Parish Committees
Communications Committee. In order to ensure a successful action planning process, it is critical that communications occur in an accurate and timely way. For this reason, the Parish Communications Committee is working closely with the Parish Council to foster such communication.
CRHP Continuation Committee.
Finance Council. The purpose of the Finance Council is to aid the Pastor in the administration of parish assets. It shall serve as a consultative body making recommendations about the parish financial plans and policies. It shall provide expertise and consultation through financial analysis, planning and policy development concerning the life and ministry of the parish.
Pastoral Parish Council. The Pastoral Parish Council advises the Pastor on all aspects of church life. It is a consultative body whose purpose is to unify parish missions and coordinate parish programs. Membership is open to all registered Catholics of St. Joseph Catholic Church who are at least 21 years old and are not parish employees. Parish Council members are nominated and elected by the St. Joseph parishioners for a three-year term.
Administration and Finance
Website.
Bulletin.
Collection Counters. Teams tally out the weekend offertory and second collections, record appropriate paperwork and make deposits to the bank. The group consists of several teams who rotate on a scheduled basis.
Grounds/Landscaping. Volunteers assist in planting and maintenance of landscaping. Volunteers are needed for routine maintenance and special grounds keeping events.
Handiwork. The Parish Office would like to keep a list of anyone with handy skills such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, etc., who would be willing to serve on an as-needed basis.
Light Bulb Changers. Young men are needed to climb tall ladders and replace light bulbs in the church. You will be called to come in as needed. This ministry replaces the need for expensive contractors.
Newsletter. - St. Joseph Parish News is an affiliation of the Communications Committee. The purpose of the newsletter is to publish news, highlights, upcoming events, etc. of both the church and school. It is published the third weekend of each month. The committee is always looking for new contributors, including but not limited to writers (both informational and creative) and photographers. Contact: stjoes_news@yahoo.com.
Office/Clerical Helpers. Assist in light clerical duties in the parish office such as stuffing envelopes, filing or data entry on a regular or as-needed basis.
Parish Office.
Education
Religious Education. Religious Ed directly engages 800+ persons in classes and other weekly programs. These include 30 religion classes that meet weekly during the school year, in addition to sacramental preparation programs, teen programs, instructor training, retreats, and many other seasonal activities. The religious education program depends on more than 130 volunteers to help run the many programs and activities scheduled.
Regular Classes: Programs are offered on Sunday (7:15-9:00pm) after the 6:00pm mass (life teen Band) and Wednesday (6:00-7:15pm). Experiences also include Bible study, life Nights, dramas and skits, retreats, lock-ins, service projects, mission trips, sports, socials, and many other events that allow teens to experience and grow in their faith as a community. Lower School. Classes meet every week on Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:15pm or Sunday from 9:55 to 11:10am. Middle School. Classes meet every week on Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:15pm or Sunday from 9:55 to 11:10am. Youth Group,“Youth for Christ,” meets every Sunday after the 6:00pm mass. life teen is open to all students in grades nine through twelve, life teen is a dynamic international youth program. The purpose of life teen is to create an environment which leads high school teenagers into a relationship with God through Jesus Christ and His church.
Sacrament Preparation: Baptism. Any registered student is eligible to start a preparation. The program runs once a year. First Communion. Every student who has accomplished one year of RE is eligible to join a First Holy Communion preparation class for his second year. He will receive the sacrament at the end of this second year. Confirmation. A pre-Confirmation class is offered for 9th graders who wish to receive the Confirmation during their 10th grade year, each Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:15pm. Confirmation: A class is offered to 10th graders and older each Sunday from 9:55 to 11:30am until the February 4th date of Confirmation. Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. Classes are held Thursday evenings from 7:00 - 9:00, in the Library. These classes begin the process by which adults enter the Catholic Church. Baptism, Profession of Faith, First Holy Communion and Confirmation are received on Saturday night-Easter Vigil. Anyone interested is invited.
Marriage Preparation.
Natural Family Planning. Building healthy marriages through Natural Family Planning; using the natural fertility cycle of the human body, married couples can know when the fertile and infertile times are to plan family size without the use of artificial contraceptives. In an effort to give practical help to married and engaged couples to live out the teachings of the Catholic Church regarding birth regulation and to strengthen the marriage relationship, a series of classes on natural family planning is taught by the Couple to Couple League. The Couple to Couple League (CCL) is an international, interfaith, non-profit organization dedicated to teaching natural family planning (NFP) to married and engaged couples.
Orden de Iniciación Católica para Adultos.
Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA/RCIA). “As you come to know us, you will discover that although Jesus didn’t offer any easy answers, he did give his followers a framework for living and loving the questions. The very questions which right now might seem like your heaviest burden are actually your greatest resources.” (Julie Upton, R.S.M.) Initiating new members is the responsibility of the entire Parish Community. The Parishioners are the welcoming community of people convinced that Jesus is the Good News for others. We welcome your questions about this journey of faith.
Basic Concepts of the OICA. Conversion is a process. Becoming Catholic is coming into a community of believers. The OCIA takes place in an experience of community. The OCIA stages are celebrated in community with appropriate liturgical rites. The OCIA experience follows the flow of the liturgical seasons through a lectionary-based approach. The OCIA process encourages authentic Catholicism.
What Parishioners can do: Sponsor. A Sponsor is an active, confirmed Catholic who ministers in a special way on behalf of the Parish Community to an individual seeking membership through the OCIA process. The sponsor walks with the friend, witness and spiritual guide. They are the link between the newcomers and the Parish Community. Sponsors provide encouragement. answer questions, pray with and for the newcomers, introduce newcomer to other members of the community, participate with newcomers in as many sessions as possible. A parishioner can become a prayer partner by praying regularly during the year for one of the Catechumens or Candidates. We need your prayers to help us along the journey. Catechist/Guest Speaker. Members of the Parish Community who are willing to share their faith story and their lived experiences as Catholics with the Catechumens and the Candidates. Team Member. Team members volunteer time and talents as catechists, speakers, liturgy planners, hospitality, etc. Let us know what you enjoy doing and we will find a spot for you.
Young Adult and Adult Faith Formation. On-going catechesis for adults is available on a wide range of topics and includes single session-events, short term courses and bible study opportunities. They are held at the same time as the children’s sessions. A separate list of classes is updated twice a year and made available to the parish. Most classes charge either no fee or a small fee to cover materials. We encourage you to offer suggestions or to volunteer to lead a discussion or class. Contact the RE office to plan the details. You will find a brochure called “Religious Education and Enrichment Program for Adults” in the hallway and in the RE office. Handbooks are available on out website http://www.stjoesonline.org.
Human/Social Concerns
Bereavement Support Group. Exists to help people who are suffering from the death of a family member or other relative and friend. The majority of members are surviving spouses. Also attending are adults who have lost parents, siblings, or children. The group meets from 6:15 – 8:00 on Tuesday in the School Teacher’s Lounge. Free and open to the public. This group meets under the leadership of Dr. George Gazda, a licensed Counseling Psychologist. Group meetings include 30-minute Christian-oriented video tapes called Grief Share: Your Journey from Mourning to Joy. Interested parties should call Dr. Gazda to determine if the group would be appropriate for them. Members are frequently referred to the group by health care professionals at St. Mary’s Hospital and Athens Regional Medical Center. Anyone who has professional credentials in psychiatry, psychology, nursing, social work, or related fields would be welcome to co-lead. One essential requirement imposed by the Archdioceses of Atlanta is that the group leader must carry professional liability insurance.
Elderly and Homebound Ministry. This ministry concentrates on visiting and offering Holy Communion to
parishioners who are unable to come to Mass, individuals at home and in elder care homes. Holy Communion services are offered once a month at Lanier Gardens and Iris Place and a priest from the church visits once a quarter. This ministry also includes the Young-at-Hearts group which meets for Mass and fellowship at noon on the first Friday each month.
Giving Tree Christmas Program. Sponsored by St. Joseph Charities, this program provides food and gifts to families in need at Christmas. Volunteers are involved in all areas, from interviewing families and making Christmas cards to shopping for gifts and sorting food for delivery.
In-Reach. This organization is set up for our own parishioners. It has people in charge of the different areas of assistance. It exists to help parishioners with needs of prayers, local transportation for shopping, doctor’s appointments, etc., meals, visits or just a friendly phone call.
Jail Ministry. Church members visit and/or write to prisoners at the Athens-Clarke County Jail who request a visit or mail. Bible study for prisoners is conducted periodically when the Chaplain of the Jail contacts us to set up a date/time. The Parochial Vicar of St. Joseph's conducts a Spanish service/Bible Study on the 4th Thursday of every month. This is a very rewarding and much needed ministry.
Life Advocates. For those who want to promote sanctity of life from conception until natural death. LAs participate in the Life Chain, Mass for the Unborn, and March for Life in Atlanta as well as other activities to educate our community about loss of lives. LAs monitor proposed bills at the state and federal level and oppose anti-life agendas. LAs assist local Crisis Pregnancy Centers to help women in crisis see that there is a choice other than abortion in unplanned pregnancies.
St. Joseph Charities. Saint Joseph Charities was established to serve the poor of Athens-Clarke County. It now serves the surrounding counties as well. The Charities, along with other churches and agencies, try to assist those less fortunate to better their circumstances through funds and/or other resources. Parishioners on a volunteer basis staff the office and the program is supported by a monthly collection after Mass. The parish provides office space so that the program can operate with no overhead, guaranteeing that all money given in the collection is directed to aid for the poor. Volunteers are needed Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesday mornings. St. Joseph Charities Board meets on 2nd Thursdays at 10:00am in the conference room.
St. Joseph Charities Christmas Program. Sponsored by St. Joseph Charities, this program provides food and gifts to families in need at Christmas. Volunteers are involved in all areas, from interviewing families and making Christmas cards, to shopping for gifts and sorting food for delivery.
Spiritual Life
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place every Friday after the 8:30 am Mass until 6:00 pm - except on First Fridays when Adoration begins after the 12:00 noon Mass until 6:00 pm. In order for us to offer Adoration, we must have a guardian signed up for every hour of exposition. Adoration brings many blessings, not only to St. Joseph Catholic Church, but especially to those who spend time with our Lord as Guardians and Adorers. Please consider signing up for one hour a week or even one hour a month. "Could ye not watch with me one hour?" Matthew 26:40
Altar Servers. Boys and girls 3rd grade and older who have received their First Communion. Several training sessions are held per year. Senior Servers are experienced and are responsible for the on-the-job training of Junior and Novice Servers.
Altar Society. A special group within the Art and Environment ministry. Four teams alternate each week to collect and wash altar linens, and straighten and dust the sanctuary and the chapel. A team will volunteer for three hours each month. They do not vacuum, wash windows or do heavy cleaning. Three times a year there is a workday and all members are invited to assist.
Art and Environment Ministry. Volunteers who want people who come to St. Joseph's to feel welcome and drawn into the church from the parking lot to the sanctuary may find the activities of this group to be just what they are looking for. Members work to see that the interior and exterior of the church are cared for lovingly.
Children’s Mass.
Extraordinary Ministers of holy Communion. Eucharistic ministers serve the Body and Blood of Christ at liturgies. Some may wish to bring communion to those who are hospitalized, in nursing homes or who are shut-ins.
Flower Donation. A program in which parishioners donate flowers for the altar in the names of love ones. A once-yearly sign up is done in September of each year.
Funeral Liturgy Planning Committee. The purpose of the Funeral Liturgy Planning Committee is to assist families in planning the services for the funeral mass and wake.
Lectors/Announcers. This ministry consists of volunteer parishioners, 16 years and older, who present the words of the Bible to their fellow parishioners during the Liturgy. This usually occurs at Sunday liturgies as well as special liturgies. Training sessions are held as new volunteers decide to offer themselves for this ministry.
Lectores y Monitores.
Liturgy Committee. The Liturgy Committee of St. Joseph Catholic Church serves in an advisory capacity to the pastor. Its primary mission is to help facilitate the celebration of the liturgy so that the whole community enters into the full and active participation of the worship of God. For Sunday liturgies, it provides Altar Servers to assist the celebrant, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion for distributing the Eucharist, Ushers for seating the congregation and collecting the offertory, Announcers to introduce the Liturgy, Lectors to proclaim the Scriptures, Greeters to welcome those who come to mass, and Music to enhance the worship experience. In addition, the Liturgy Committee assists the pastor in planning for penance services, in providing Extraordinary Ministers for the sick and shut-ins, in coordinating weddings and funerals at the parish, and recommending times and places for liturgical celebrations, especially during special seasons of the Church calendar. Furthermore, it addresses any concerns of the pastor in the areas mentioned above. The liturgy committee’s final purpose is to address all concerns which effect the celebration of a liturgical rite so that it is conducted according to the guidelines of the GIRM (General Introduction to the Roman Missal) and those established by our Archbishop.
Music/Choirs.
Saturday 5:30pm Mass. Two music groups, one led by piano, the other by guitar, alternate each week. New Members and additional instruments welcome.
Saturday 7:30pm Spanish Mass. Spanish Choir meets Friday 7:00pm in the basement or Conference Room. Music for the 7:30 PM Vigil Mass, celebrated in Spanish, is combined from Central and South American cultures. It is accompanied by guitar, piano, and percussion instruments.
Sunday 8:15am Mass. Contemporary music led by piano. Instruments and vocalists welcome. . Practice is at 7:30 AM prior to Mass.
Sunday 10am Mass. The choir for the 10:00 AM Mass leads the congregation in singing and encourages all parishioners to participate. It does this through primarily traditional church music of composers from the classics to modern, from Gregorian chant to folk music, blending men’s and women’s voices in harmony or unison. The choir is accompanied by the organ. The choir is open to all. One does not have to have a trained singing voice or be able to read music. A love of singing is the only requirement. Practice is Wednesday evenings 7:15-8:45 and also 9:30 am prior to mass.
Sunday 11:45am Mass . The choir for the 11:45 AM Mass is led by a cantor singing the psalm and perhaps a solo at offertory. The hymns sung are usually of the traditional nature Cantor led by organ rotates on a monthly basis. Practice is Wednesday evenings 7:15-7:45
Sunday 6:00pm Mass. The Praise Band shares their ministry primarily in Christian contemporary music. The ensemble is comprised of members of the LifeTeen group, UGA students and other members of the parish family. On any given Sunday, the 6:00pm Eucharistic celebration may be supplemented with vocals, guitars, electric piano, and drums, saxophone, flute, trumpet, French horn or violin. They meet year-round, and assist with additional events throughout the year, such as the annual parish picnic mass, Confirmation, and First Communion masses. The Praise Band rehearses on Sunday afternoons from 4:00 to 5:45pm, and is open to new members with a heartfelt desire to make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Rosary Devotion.
Servidores del Altar.
Ushers/Greeters. Ushers welcome people as they arrive for Mass. They maintain the solemnity of the liturgy once it begins by helping latecomers find seats without disrupting the liturgy. They also direct the order of the procession to communion and take up collections. Greeters are asked to report to church 15 minutes before Mass. They welcome all church goers as they come into the church. Ushers are asked to report to church 15 minutes before Mass. The duties are as follows: identify a family to take gifts to the altar; help in greeting the church goers; find seating at Mass when the church is nearly full; seat late comers during the service as appropriate; collect the offertory after the prayers of the faithful and any second collection after the gifts are presented to the celebrant; help in the flow of communion procession; and pass out bulletins after Mass.
Wedding Coordinator. Wedding Coordinators assist brides in planning and directing the Catholic wedding ceremony.
PARISH LIFE
Christ Renews His Parish. Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) is a parish renewal process that has existed since 1969 and has been recommended by the Renewal Office of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. It has been the primary instrument of personal and parish renewal in more than 883 parishes in the United States, Belize and Italy, and in the churches of twelve Christian denominations. It is centered on a parish renewal weekend and stresses a clear focus on the Gospel. It furthers personal conversion and community, ministry, prayer, healing and holiness, spiritual growth and Gospel service. CRHP emphasizes continued growth in Christian life during our daily contacts with others and offers an excellent opportunity to meet other parishioners. Separate men’s and women’s weekend retreats are offered every 6 months. It is an opportunity to say yes to a closer and deeper relationship with God.
Gift Shop. The Gift Shop is a non-profit ministry organized by St. Joseph's Women’s Council offering religious articles in both Spanish and English to our parish family. Gift Shop is open once a month (usually the second weekend of the month) following the weekend masses and is located in the Church conference room. As holidays approach, the gift shop is open more often.
Grupo Carismático.
Group de Jóvenes “Tierra Fertil.”
Hospitality Committee.
Mom's Rosary and Tea. Parish mothers regularly meet each month to say the Rosary and for fellowship.
Nursery. Located in the church basement, the nursery is available for young children during the 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Sunday masses. Teens and adults are needed as volunteers. The continuing success of this ministry depends upon revolving parental assistance on an as-needed basis. A sign-up sheet is located in the nursery.
Parish Social Functions Committee. Assist in coordination of parish wide social activities such as the parish picnic and seasonal parish parties.
Scripture Reflection. Community through Scripture reflection and prayer. The class begins with music and silence as a break from the world outside. Each reading for the following Sunday and is then read by two different readers. There is a pause after each is read to contribute to the group our thoughts, emphasizing how a passage might affect our spirituality or our life events. The class is not intended to be one of Biblical scholarship but one of personal contemplation and sharing.
Second Sunday Hospitality.
St. Joseph Women’s Council. Our mission is to assist other ministries at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Being a part of the Women’s Council is a great way to get involved with your parish, make new friends, and contribute to worthwhile charitable endeavors. Some of our activities are: fund raising to help the “Giving Tree” at Christmas; donating to St. Joseph School Development and Lighthouse teen mission trips; assisting the Knights of Columbus with different events; assisting with the “Young at Hearts” monthly luncheon; hosting a Lenten retreat for the parish; collecting personal items for the residents at the state hospital in Milledgeville; collecting baby items for “Better Infant Birth”; participating as a team in the Relay for Life,
Young at Heart. Social gathering for senior citizens. Meets for noon Mass in the church every 1st Friday of the month followed by a luncheon in the Parish Hall. Also two or more day trips are planned each year to which anyone is invited. Volunteers are needed to help with the luncheon and provide transportation.
Organizations and Other Ministries
Boy Scouts Troop, 326 sponsored by Knights of Columbus. Open to all boys between the ages of 11-18 years. Primarily an outdoor program focusing on character building while having fun. Meets every Monday at 7pm in the Parish Hall except on St. Joseph's School PTO nights. Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus for over 30 years.
Cub Scouts Pack 326, sponsored by Knights of Columbus. Open to all boys in grades 1-5. Family centered program with parental involvement in meetings and activities. Individual dens based on age group meet at various times and places.
Cursillo.
Encuentros de Matrimonio.
Elijah Cup. Praying for vocations is the responsibility and privilege of the laity. The Elijah Cup is a consecrated Chalice which is presented to a different parish family each Sunday at the conclusion of Mass. That family takes the Elijah Cup home and use it as a focal point while praying daily for vocations to the priesthood and religious life in the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts of all ages are active members of St. Joseph parish. While our parish does not sponsor Girl Scout troops, many troops from Clarke, Oconee and surrounding counties containing girls and leaders from our parish. Catholic girl scouts meet together for special Masses, to work on Roman Catholic Religious medals and for service projects.
Knights of Columbus. Deacon William P. Lakin Council # 6514 is the premier Catholic men's organization. We support the Catholic Church and our community in many ways. These include the support of seminarians, distribution of informative pamphlets about the Faith, hosting rosaries and communion breakfasts and participating in numerous other parish social activities. We support Life with conscience raising efforts such as passing out literature, silent protests and financial support of pro-life groups. Here in Athens we support the ministries of St. Joseph's Catholic Church and the Catholic Center at the University of Georgia. Business meetings 2nd Wednesdays at 7:30pm
Mission Statement: The Knights of Columbus Deacon William P. Lakin Council # 6514 is a Catholic, family oriented fraternity, giving expression and focus to charitable desires, furthering spiritual development, adding to a sense of faith community, and providing for a healthy family life. We promote, defend, and assist the Catholic community in this ministry. Council 6514, formed in 1972, has approximately 160 members from St. Joseph Church and the Catholic Center. The Council offers opportunities for direct involvement in the life of the Catholic Church as well as for builds leadership skills that prove valuable throughout life. The Knights of Columbus offers its members an extensive insurance program. Membership in the Knights is open to men who are practicing Catholics aged eighteen or above and who live up to the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church. It provides opportunities for service to the Church, community, the Council, family, and youth. Council 6514 serves the Parish and its ministries through volunteering and conducting fundraising activities
St. Joan of Arc Columbiettes Council 6514, sponsored by Knights of Columbus in Athens Georgia, is a womens auxiliary group that provides spiritual support to each other, charity, assistance and good works to its parish and community. Columbiettes is for ALL Catholic women 18 years and older who are interested in brightening the lives of others…the less fortunate, the sick, the handicapped, the elderly and young – to strengthen the community from within.
The Columbiettes; a growing international organization of Catholic women dedicated to their Patronesses, Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Theresa the Little Flower and St. Joan of Arc, are comprised of affiliated Auxiliaries of the Knights of Columbus Councils. Their works are to aid the Knights by working side-by-side in their responsibility to promote Catholic ideals, support the Church and contribute to worthy charities. The work they do exemplifies the spirit of unity, fellowship, charity, and patriotism in this and the greater community.
The Columbiettes enjoy the challenges and satisfaction of making a difference; Discover activities that involve the entire family, thereby building spirit from within to be a more effective Catholic by actively working toward goals of unity and understanding; and set the example through works of charity, devotion and promotion of Catholic values.
Serra Club/Elijah Cup.
Stephen Ministry. Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people through people in a powerful yet quiet way. It is quality Christian caring that changes lives. We help make God’s love practical and real for people going through difficult times. Each Stephen Minister is a trained and supervised caregiver. Extensive training (50 hours) prepares each caregiver to listen, encourage, care, maintain confidentiality, share God’s love and mercy, and pray for each care receiver. Care receivers are those who request to have someone walk beside them in a crisis, as stressful situation, during grieving, facing death, hospitalization, divorce and many other situations. We support our clergy by multiplying their efforts to care for our parishioners and the wider community. We work one on one, one caregiver with one care receiver. We are not counselors, we are not advisors, and we do not provide healing. We trust God to heal. God works through Stephen Ministers. You may feel called to become a Stephen Minister. You may feel you could personally benefit by having a Stephen Minister confidentially assigned to meet with you an hour each week for a short-term or long-term situation. Or, if you don’t feel able to help someone in crisis, you may now feel empowered by knowing that you can encourage a fellow parishioner or neighbor to receive compassionate care through our Stephen Ministry.
Ultreya.