If you enjoy learning about our faith, teaching children or sharing your faith with others, consider joining one of our teaching ministries.
youth formation
CATECHIST Do you enjoy working with children? Do you have a desire to share our faith? Are you looking for a way to serve our parish? Then you might enjoy being a catechist! Lesson plans and supplies are provided for you. You can partner with another catechist and be an assistant, lead catechist or co-catechist. Childcare is available for volunteers with younger children. Volunteers teach once per week from September through April for grades 1-5 and from October through March for grades 6-8.
LECTOR FOR CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD On Sundays during the 9am and 10:45am Mass, we share the teachings of Jesus with our children in a format they can easily understand. Lectors read the Gospel and then give a short reflection in a way that’s accessible to children. Lectors also lead the group in the Creed and Prayers of the. Lectors work in teams of two. Books and training are provided.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CATECHIST Children in Preschool (ages 3-4) or Kindergarten have the opportunity to attend Sunday School from October through May at the 10:45am Mass. Catechists lead the children in prayer and song, read Bible stories, and teach about our faith in a way that is accessible to young children.
YOUTH GROUP Whether it's in our middle school group "FLOW" or "J-Walkers" for high schoolers, our hope for all kids at St. Joe's is that they come to believe the words Pope Francis called all catechists to impart to our youth: “Jesus Christ loves you; he gave his life to save you; and now he is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.” If you have a knack for working with middle or high school kids, come join our ministry!
►Sign up to help with Youth Group
MENTORS FOR SEEKERS New Ministry to St. Joseph Parish. Asking for a core group of volunteers to journey with individuals seeking a deeper relationship with God but may not be quite ready for OCIA, ALPHA and the like. Formation will be provided.
SCRIPTURE STUDY For parents, grandparents, or other caregivers of RE students Seeking volunteers to lead one hour and a half sessions during Religious Education classes for caregivers of students. Time spent will be breaking open the Sunday Gospels in a Scripture Study type format.
OCIA TEAM MEMBER OCIA is the "Order of Christian Initiation of Adults" which is the process used to initiate adults into the Catholic faith. OCIA team leaders journey with Candidates and Catechumens. They attend weekly meetings on Wednesday evenings (from September through May) and help to lead small group discussions. Some team members also serve as sponsors. Team members encourage and/or invite participation in parish events and activities. Most importantly, team members are a witness to their faith and an important link to the parish community. To be a team member you should be a fully initiated, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church. You should have a love for the Catholic Faith and have a desire and willingness to share it with others.