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All Ministries:
Parish Pastoral Council:
The Council helps set policies, priorities and direction for the parish ministries. It advises the pastor on issues of importance to all parishioners.
Parish Finance Council:
These ministers are knowledgeable in the areas of business, finance and accounting and are responsible for the parish’s financial direction.
Stewardship Commission:
The stewardship commission seeks to educate each parishioner about the needs, recourses and obligations to share time, talent and treasure.
Building & Grounds Commission:
Assesses the physical needs of the parish and coordinates the efforts of the church upkeep.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament:
As Catholics we believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. This means that when the bread and wine are consecrated by a priest through the power of the Holy Spirit, it is no longer bread and wine, but the actual body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. Adoration at St. Joseph is Wed. & Friday mornings, and all day 1st Friday of each month. Guardians for every ½ hour are needed, but everyone is welcome to come and spend time with Jesus during Adoration. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament sign up sheets is available for ½ hour periods.
Annulments:
The Catholic Church teaches that marriage as a sacrament is a covenant of life and love, entered into freely, to establish an enduring and faithful partnership for the giving and receiving of love and for the procreation and education of children. An annulment process is aimed at establishing that the sacramental marriage bond was invalid from the beginning because one or more of these essential conditions were not present at the time of the marriage. During the annulment process you will be assisted by a caseworker. Please contact the Parish Office for information.
Charismatic Prayer Group:
The prayer group is a community of believers who express their relationship with God charismatically. They focus on praise, worship and intercession. St. Joseph’s prayer group meets Friday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.
Coffee and donuts:
The members of this ministry take time on Sunday mornings to serve those who have assembled for Mass. In a very special way these volunteers help to build community in the spirit of Christian hospitality. Coffee, juice and donuts are served in the Parish Hall following the 7:3o and 9:30 a.m. Masses. Donations are welcome. To volunteer help with this ministry, please call the Parish Office.
Bereavement Ministry:
Assists those who have recently experienced a death in their families.
Knights of Columbus:
Catholic men 18 years and older, committed to charity, unity, fraternity, patriotism and defense of the priesthood. The order has been called “the strong right arm of the Church,” and is known for programs of evangelization, Catholic education, civic involvement and aide to those in need. The order also provides the highest quality insurance and annuity products to its members and their families along with many other fraternal benefits. The knights meet every 2nd Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in Room 213.
Maintenance and Beautification Committee:
As our parish continues to grow, so does our maintenance and building upkeep. We need volunteers to help with the cleaning and maintenance of the Church, Class rooms and Parish Hall (every day). On Monday mornings we need volunteers to vacuum, dust, and straighten up the Church. You don’t need to call, just come and join our volunteers. Volunteer to help with the maintenance and beautification of the church property. Many areas of our environment require periodic attention. Weeding our flower beds, collecting trash along entrances and the parking lot. Our plants require watering, fertilizing, pruning and replanting as they grow and the seasons change. We need volunteers who could come and work on Saturday morning. A love of nature and a green thumb are a plus but not necessary.
Marriage Preparation:
A series of meetings required by the Church to prepare for the spiritual, emotional, physical and financial aspects of marriage. Contact a parish priest at least 6 months in advance of your planned wedding date, to make necessary arrangements and undertake marriage preparation. Couples are required to be registered and active in the parish. A wedding date cannot be set until after the initial interview.
Mass Schedulers:
Assign and prepare a monthly schedule of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Lectors, Ushers & Altar Servers for each specific Mass.
Men’s Group:
A night of reflection. Meets every 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.
Money Counters:
Responsible volunteers meet weekly to count the Sunday offertory.
Natural Family Planning:
Have you ever wondered why the Church teaches what they do about contraception? Have you ever wondered what exactly the church’s teaching is? Do you want to know more about natural family planning? Classes are offered by energetic young couples who teach how awesome it is to live this teaching in their marriage. For information, date and times call the Parish Office.
Neo-Catechumenal Way:
Is a post-baptismal renewal ministry for adults, composed of small communities that walk through the traditional steps of Christian baptism, thus arriving at a mature commitment to Christ and His Church.
Parish Picnic:
Prayer Chain:
Prayers are said for those who request them. If you want to add your name or a request to the prayer chain, call the Parish Office.
Welcome Ministry:
A packet of information will be available to new parishioners upon registration to the parish. If you would like to help assemble packets or mail them out, contact the church secretary…..
Women of the Parish/Ladies of St. Joseph:
This group meets monthly for rosary, light dinner, and reflection.
Adult Education Volunteer:
Ongoing formation and education is the responsibility of all Catholic adults. Classes, retreats and other educational events are offered thought the year. Watch the bulletin for this classes. We need volunteers to help to teach some of the classes.
Baptism Preparation Team:
Parents who wish to have their child baptized (under 7 years of age) are required to attend a baptismal preparation class prior to the date of baptism. See the bulletin for the schedule or call the Parish Office. Parents must be active, registered members of the parish for a least three months prior to the baptism. Please check the bulletin for baptismal dates and then come to the office to schedule.
Bible Study – Wed. Morning:
(Friends in the Lord) This group meets Wednesday morning 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. to study the Bible and answer questions about the Roman Catholic faith.
Catholics Returning Home:
Is God calling you to return to the Catholic church? Has your wandering led you to a yearning for the Eucharist? Do you want to re-kindle your faith but aren’t sure what to do next? Is your anger, hurt or bitterness over some past event being overshadowed by a strong urge to find peace in Christ’s love? This five week program is an opportunity for non-practicing Catholics to reacquaint themselves with our Church, our faith, our God. A change to discuss your reasons for leaving the Church as well as what is calling you back. The primary focus of this ministry is to encourage Catholics who have been away from the Church to return to full communion with the Church. Check the bulletin for dates of the next session or call the Parish Office for further information. No registration is necessary.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word Team:
Wednesday Youth Group Volunteer:
Meets monthly for social and spiritual events. Serves 5-8 graders.
Religious Education Teachers:
We are always in need of parishioners who are willing to accept the responsibility of teaching our children. If you are interested in this ministry, please, call the Religious Education Office for more information. We, here at St. Joseph’s, really believe that “teaching is a Work of Heart”.
RCIA/RICA:
Through RCIA/RICA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) adults can become members of the Church. This conversion process, through prayerful discernment, will culminate in the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist), or in the case of a Baptized Christian, (Profession of Faith, Confirmation, Eucharist and Reconciliation), or for adult Catholics seeking to complete their Initiation (Confirmation, Eucharist and Reconciliation). Anyone interested in learning more about the Catholic Church whether they are baptized Catholic, baptized in a Christian Church or un-baptized is welcome. For more information, contact the Parish Office.
Religious Education Volunteer K-8:
English language religious education meets Wednesday evening. Grade K-4, 5:45-6:55 p.m. Grades 5-8 meet from 7:20-8:30 p.m. Spanish language religious education for grades K-5 meet Saturdays 6:00-7:15 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to serve as catechists, substitutes and helpers.
Respect Life:
This committee helps inform the parish and coordinates pro-life efforts and education.
Sponsor Couples for the Engaged:
Sponsors for Adult Initiation RCIA:
Sponsors accompany candidates and catechumens through RCIA/RICA process. By Church law, sponsors need to be fully initiated themselves (Baptism and Confirmation), at least 16 years of age, registered and active parishioners.
Sunday Nursery Volunteer:
The mission of the nursery is to provide parents quiet time with the Lord in His Holy Eucharist, while ministering to the youngest members of our parish. The nursery is available for children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years of age. The nursery is available every Sunday at the 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Masses.
Youth Ministry – Grades 9-12:
(English) Meets on Sunday from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. for religious education, including preparation for confirmation following a two-year program. It serves grades 9-12 and offers continued exploration of their Catholic faith, service projects and fun activities to build community.
Communion for Homebound/Home Visitation:
This group of Eucharistic Ministers bring the Eucharist and fellowship to our home-bound parishioners who cannot be with us in the larger community. Training is mandatory and provided by the parish. Please call the Parish Office to volunteer. If you know of someone who is seek or shut-in, please call us so we can arrange for a priest or Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion to visit.
Hospital/Nursing:
Prison Ministry:
Visit those in the local jails to offer spiritual and emotional assistance to the incarcerated.
St. Vincent de Paul Society:
The St. Vincent the Paul Society is a group dedicated to spreading the Gospel message through acts of charity to the less fortunate. Through generous donations of the Church, our Conference here provides financial aid, operates a food pantry, and provides other assistance to those who are experiencing financial difficulties of some sort. Our SVDP conference here at St. Joseph’s needs volunteers. SDVP meets on the second Monday of the month in room 101 at St. Joseph’s Church at 5:30 p.m.
Altar Guild:
The altar Guild is responsible for keeping the sacred linens and cloths of the altar clean and presentable for the celebration of the Mass. Care for the altar, sanctuary, vessels, vestments, candles and provide for Sunday flowers and seasonal decorations. Altar Guild members take soiled linens home, purify, wash and iron them. Sacristans will be trained how to prepare the linens. Please call the Parish office to volunteer for this ministry.
Altar Servers:
Altar Servers provide a valuable minister to the parish community. The name “server” clearly points out what they do at Mass: serve God and his people by helping the priest and his fellow worshippers to praise God as well as they can. Boys and girls who have received their First Holy Communion and are in 4th grade or higher are enrolled in Religious Education classes at St. Joseph’s or in a Catholic School are invited to serve at the altar during Sunday Liturgy and other liturgical celebrations. Teens are encouraged to participate in this ministry. Altar servers and their parents should be willing to make a commitment to serve on a regular basis. After participating in a training session, they will be put on the Liturgy schedule. Please contact the Parish Office to volunteer.
Art & Environment Team:
Bookstore:
St. Joseph’s Bookstore is a convenient place to buy gifts and books for the whole family. This little store is packed with Rosaries, Bibles, Holy Cards, Crucifixes, Prayer Guides, Studies, and more! The bookstore is run by volunteers and is located next to the narthex. It is open after each mass during the weekends and if you need anything during the week you have to see the secretary.
Cantors:
Children’s Choir (English & Spanish):
All children are invited to sing with our children’s choir. The only stipulation is that they are able to read and willing to learn. They will be taught singing techniques, music theory and liturgy. Rehearsals are schedule in different times. The children sing at special liturgies and occasionally at Mass.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:
This vital ministry assists the clergy in distributing the Eucharist at our weekend Masses. Reverence for the Eucharist is necessary for this ministry. All candidates for this ministry must be registered, active members of St. Joseph’s parish and a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church. Ministers must complete an application and submit it to the Pastor for approval. Upon approval, applicants must attend a training session at St. Joseph’s. At the completion of training they will be commissioned by the Archdiocese as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for three years, placed on the liturgy schedule and asked to serve on a rotating basis.
Hospitality Ministers/Ushers:
Ushers cover all weekend and Holy Day Masses so as to provide greeting and assistance to the Faithful as they enter the church. Ushers assist in finding seating and in maintaining good order during worship. Ushers also take up the offertory collection, hand out bulletins after Mass and help straighten up the sanctuary after each Mass. Ushers should arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the Mass they are serving. Training is required and provided by the Parish. After training, ushers will be put on the schedule and asked to serve on a rotating basis.
Lectors:
In the first part of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Word, God speaks to his people through the Scriptures. A lector is committed to the ministry of the Word of God. Lectors must be an active, registered member and in good standing with the Catholic Church. After attending a training session Lectors will be placed on the Liturgy Schedule.
Music/Choir Ministry:
“To sing once is to pray twice”. Everyone is invited to participate in this vibrant ministry. St. Joseph’s choirs are made up of parishioners with all types of musical gifts and skill levels. There are weekly choir rehearsals, special seasonal rehearsals and concerts. The choir sings at Mass and at special liturgies throughout the year. All voice parts are welcome.
Sacristans:
This is a “servant’s” ministry. Someone who is loyal, has Martha’s hands but Mary’s heart. Sacristans assist in the preparation for Mass and other celebrations by placing vessels and cloths for Mass on the credence and gift tables. After Mass the Sacristan purifies the sacred vessels and returns them to their proper places. Sacristans should arrive at Mass 20 minutes early to setup and then remain after Mass to clean-up. Training is provided by the parish. After training Sacristans will be put on the Liturgy Schedule and asked to serve on a rotating basis.
Wedding Coordinators:
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