Liturgical Ministries

As part of our Mission Statement here at St. Joseph Catholic Church, we “desire to proclaim God’s Kingdom through worship, prayer, formation, service, and fellowship”.  Volunteering for Liturgical & Parish Ministries is one of the easiest ways to serve our parish and greater community. Below please find brief descriptions of the various ministries required to bring our liturgy and parish community to life.  The number of volunteers determines the frequency of service.  Please prayerfully consider volunteering for one or more of these ministries.  If you have additional questions, please call the Parish Office (601) 856-2054.

Liturgical Ministries

Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion - Our Eucharistic Ministry consists of a group of men and women who assist the priest in the distribution of Holy Communion at Sunday Masses and scheduled weekday Masses.  Some Extraordinary Ministers also visit our homebound parishioners.  It is a great privilege to distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to the members of the congregation.  There are some requirements that must be met in order to become a mininster of the Eucharist.  We encourage you to inquire about this very special ministry.  If you would like to be considered for this Ministry, please contact the Parish Office.

Sacristan - This "behind the scenes" ministry is a vital part of the Mass.  Sacristans set up the altar before Mass and clean up after Mass.  Exact duties (laundering linens, replenishing candles, etc.) are determined by the Pastor and depend on the Mass Day and time.  If you are interested in becoming a Sacristan, please contact the Parish Office.

Lectors – any interested adult or high school youth.  Lectors assist during the Liturgy by proclaiming God’s Word and are responsible for the 1^st reading,  2^nd reading and the Prayers of the Faithful at Mass. 

Hospitality/Ushers – any member or family of the parish.  Volunteers are responsible for greeting fellow worshippers, handing out bulletins before Mass (need to arrive about 15 – 20 minutes before Mass begins); picking up the collection in the front section of the church during the Offering and taking up the Gifts.  Ushers are responsible for picking up the collection in the back sections of the church.

Flower Guild – volunteers are scheduled several times a year to prepare arrangements for weekly Masses. For Christmas and Easter we work together as a group to decorate the church.  No experience is necessary—if you need guidance, you’ll receive it!  Guild arrangers help to create an atmosphere of beauty and reverence as a continual reminder of the wonder of the natural world God has given us. If you are interested in becoming a Flower Guild member, please contact Ann Beard.

Music Ministries – Adult volunteer singers needed for adult choir.  Weekly practice is expected, but musical training is not a prerequisite.  The adult choir sings at all Special Masses and throughout the year at various Mass times.  Instrumental musicians of all ages are welcome to participate as well.  Youth singers & musicians are encouraged to participate at Youth Masses.  For more information, please contact Music Director Michael Hrivnak.                         

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”  1 Peter 4:10
 

Parish Ministries

Knights of Columbus – The Knights of Columbus St. Joseph Council 11934 is one of 1400 councils around the world and is part of the largest Catholic fraternal organization for men with over 1.8 million brother Knights.  A condition to membership in the KC’s is that the applicant be a practicing Catholic man in union with the Holy See.  This means that he aspires to live in accord the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church.  For questions about the KC’s, please contact Grand Knight Ned Darbonne.

KC Ladies Auxiliary – Since their inception, the Gluckstadt KC Ladies Auxiliary has worked hard to compliment our Knights of Columbus in their various charitable activities as well as to support our Parish in a variety of ways.  All ladies of the parish are invited to join, please contact Auxiliary President Patti Darbonne with any questions. 

Social Concerns –  This group helps to identify various outreach needs and to spread the Gospel message of service to those in need in the greater Madison County/Gluckstadt community.  St. Joseph parishioners have always been generous in responding to the needs of our community through Coat & Blanket Drives, Food Drives, School Supply Drives, our Parish Christmas Giving Tree Project and many other outreach projects in our community.  Currently, we have a dedicated group who serves lunch twice a month at Our Daily Bread in Canton.  If you would like to be a part of a committee who works with our Pastor and Pastoral/Finance Councils in organizing and recruiting volunteers, please contact the Parish Office.

Youth Ministry – Adult volunteers who wish to help with the Youth Program must attend a Protection of Children training session. For more info, contact Youth Director Patti Greene.

RCIA Team –This team works with persons who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and preparing them to be received into the Church.  The team supports the process through prayer, hospitality, sponsoring of Candidates and possibly helping to teach classes (but teaching is NOT required.)  RCIA classes usually meet each Sunday at 9:30 am beginning in October and culminating at the Easter Vigil Mass.