It takes many hands to keep the grounds of St Joseph Parish looking beautiful. Anyone interested in adopting an area or flower bed to maintain over the growing season, please call Jen Childress at 533-0914 or via email at fruzel@hotmail.com. Maintaining the area consists of keeping it weeded, adding annual flowers, etc. All help is very much appreciated!!
 

Liturgical Ministry

The most important work of any parish is the celebration of the sacraments in a way that draws people closer to the heart of God. Liturgical ministries are a way of making present and real the mysteries of our faith.

Altar Servers

Altar servers are those who assist the priest and deacon at Mass. This ministry is open to anyone who has completed their sacraments of initiation and is in fourth grade or above. Training is available with Deacon Joe.

Eucharist Ministers

This ministry is an extension of Christ´s love and mercy to all those who seek communion with our God in Christ. Eucharistic ministers are the welcome and hospitality of Christ within our community. Those who are at least 16 years of age and have completed the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) are eligible to participate in this life–giving ministry!

Lectors

Those who proclaim the Word of God bring sacred Scripture to life in our midst. The words of the Law and the prophets become for us living signs of God´s promise to every age. This ministry is open to all who have completed their sacraments of initiation and would be willing to speak at Mass.

Music Ministers

St. Augustine wrote that "those who sing pray twice." Music can be an integral part of every liturgy; instruments, vocal proclamations of liturgy, and being part of a larger choir are all elements of this ministry. Our Masses present opportunities for expressing our love for God musically. If you would like to share your musical gifts or talents with our parish, please consider this a way to add to the vibrant prayer of our community!

Sacristans

Sacristans are those who help prepare the church for Mass on weekends and holy days. They care for the sacred vessels and elements necessary for the sacraments, ensuring that all our positions for ministry are filled, and monitor our supplies for liturgy. This role is open to all adults who would like to assist in this tangible and behind–the–scenes ministry!

Ushers and Greeters

Our Ushers and Greeters are usually the first friendly faces that are encountered as people come to Mass. This is a vital ministry of hospitality and welcome to those who may be new to our community or may require assistance at Mass. This ministry also facilitates our collections and offertory, as well as distributing our bulletins at the end of Mass.

Religious Education Ministry

Adult Education

We strive to challenge all our family members to grow in a deeper spiritual life, nurtured by education and prayer support. This is accomplished by providing weekly faith groups, resources for groups and individuals, and Adult Faith Formation events. We provide the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process for welcoming adults interested in joining the Catholic faith.

Children´s Liturgy of the Word

We offer a Children´s Liturgy of the Word program for pre–school–age children through grade three from September through May, during the Sunday morning 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM Mass.

Elementary Grades K–5

We provide a regular and consistent program that instructs students in understanding our Catholic traditions and values. Our program is offered on Sundays, from September through April. This program encompasses class instruction and family activities.

Sacramental Preparation

We provide sacramental preparation workshops for both parents and children throughout the year of 2nd grade: Reconciliation in the fall, and Confirmation and Eucharist in the spring. Sacramental preparation for older students or adults is provided through additional programs: RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children) or individualized preparation for previously baptized adults.

Youth Grades 6–8 and 9–12

The St. Joseph Parish Youth Program is a place where teens, from around the area, come together in fellowship with one another. Our youth are offered an environment where they learn what it means to live a Christian lifestyle, to be part of the faith community, and where they can learn the history and meaning behind the traditions and beliefs of our Catholic faith.

Vacation Bible School

Children ages K–6 have an opportunity to participate in Vacation Bible School, usually during the second week of July. Children will experience a week of Bible stories, exciting games, hands–on crafts, tasty snacks and unforgettable music.

Coffee & Donut Ministry

Due to the hectic nature of our lives, it is too easy to lose touch with one another. Coffee and Doughnuts is a way of extending our hospitality and care for one another, keeping one another in prayer for the coming week. We need individuals and families to help serve and clean up after Coffee and Doughnuts following each Mass.

Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic, family, fraternal, service organization. Founded in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney in New Haven, CT, the organization has grown to approximately 2 Million members in 16 countries throughout the world and today is still true to its founding principles of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.

Becoming a Knight of Columbus can transform your life as you have the opportunity to support your parish, give back to your community, and grow in your faith. For the year ended December 13, 2014 the Knights of Columbus provided more than 70,000,000 hours of volunteer service and $170,000,000 in contributions worldwide.

Our Council here at St. Joseph Parish is 200 members strong. With the small gift of each individual Knights´ time we are able to accomplish great things as we live the example of Charity. The organization focuses on six different areas of service: Church, Community, Family, Youth, Culture of Life, and Council. A partial listing of some of these activities is as follows:

Coats for Kids
Donation of Wheelchairs to people without mobility
Cutting Firewood for those in need
Aid victims of natural disasters
Support Catholic Charities (CAPA) Childbirth and Parenting Assistance Program
Food for Families
Pray the Rosary Monthly
Support programs that help people with intellectual disabilities
Safe Halloween environment for Parish and neighborhood youth
Parish Wine Experience
Parish Lenten Dinners after Stations of the Cross
Charter Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop
Habitat for Humanity Work
Support Other Charitable Organizations through Fundraising Plays
College Scholarship Money for High School Seniors
Support of our Seminarians through Breakfasts and Other Activities

Ministry of Care

Eucharistic ministry to the homebound is a vital way in which we continue to extend the love and concern of Christ, and our parish, for those who are unable to attend Sunday liturgies. Ministry of Care includes weekly outreach at Avalon Nursing Home and Northpointe Assisted Living Community, with Mass celebrated each month.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting are combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice, which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. The shawl–maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient, intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way. If you knit, crochet, or sew, come share time in prayer, needlework, and fellowship. Meetings are at 7:00 PM on the first and third Thursdays of every month. Attend one or both!!

Social Justice Ministry

This ministry is committed to build a more just and peaceful world. Through words, prayers, and deeds, one must show solidarity with, and compassion for, the poor. The moral test of any society is how it treats its most vulnerable members. The poor have the most urgent moral claim on the conscience of the nation and ministry participants are called to look at public policy decisions in terms of how they affect the poor. St. Joseph Parish´s Social Justice Committee supports the Diocesan Guatemala Commission, and our own missionary activities in Guatemala.

Women's Guild

Our mission is to build fellowship and community among the women of the parish through spiritual, social and charitable activities. The circles of interest listed below are accepting new members any time you´re ready! Each meets on its own schedule, please contact the circle leader shown for more information.