always expected to be a stay-at-home Mom. I pray a lot of rosaries and have a tiny addition to craft supplies. I'm a daddy's girl, my Mom tries to teach me how to keep plants alive and I am thrilled to be a sister to the two best brothers. I buried my first friend, my mother-in-law, in 2021 and since she passed she has changed how I live my daily life.
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Welcome to the place where I share my calling. I'm so glad you're here and I can't wait to learn about you.