Eucharistic Ministers

Eucharistic Ministers distribute the body and blood of our Lord and experience the profound level of significance that the Eucharist holds in the life of the church.  A spirit of reverent service to Christ, present in the Eucharist, is at the very heart of this ministry. 

This is a grace ministry.  By serving as a minister of Communion, you will be witnessing Christ's own loving service to the members of the parish community.  If you are called to this ministry, please contact the rectory. 

To view the schedule for July 31 - October 31, 20110, Click Here.

Lectors

Public reading of the Scriptures is a very important ministry, which needs to be done with competence and skill in order that the worship of the community can take place.  In our parish, we have two or three lectors at each mass.  

To be an effective lector there needs to be adequate preparation, which includes study, prayer and practice.  Lectors should have a loud, clear and unhurried speaking voice.  If you are called to this ministry, please contact the rectory for further information.

To view the schedule for July 31 - October 31, 2010, Click Here.

Music Ministries

St. Joseph's Choir is directed by Mr. Steve Francis.

"From the Heart" singers.

Ushers

Ushers welcome people as they gather for Mass.  Ushers may help seat people or assist the physically disabled or elderly.  They should be easily visible if someone needs assistance.  Ushers take up the collection and help direct the congregation at communion time.  They distribute bulletins  and other materials as needed.  Ushers are observant and stay alert should they need to assist someone that becomes ill or has a medical emergency.  After Mass, ushers ensure that everything is in order in church and in the gathering area. 

If you are called to this ministry, please contact the rectory for further information.

Altar Servers

The altar servers assist the priest presiding at mass.  There are different duties for each server, such as the Cross bearer, and Candle Bearers.  Altar servers may be boys or girls and must be in 4th grade or older.  A training session is held each year.  In addition to weekend masses, servers are also asked to serve at special liturgies such as funerals, weddings and holydays.  It is important that all mass servers are mature and reverent during mass.

To view the Altar Server Schedule for July 31 - October 31, 2010, Click Here.

Greeters

A Greeter welcomes and invites people as they gather for mass.  They are ministers of hospitality.  St. Joseph Parish typically requires at least two people (or a family) at the main entrance to the church.  They should be easily visible at the doors of the church before mass if someone needs assistance or directions to a particular area in the church. 

If you are called to this ministry, please contact the rectory for further information.

To view the schedule for July 31 - October 31, 2010, Click Here.

Children's Liturgy 

St. Joseph Family Parish celebrates Children's Liturgy of the Word at the 8:30 a.m. family mass.  Children's Liturgy of the Word essentially is worship, and not necessarily catechesis.  We do not take part in Children's Liturgy first and foremost to receive information, but to put into practice the Word of God; a moment of salvation in which the living God communicates life to God's holy people and in which that people respond with adoration, praise and thanksgiving.

What happens during Liturgy of the Word for Children:                                                                 

     All gather in the main church for the gathering rite

   After the opening prayer, the Pastor calls the children forward and presents the book of

     God's Word to the children's Minister of the Word

   The children follow their leader to the sacristy for the celebration of the Word which is read

      by them at their own level

   The children's Liturgy of the Word follows the structure of the celebration by the adults:

      Old Testament Reading, Responsorial Psalm, New Testament Reading, Gospel and

      reflection and participation by the children and the Minister of the Word

   The children's Minister uses booklets and handouts approved by the Catholic Church in

      their reflection with the children

   The children return to the assembly before the Profession of Faith and continue to

      celebrate Mass around the table as one family of faith.

Children's Liturgy of the Word is very fulfilling way to teach the young children of our Parish the Word of God.  The Ministers of Children's Liturgy of the Word follow a five-week rotating schedule created well in advance. Reflection material used during Children's Liturgy is provided courtesy of the Parish. If you are interested in being a Minister for Children's Liturgy of the Word, please contact Dana Whittlesy, coordinator, at 330-947-2417 or Bwhittlesey@neo.rr.com.