St. Joseph Church

The St. Joseph Friendship Ministry is the place for any adult/teen with an intellectual disability to find of a place of belonging in our church.  It is a place for faith, friendship and fun.  It is a place where friends and mentors grow together in relationship to Jesus Christ, one another, and the church.  Sessions include singing, sharing, Scripture lessons, crafts, games and more.  The group meets on Monday evenings in the Community Center from 6:30-8:30 during the summer months and from 7:00-8:30 on alternate Monday evenings during the fall months.  For more specific information please contact Diana Englund at 899-6194 or pick up a brochure on the Bulletin Board in the Community Center.  We invite any parish member and those outside of the parish to participate in this special program for persons with intellectual disabilities. 

LENDING LIBRARY

 The parish LENDING LIBRARY is located in the Community Center on the first floor and is available to all who would like to sign out a book, CD, video, etc. for home use.  There is a great variety of religious topics and documents included in our media.

NEW MEMBER CLASSES

NEW MEMBER CLASSES are held for those who have registered to become parishioners.  Our newest parishioners are required to attend the three classes (or borrow DVDs if they cannot attend) so that they know who we are as a parish and why we do the things we do.  Father Larry teaches the classes, the topics of which are “The Lordship of Jesus,” “Worship,”, and “Service.”

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

  RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSES for grades Pre-K through 6 are held in our Community Center on Sundays from 9:45 AM to 10:50 AM, from September to June.  Classes for our teens, grades 7 through 10, are held bi-weekly on Sunday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, also from September to June.  Confirmation classes are  held bi-weekly on Sunday evenings in the home of the instructors.

 SPECIAL CHILDREN’S LITURGIES are planned once a month by the Religious Education Director and the teachers.  Each individual class participates in one of the liturgies by reading, greeting, and carrying the gifts in the Offertory procession.

 CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD takes place during the 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM Masses on Sundays.  After a blessing from the celebrant and the congregation, the children, from age 4 years until pre-First Communion, are led by their teacher to their room, where they hear the Sunday scriptures read and explained in words they can understand. A craft pertaining to the readings of the day is then distributed for the children to complete, after which the children are brought back into the Sunday Mass. Children’s Liturgy of the Word is one way to nurture our youngest children in their faith. 

BAPTISMAL CLASS is offered once a month for new parents.  Parents are required to attend only once — prior to the time of their first child’s Baptism. Instruction includes information about the sacrament itself, the selection of Godparents, and other pertinent information.

 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS), held usually in June, is a week-long “vacation” for all of our youngsters, ages 4 through fourth grade.  Through skits, songs, catechesis, and crafts, the children will learn about their faith and family values. The week culminates on Friday with celebration of Mass together, a musical performance by the children, and  a group lunch.  Adult and teen volunteers are always needed and most welcome!

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults)

RCIA meetings are designed for adults who are considering becoming Catholic, those who would like to know more about the Catholic faith, and any adult who would like to receive the sacrament of Confirmation.  Classes begin in October and are held on Sundays from 9:45 to 10:55 AM in the Community Center. Those who want to become Catholic or come into full communion with the Catholic Church are brought into the church at the Easter Vigil.