Parish Pastoral Council

The Pastoral Council is comprised of approximately 15 members that represent parish organizations, the school and the parish at large. The pastor appoints the Council’s members, and the members elect officers. Our mission is to assist the pastor in the spiritual formation of the parish community, particularly as it relates to the teachings of the Gospel. Additionally, the Council serves in a communications and advisory capacity to the pastor. The Council also provides leadership by coordinating parish efforts consistent with the Bishop’s Pastoral Plan. The Pastoral Plan is a three-year outreach to enhance the spiritual life of the parish community. Our Council has chosen "Family Life" as our parish theme and coordinates efforts to increase and enhance family-oriented spiritual growth. The Council meets once a month.

Small Faith Sharing Communities

The Small Faith Sharing Communities are intended to bring together a rich experience of prayer, silence, and faith sharing. Small groups of 8-10 people meet in the homes of participants to pray with God's Word. Forming community and growing in our Faith are the goals of (SFSC), so that the fruit of our prayer is outreach at home and in the world. "you may look lightly upon scripture and see nothing, meditate and pray upon it in community and there you shall see the light of the Son!"

Perpetual Adoration

Perpetual Adoration means the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and Jesus is present to love us and receive our love every hour, every day, 365 days a year. It is a graced commitment to share 168 hours each week with fellow parishioners (and neighbors) in constant vigil before the Blessed Sacrament. It is a time of great spiritual growth for others and us. We ask participants to commit to an hour at a specific time each week. Your faithful adherence to this commitment is a precious expression of faith and a demonstration that you love and adore Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. It is a special time of grace.

R.C.I.A.

This program is for those seeking Christ through Baptismal and full communion with the Catholic Church. The rite of Christian initiation for Adults (R.C.I.A.) is the formation process for those who are seeking to become members of the Catholic faith community. It is a formation process rather than just an instruction class. Although it does have instruction as part of the process, the focus is on conversion and initiation into the community of faith. The hope is that those wanting to become Catholic, will not only learn about what it means to be Catholic, but that they will experience the faith of those who are already members of the Church.

Each Catechumen has a sponsor who journeys with them through the process. The role of the sponsor is one who shares his or her faith with the catechumen. People interested in our Catholic Faith may inquire anytime in the calendar year.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers

Confirmed, practicing Catholic men and women of demonstrated Christian dedication and commitment to the Parish and the Church are appointed annually to this Ministry. Once a month, they assist in distributing Holy Communion at Mass. Some ministers take the Eucharist to the sick who are confined in hospitals, nursing homes, or home bound. The Lay Ministers serve by appointment of the Pastor of the Parish and the Bishop of the Diocese.

Music Ministry

St. Augustine believed that those who sing pray twice. We have found that those who share their gift of music receive, in return, too many blessings to count! The adult choir rehearses weekly for two hours and sings at the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Sundays. Additionally, the adult choir sings for holidays and feast days. Several other ensembles sing at various Masses. New voices are always welcome. Formal voice training or the ability to read music is not required. If you are interested, we invite you to join us and bring your love for singing praises to God! We also need instrumentalists, particularly those who play the flute, violin, or horn, for many liturgical celebrations throughout the year.

Little Rock Scripture Study -- (suspended for now)

Little Rock Scripture Study can lead you and your parish to a:

• Fuller understanding of the Bible
• Richer appreciation of the faith tradition of the Church
• Deeper, more personal relationship with God
• Stronger sense of family faith and prayer
• Fuller experience of Christian community

The Scripture study program combines personal Bible reading and study, small-group faith sharing, lecture and prayer in an informal setting. Come join us and learn to make the real connection between your faith and your everyday life. LET THE WORD OF GOD INFLUENCE YOUR BUSY LIFE!

Liturgy Board

The purpose of the Liturgy Board is to aid the people in celebrating the Eucharist and other Sacraments. It is also to keep abreast and conform to the regulations established by the Church. The Liturgy Board recommends adoption of specific liturgical practices to the parish clergy and to aid in it's preparation. Representation from the Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, Choir, Ushers, Children's Liturgy and Liturgical Art serves on this Board. At least one member of the Liturgy Board is to be a member of the Parish Council. All parishioners interested in liturgy are welcome to participate.

Marian Devotion

Marian devotion in St. Joseph’s Parish is active in numerous ways. Each morning before the 8:30 a.m. Mass, we recite the Holy Rosary. Every Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. we gather in the Church for the rosary, confessions, Mass and a special blessing. We have processions and celebrations throughout the year, for example, the Sunday after Easter for the Divine Mercy devotion, in May for the crowning of Mary, in October for the month of the rosary, and in December for the Hour of Grace. Come and join us each Tuesday night for a beautiful evening of prayer and a special, personal experience with Our Blessed Mother.

Welcoming Commission

An important aspect of our parish life is the welcoming of people to our faith community with warm hospitality! The Welcoming Commission is responsible for conducting home visits and responding in ways which help parishioners to get and stay in touch with the larger faith community. To help deepen one's sense of Belonging! Welcoming returning Catholics (Those who have been away from church for awhile and find themselves distanced from their faith and traditions is another important ministry for the Welcoming Commission.)

St. Joseph's Grief Ministry

The purpose of St. Joseph's Grief Ministry is to provide pastoral care for members of the parish who are experiencing the effects of loss or change in their lives. Grief ministers are specially trained to offer individual and group support, affirmation and education within a Catholic faith centered environment. Annually, the Grief Ministry facilitates a seven week informational and support seminar that is available to parishioners and the public

Prison Ministry

In prisons, jails and juvenile institutions, we recognize the broken body of Jesus and we are committed to accompany incarcerated men, women and children toward healing and Gospel liberation. We work toward greater peace and justice and non-violently resist all that depersonalizes, dehumanizes and demoralizes the human spirit and takes away human dignity. Prison Ministry is one form of ministry in the Church, which takes seriously the prophetic challenge, presented in the Gospel message "the liberation for all people."

First Friday Mass and Devotion

Inspired by our Lord’s promise and love to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, the BLD Charismatic Covenant Community sponsors the First Friday Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Confessions at 6:30 p.m. and Mass and blessing are on the first Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Church.- BLD (Bukas-Loob sa Diyos) means openness to God, and being attuned in Spirit to Him who loves us and has given Himself up for us.- We meet every Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the St. Joseph Annex for praise and worship.- We focus on sharing of the Word, and have scheduled Marriage, Singles, Solo Parent, Youth and Family Encounters, as well as Life in the spirit Seminars.

The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree is a Christmas outreach program to collect funds to assist parishioners in need throughout the year. Through an envelope appeal on the 2nd Sunday of Advent, funds are collected to assist St. Vincent de Paul, First Way, Hospice, The Food Bank, Overseas Aid, Our Seminarians, Our Elderly and Children in need. Whenever possible, The Giving Tree Fund also helps other needy in the area if no other help is available.

St. Vincent De Paul Society

A charitable organization established in 1811 for the purpose of visiting the poor in their homes and lending both material and spiritual assistance. Membership is limited to Catholic men and women, eighteen years and older. The Society utilizes the donations of parishioners to carry on its work of assisting those in need.

Volunteer Chore Service

Volunteer Chore Service fills the needs of the elderly and handicapped in our community by providing transportation, doing light housekeeping, cooking, laundry, minor home repairs, or yard work or providing companionship. Do you have an hour or more to share with someone who needs your help?

Hospital Ministry

We visit all parishioners in the hospital and offer Holy Communion. If requested, a priest will pay a visit and offer Reconciliation or Anointing of the Sick. If someone in your family is scheduled for a hospital stay, please let us know so we can arrange a visit at a convenient time for patient and family.

Mass Lectors

Men and women with strong, easy-to-understand speaking voices are invited to serve as Lectors at Mass. If you have a great desire to proclaim God’s Word and are interested in this spiritually rewarding activity, contact the Parish Office.

Ushers

This organization of parish members provides the ushering service at the celebration of Mass and other ceremonies. Their main task is to welcome all as they come to celebrate and see to their needs. Their other duties include taking up the collection, inviting a family to present the offertory gifts, maintaining a Mass count and making sure the church is in proper order after Mass.

Alter Servers

All boys and girls (4th grade and above) are encouraged to serve the priest at the altar. Training is provided. Promptness, reverence, and attention are requisites.

Environment-Liturgical Art

The Environmental Committee helps the church community celebrate the changing liturgical seasons by using color and symbols found in Scripture. The church year is divided into three seasons:  Advent-Christmastime, Lent-Eastertime and Ordinary time. Each season is represented by a specific color and unique symbols. Creating an inviting and prayerful atmosphere through the use of these visual aids is the goal of our ministry.

Volunteer Services and Skills Bank

Parishioners are welcome to offer help in the office weekly or monthly and assist ion the parish mailing team. Other services such as yard work, painting, electrical help, tree trimming, are appreciated on a one time basis allowing their name to be placed in a Skills Bank and be willing to be called occasionally when needed.

Religious Education Program

The Religious Education Program provides Catholic instruction and experience for children attending public school. The purpose of catechesis is “to make a person’s faith become living, conscious, and active through the light of instruction” (National Catechetical Directory). Classes for all levels are held from September through May. The Religious Education Program also provides Sacrament Preparation for young people from 2nd through 12th grade.  Sacramental Prep is a two year program.

Adult Education

According to the National Catechetical Directory, adult catechesis must be considered the chief form of catechesis that helps us “to grow to maturity of faith as members of the Church and society.” Various Adult Education opportunities (evenings/series) are provided throughout the year covering topics such as Scripture, Sacrament preparation, Prayer, Family, and other topics as suggested by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. For information on Faith Development programs, contact the Religious Ed and Youth Ministry Office.

Youth Ministry

Motivated by the call to service, our Parish Community seeks to meet the spiritual, educational, athletic, and social needs of our youth in a spirit of Christian witness. We feel that youth ministry is a Parish responsibility and with the aid for many members and supporting organizations, we strive to meet these needs.

Children's Liturgy of the Word

From September to June on the first and third Sunday of the month, children from preschool to 8th-grade meet during the 11 a.m. Mass in the old Church basement for Children’s Liturgy of the Word. The children watch and listen as the day’s readings and Gospel are read and explained to them in a kid-friendly way. Afterwards, the children break into age-related groups for activities and discussion. The children rejoin their families at the Offertory of the Mass. Children’s Liturgy uses plays, puppets, slide shows, videos, games, crafts etc. to bring God’s word alive and it’s all done in a record-breaking 20 minutes. In addition to regular Sunday sessions, the Children’s Liturgy committee plans special liturgies at various times during the year. They traditionally plan children’s Masses at Christmas and Easter. Parents are encouraged to accompany little ones who are shy. The Children’s Liturgy committee meets the first Monday of the month in the Nursery at 7:30 p.m. We need volunteers.

Altar Linen Care

Each week a group of dedicated women wash and iron linens used at Mass according to a specific formula. These women pick up the linens from the Parish Office on Monday and return them by the following Saturday. This is a loving and much needed service for the Lord.

Women of St. Joseph's

The ladies of this parish, and those involved in St. Joseph's School, serve the parish community in a variety of ways. Among the many activities are the Christmas Bazaar, semi-annual yard sales, layettes for babies, helping with Mayfest and providing funeral dinners. Proceeds from the fund raising projects go for the care of the altar vestments and linens as well as for other identified needs of the church. Social events are also an important component of this organization.

Knights of Columbus #8179

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic fraternal service organization for men, eighteen (18) years of age or over. Council 8179 offers church related activities, insurance protection for its members and families, social outlets, community service, family oriented events, youth programs, as well as vocational and Pro-life support. The Order dedicates themselves to the ideals of Columbianism: Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism.

Cursillo Movement

The Cursillo has a goal - to change the world; to remake the world in Christ; to restore all things to Christ. And the Cursillo has a strategy, the strategy of structuring Christian life, of providing a backbone for Christian life in every environment. Involved is a weekend program, which is then followed by small and large group meetings for prayer, sharing and teaching. Participation is by invitation and approval by parish priests.

Spiritual Life Commission

Responsible for organizing at least two major parish-wide missions or retreats each year and coordinating two to four other smaller programs during the year.

High School Commission

Responsible for organizing high-school aged youth and directing them toward greater prayer, hospitality and service.

Social Activities Commission

The Social Commission coordinates with the Welcoming Committee and ensures that special events are coordinated through the Pastoral Council. We provide special dinners and refreshments for visitors and clergy to the parish. Our annual special event is the International Dinner.

Multi-Cultural Commission

Responsible for identifying opportunities to promote multi-cultural unity throughout our Parish.

Marriage Encounter Movement

Marriage Encounter helps us make a good marriage better. The Marriage Encounter Weekend is a positive and personal experience for married couples, offering a technique of loving communication they can use for the rest of their lives. It is an opportunity to look deeply into your relationship with each other and with God. Marriage Encounter Weekends are held at various times throughout the Diocese. There are support groups and social activities held on a local level for encountered couples.

The Christophers Community

The Christophers Community of the Tri-Cities is working through faith, prayer and action to build a healthy community for Christian adults. Christophers (Christ Bearers) bring the faith and gospel of Jesus Christ to the world through discipleship.

To fulfill this mission, the Christophers Community is reaching out to young Catholic and Christian adults and building a community of faith. Many adults in the work force live a limited life consisting only of a job, a few hours at the gym, and evenings of television. The Christophers Community is providing a forum for these adults to build faith, develop discipleship, and form lasting relationships in the Body of Christ's Church.

In regular meetings of the Christophers Community, the members join in common prayer, read scripture, and reflect on the discipleship of our life in Christ. In their daily lives as Christophers they seek growth in faith and discipleship through a commitment to prayer and meditation.

The Christophers Community welcomes all Christian adults, married and single.

CSJ Associates

Associates are persons who desire to share in the mission and spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelt outside the structure of community life and without the profession of public vows.- The Associate program provides Sisters and Associates the opportunity to collaborate in the mission of unity and reconciliation and to mutually support each other’s ministries and spiritual growth.- Together we share our gifts, talents, and resources for building Christ’s Kingdom of justice, love, and peace.- Currently 15 - 30 men and women and the Sisters from the Tri-Cities come together during the year to deepen our relationship with God and to share how we live the Gospel in our lives by ministering to all persons without distinction.

Meals for New Moms