Ministries
Liturgy Commission serves to provide quality liturgical celebrations within St. Joseph Parish and to coordinate these parish events with the parish staff and other organizations. Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Center.
RCIA (Right of Christian Initiation of Adults) Through the RCIA, the Church initiates new members into the Catholic ChruchThis also applies to children having attained the age of reason (5-6 years old). For children, contact Pam Freyberger, DRE, to begin their initiation, which involves their parents.
Adults interested in joining the Catholic Church or wanting to learn more about Catholic belief/customs may call Sandy Smith, Coordinator of the Inquiry Phase. The inquiry runs year-round so interested persons may begin when they are ready.
Phase 2 is the Catechumenate, which flows out of the Inquiry Stage into more formal gospel study. OUr Catechumenate Coordinator is Deacon Levi Schnellenberger. Lent is Phase 3, during which time the entire parish reflects on their commitment to Christ as baptized Christians. The Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday eveningis the ordinary time we Celebrate baptism, confirmation and Eucharist for both children and adults.
Following the reception of these sacraments, new adult members meet on a regular basis for one year following to continue their formation.
Lectors: Proclaims God's Word to the assembly at our daily, weekend liturgies, and other liturgical celebrations of the parish.
Eucharistic Ministers: Assist in the distribution of communion at the Sunday and weekday liturgies. They also take communion to the homebound, shut-ins and those parishioners who are in nursing homes.
Ushers: The Ushers welcome all who come to worship, provide for the needs of the worshippers, and assist in the overall flow of worship.
Servers: Both YOUTH and ADULT servers help in the smooth flow of the liturgy by assisting the presider at the Eucharist and other liturgical celebrations as needed.
Church Environment: The SACRISTAN and the DECORATIONS strive to provide a worship space that is conducive to prayer and reflects the liturgical seasons of the church year.
Prayer LIne: Prayers of special intentions for those in need during any of life's many difficult hardships; illness, surgery, loss of family, job or home, etc.
Music Ministry: Includes the Adult Choir, Bell Choir, Cantors, Youth Choir and Organ Music.
The St. Joseph's Choir is a group of volunteer singer sustomarily serving at the Sunday 9:00 a.m. Mass. The St. Joseph's Choir rehearses each Thursday from 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. In addition to providing leadership to the choir of the assembly, the ensemble sings the great repertoire of the Church, spanning from medieval chant to new works. All are welcome to join, and an audition is not necessary.For more information contact Paula Alles at the Parish Center.
The St. Joseph's Bell Choir enhances the Masses with liturgical bell ringing. As this ensemble will occasionally accompany the St. Joseph's Choir, instumentalist not in the St.Joseph's Choir are especially encouraged to join.
"Shouts of Joy" - Guitar group pays and sings one Saturday evening Mass per month and rehearses on two Tuesday evenings per month. The group is open to anyone high school age or older and is particularly in need of guitar and bass players. We have instruments available for anyone to whould like to learn. Singers are encouraged to join also, as well as flute, violin, and oboe players. For more information, contact Paula Alles at the Parish Center.
Instrumentalists - Flute, trumpet, and violin players are encouraged to share their musical talent with the church. The music at Saturday evening Mass, as well as the 9:00 and 11:00 on Sunday's would be greatly enhanced by instumental music. Other instruments are also welcome. Please contact Paula Alles at the Parish Center.
The St. Joseph's Youth Choir sings for the Masses on the first and third Sundays of each month at 11:00 a.m. The children's choir is directed by Mary Burke. The choir is open to all singers in grades 3-8. Singers have the choice of rehearsing either Monday or Thursday afternoons. from 3:30-4:30 p.m. For more information please contact Mary Burke.
Cantors - Song leaders are needed at the Saturday 4:00/5:30 p.m., Sunday 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Masses. Any singers high school age and older may serve as cantors. Training and rehearsals are available for new cantors.
Religious Education & Formation
Contact............................Pam Freyberger, Director or Mike Hagerdon, Coordinator of Religious Ed
Following the guidance of the Catholic Diocese of Evansville (Office of Adult Formation), St. Joseph's programs are intended to invite, engage, and encourage all students of all ages to grow and live a life in Christ following the authentic teachings of the Catholic Church.
Programs for children include Pre-school Sunday School and Children's Liturgy for grades 1-4 during Sunday 9:00 am.m Mass (Fall through Spring), weekday catechetical classes for elementary, middle school, and high school students, instruction for First Sacraments for 2nd graders (First Reconciliation and First Eucharist), and formation for Confirmation beginning Sophomore year. "Vacation Bible School" is offered in June for children pre-school through grade 5.
A wonderful program for "special needs" adults (SPRED) meets the first Thursday of each month. For more information, contact Rosina Schuler.
St. Joseph Parish offers a "Catholic Answers Faith Study" for adults on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in room 206. Check the bulletin each week for topics covered in class from September through March. Join the group any time during the year.
Various Bible study groups meet fro fellowship and more intimate knowledge of Christ through scripture. These study groups are organized throughout the year. For more information, watch for notices in the bulletin or contact the Parish Center.
Education Resources (Parish Library)
St. Joseph Parish Library contains offerings of growing in daily living in a spiritual way, a selection of devotional reading and biographies of many saints. There are also materials related to family life. Fora a student of church history, the library includes a series on Vatican II, commentaries on the books of the Bible, as well as a whide range of theological studies. All are welcome to make use of this opportunity to deepen their knowledge and awareness of their faith. Books may be borrowed on the "honor system." The library is open during normal Parish Center hours.
Youth Ministry (St. John Bosco)
Contact.... Becky Siewers, Youth Ministry Coordinator
Bosco Youth Ministry offers activities and events that appeal to high school and middle school students that enable them to live and grow in their Catholic faith; the St. John Bosco Youth Ministry serves the four Jasper Catholic Churches (St. Joseph, Holy Family, Precious Blood, and St. Mary - Ireland). High School gatherings are on scheduled Sundays of the month (August through May), 7:00-8:30 p.m. Middle School gatherings are on scheduled Fridays of the month (September through May), 7:00-8:30 p.m. Other programs currently include "Book Buster" Bible study group (Wednesday evenings 8:30-9:30 p.m. during the school year), Teen Masses (2nd Sundays). A scheudle of other activities is available by contacting Becky Siewers.
