LAY LEADERS • LITURGICAL MINISTERS • CHURCH LINENS • MUSIC MINISTRY
USHERS & GREETERS • BAPTISM MINISTRY • WEDDING COORDINATOR
CHURCH CLEANERS • FUNERAL LUNCHEONS • COLLECTION COUNTERS

LAY LEADERS OF PRAYER
Leaders of Prayer are lay persons commissioned to lead the faithful in the following acts of worship, which in the past were most often led by ordained clergy. Services that they may provide include:

1. Liturgy of the Hours (Morning and Evening Prayer)
2. Liturgy of the Word
3. Rites from the Order of Christian Funerals, such as the Wake Service and Rite of Committal
4. Public devotions, such as the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, and novenas
5. Sunday celebrations and Holy Days of Obligation when, in an emergency, a priest cannot be present
6. Minor rites within the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults

Leaders of Prayer are to be selected by their pastors, in consultation with parish staff and/or appropriate members of pastoral council, and should be persons who exhibit the following traits:

1. A living appreciation for Scripture and a deep reverence for the Eucharist.
2. An active prayer life and an exemplary moral life.
3. A spirit of cooperative involvement and leadership with the laity and clergy of the parish community.
4. Both a strong desire and an ability to foster liturgical participation.
5. Skills in public speaking.
6. A commitment to ministry and the time to minister.

Formation for Leaders of Prayer is provided by the Diocese, and persons who have successfully completed formation are commissioned by the Bishop for service in their parishes. The commission last for three years and is renewable. St. Joseph's is fortunate to have Al Roberts, Joanne Sawyer and Arlene Hilfer who are currently commissioned to serve as Leaders of Prayer.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS
The Mass servers, lectors, children's homilists, and Eucharistic Ministers lend their talents to help provide a meaningful worship experience, and are trained and coordinated by the Worship Committee, our Director of Religious Education, and the pastor. Look for training and volunteering opportunities by clicking on the button to the right.

Scheduling for Servers, Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers is handled by the DeLair Family. Any major changes are to be called into them prior to the new schedules' release (generally 3-4 months at a time). Liturgical Ministers will be notified when to pick up their new schedules in the narthex. It is each person's responsibility to find a replacement for those occasional times when you are unable to serve in your ministry. Your involvement and participation is appreciated.

Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers
The proclaiming of the Word of God and the distribution of Eucharist are important ways parishioners may minister. Discerned by the pastor, parishioners are asked to serve and informational training sessions are held annually or as needed. Click on training opportunities button for more information.

Altar Servers
Serving the priest during Mass is a very special privilege. Servers help everyone at Mass to pray better by the way they perform their duties and are setting an example for others to follow. Boys and girls 4th grade or older may become altar servers. Training, typically coordinated by the Worship Committee, is usually held once a year (please contact the Parish Office or refer to the bulletin for scheduled training opportunities). Click on training opportunities button for more information.

Eucharistic Bread Bakers
Providing home baked bread for communion at the weekend Masses by following a specific recipe that conforms to the liturgical guidelines, volunteers are scheduled on alternating basis for two or three weekends a year. Training for bakers of our Eucharistic Bread take place on an annual basis by our chairperson, Terry Murphy. Schedules are coordinated through the Parish Office. Click on training opportunities button for more information.

Mass Setup
There are dozens of small details that go into the preparation of each weekend Mass including arranging the altar linens, selecting the Eucharistic service pieces, checking the bread and wine, and other numerous duties. This requires knowledge of the liturgical calendar and close coordination with the Worship Committee. Currently, this is currently handled by Bernice Heritage, Camille Bichsel, Bette Guyette, Anna Wetshtein, Cheryl and Kaley Turner, Barb Colin, Jackie Pender, Elaine and John Eacott, Susan Stark and Ruth Skocdopole. Click on training opportunities button for more information.

MUSIC MINISTRY
Music is considered an integral part of worship at St. Joseph Parish. Cantors, choir, and instrumentalists are all an important and enhancing part of the sacred liturgy. The choir is not just for special occasions.  If you have a love and a talent for music, please consider joining this friendly group and participate in one or more aspects of Music Ministry. Click here for more information. 

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CHURCH LINENS
It is easy to overlook many of the basic, unheralded activities that are needed to keep a parish running smoothly. The church linens including altar and communion cloths, need regular and expert laundering. This task is executed beautifully by Barb Kuzniakowski.

USHERS & HOSPITALITY MINISTERS
This is an important and visible part of St. Joseph Parish. In addition to greeting people as they come into church, ushers assist in the offertory collection and procession, distribute parish bulletins after Mass, and assist in other special duties as needed. If you would like to be an usher/hospitality minister, please contact Parish Office.

BAPTISM MINISTRY
As the first Initiation Sacrament we receive, Baptism is a key event in the lives of those receiving it, their families, and the community of St. Joseph's. Many people in the parish give of their time to make Baptism a memorable experience.
Baptismal Font Maintenance - The baptismal font itself often needs routine maintenance, as well as regular cleaning. This is handled by Kevin Kotkowski.
Baptismal Gowns - For infants particularly, the tradition of a white baptismal garment adds to the beauty and solemnity of the occasion as a sign of the new life of Christ. The tradition of hand crafting baptismal garments for babies and small children and RCIA continues (the late Leona Redhead lovingly provided for many years, then Carol Cox and now Kathy Singer).
For further information on Baptizing your child, click here or contact the Parish Office.

WEDDING COORDINATOR
There is expert, one-to-one assistance available to engaged couples as they contemplate their church wedding. The coordinator, Bernice Heritage, helps them plan the ceremony, the rehearsal, and other details (in addition to meetings with the pastor). If you are planning a wedding, click here or contact the Parish Office.

CHURCH CLEANERS
Our crew of adults, teens and families help keep our worship space clean and welcoming throughout the year. Two people are scheduled about once every six weeks to vacuum and straighten the church and narthex. Before Christmas and Easter, a major cleaning of the church takes place on a designated Saturday morning to help make the church shine for the holidays. New recruits are always welcome. Please contact Parish Office for further details.

FUNERAL LUNCHEONS
The Parish Community of St. Joseph would like to be of service for families in their time of mourning. On behalf of the parish, the ladies of the Funeral Luncheon Committee, coordinated by Jan Huter and under the guidance of Marge Vondle, provide luncheons for a nominal fee. Their delicious menu is: ham, sloppy joes, kielbasa and sauerkraut, scalloped potatoes, green beans, salad tray, buns, bread and homemade desserts. This faithful crew would gladly welcome anyone wishing to join them for this important ministry.

COLLECTION COUNTERS
This group assist the parish by counting collections taken at Masses. Contact Fr. Michael Balash at the Parish Office (330.274.2253) with questions.

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