Art & Environment Ministry – Just as the term Church refers to the living temple, God’s People, the term church also has been used to describe “the building in which the Christian community gathers to hear the word of God, to pray together, to receive the sacraments, and to celebrate the eucharist.” Liturgical Ministry. That building is both the house of God on earth (domus Dei) and a house fit for the prayers of the saints (domus ecclesiae). Such a house of prayer must be expressive of the presence of God and suited for the celebration of the sacrifice of Christ, as well as reflective of the community that celebrates there. (Built of Living Stones; Par.16) Liturgical Ministry
Altar Linens Ministry – Volunteers for this ministry launder and iron the purificators and small corporals used for Mass. The current commitment is every 7 weeks to pick up the linens for cleaning. If you are interested in this ministry or need additional information, please contact the ministry leader. Liturgical Ministry
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion Ministry (Communion Ministers) – Early Christians called the Eucharist “the breaking of the bread.” When Pope John Paul II declared the Year of the Eucharist, he called the Eucharist “the Soul and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church.” Ministers of the Eucharist are called to serve the very life of the Church, the loving Body and Blood of Christ, by bringing the Eucharist to their fellow parishioners at daily and weekend Masses. Eucharistic Ministers serve the parish community by sharing with them the mystery that makes us one. Eucharistic Ministers serve at the Mass that they generally attend each weekend, and usually serve about once a month. Liturgical Ministry Trained Eucharistic Ministers are mandated by the local Diocese Worth Office of Divine Worship to serve as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist for a definite time period. If you have questions about being a Eucharistic Minister (Communion Minister) or if you know that you are interested in becoming a Eucharistic Minister, please contact the liturgy office. Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for the Care of the Sick – these ministers take communion to the sick and dying. Liturgical Ministry
Lectors are called to proclaim the Word of God at Mass. A lector is a storyteller, called to speak the words of salvation. This ministry requires above all a strong belief in and devotion to the truth proclaimed in the Scripture. Lectors need a loud, clear voice and should be comfortable speaking to large groups. New lectors attend a training/information session, held at various times throughout the year. Lectors are scheduled to serve, in pairs, about once a month. Liturgical Ministry
Ushers and Greeters – Ushers are first and foremost ministers of hospitality, and are entrusted with fostering a sense of welcoming and belonging among those assembled for Mass. Ushers are challenged to see the face of Christ in each person as they enter the church for our community prayer. Liturgical Ministry Ushers greet and seat assembly members as they arrive, take up the collection, direct the assembly at communion time, and greet people as they leave the church. In this ministry of service, ushers are also involved with any special happenings at liturgies, and in assisting those with special needs. Ushers usually serve at the same Mass each weekend. Liturgical Ministry.
Liturgical Ministry MUSIC MINISTRY
The Chorale (Traditional and Mixed) – open to all adults, from high school to the young at heart. There is no audition, and you don’t even have to be able to read music. Liturgical Ministry All you need is a reasonably good singing voice (the ability to match pitch) and be willing to make the commitment. The choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the church and sings every Sunday at the 8:30 am mass. Liturgical Ministry
Cantors – contribute their vocal talents to the liturgy by leading the congregation in the parts of the Mass ordinary, the hymns, and the responsorial psalm. Volunteers who would like to contribute to this ministry are invited to contact the music office to schedule an audition. Confidence in leading psalms, choral or solo vocal training, and sight-reading ability are considered requirements for this important ministry. We use cantors for all liturgies – Sunday weekend masses, weddings, funerals and other special liturgies. Liturgical Ministry
Instrumentalists – we are happy to include instruments in our weekend masses and for special liturgies. Liturgical Ministry If you play a guitar, string, brass, or wind instrument and you would like to contribute your services for selected liturgies, please see the director after mass. All rehearsals are on Wednesdays evenings from 7 pm to 9 pm, however the youth band practice 6 pm to 7pm in the music room. Liturgical Ministry
Agape Group (Folk & Contemporary Group) – is a mixture of vocals and instrumentalist that minister liturgical music, contemporary Christian, praise and worship, and assists the youth singers and band musically. Liturgical Ministry This group rehearses every Wednesdays at 7 pm in the music room and sings 1st and 3rd Sundays at the 11am mass and 3rd Saturdays – musical experience is NOT necessary. Liturgical Ministry
Spirit Group (Folk & Contemporary Group) – is another mixture of vocals and instruments that minister at our 5:30 pm Sunday evening mass. They rehearsal at 7:00 pm on Wednesday night and one hour before mass on Sunday, this group sings every weekend. Liturgical Ministry
Youth Ensemble Singers and Band (Contemporary Group) – is a very specific form of Youth Ministry, wherein special music and efforts are made to reach out to our teens. Praise and Worship music is the norm. This group rehearses every Wednesday from 6 pm to 7 pm in the music room and sings 1st and 3rd Sundays at the 11am Mass. Liturgical Ministry
Combined Choirs of St. Joseph – is a group is made up of all the choirs at St. Joseph and sings primarily for the Church Holy Days and Solemnities – Christmas at Midnight Mass (Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord), Episcopal Celebration presided by the Bishop (Confirmation) and the Easter Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Morning) or on special occasions as requested by the pastor. Liturgical Ministry
Bakhita Choir (Gospel Music, French & African Cultural Music) – is open to all adults, teenagers and anyone who loves to sing liturgical, Gospel, and cultural music to bring our share of diversity in our One, Holy, Catholic, & Apostolic Church. This choir rehearses Saturday nights after the 5:30 pm mass and sings on 2nd and 4th Sundays at 11:00 am and 4th Saturdays at the 5:30 pm liturgy. Liturgical Ministry
Children’s Choir – this choir rehearses every Tuesday when religious education is in session and they sing once a month at the 5:30 pm Sunday Mass, in addition to the Children’s Mass on Christmas Eve. The choir is open to all children in kindergarten through sixth grade. Liturgical Ministry
Coro Hispano de Sta. Joseph – We have Spanish groups: one sings the 1st and 2nd Sunday and the other group sings 3rd and 4th Sundays at 1 pm Spanish language mass. Both groups are composed of mixed adults and teens, primarily Spanish speaking. This choir sings weekly at the Eucharist in Spanish as well as at weddings, holy days, and celebrations closely tied to the Hispanic culture, i.e. Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Via Crucis, etc. Rehearsals are Tuesdays in the music room from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Liturgical Ministry
Sound Ministry – clear and audible communication is an important dimension of every parish liturgical celebration or the quarterly African Continent Mass, and the bi annual Nigerian Mass. Liturgical Ministry
