 |
|
|
Ministries Below is a listing of the ministries provided by St. Joseph's Catholic Faith Community. The list below only includes those ministries with web pages. Watch this space for more to come soon! Athletic Association The Athletic Association gives children of St. Joseph School and the Christian Formation Ministry programs in grades 5-8 the opportunity to compete in sports. The Athletic Association also is responsible for maintaining sports equipment. These sports include volleyball, basketball and softball. Instructional basketball is offered to children in third and fourth grade. A recognition program is held each spring to acknowledge all student athletes. Parents of the children involved in athletics generously volunteer their time to support these teams through coaching and by working at our fund-raising events throughout the year. Fund-raising events include the Friday Fish Fry, which occurs on the first Friday of each month from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Parish Hall. All parishioners are welcome. Volunteers are needed for a variety of duties. Contact the school office at 662-2736 for more information.
Bereavement Ministry The Bereavement team in partnership with the Parish Nurse assesses the needs of those who have suffered a loss. The team provided support and resources for individual(s) through frequent contacts. Contact Janine Kirner, Parish Nurse for additional information
Bingo Bingo, which occurs in the Parish Hall every Friday, provides financial support to the parish. Four weekly teams of 16 dedicated volunteers work at each Friday session. Additionally, four people assist the bingo general manager in the program's operation. The positions and their general duties are as follows: --Floor attendants verify called bingos and sell soft bingo sheets and raffle tickets on the floor. Their friendly personalities contribute greatly to the success of bingo night. --Sellers sell soft sheets, supplies and raffle tickets on. --Callers are knowledgeable of various games played and the interpretation of state rules governing bingo. Callers announce letters and numbers clearly and loudly, and verify a called bingo for legal payment. --Check writers write out payments for all legally called bingos. --Concession workers serve hot dogs, beverages, candy and other items to the bingo players at the intermissions. --The supervisor is responsible for the overall session, operation, application and interpretation of state and in-house bingo rules, cash boxes and tally sheets. The supervisor also directs set-up, clean-up and building lock-up. --The bingo general manager is in charge of the overall organization. His or her responsibilities include making bank deposits, keeping financial records, filing state reports, applying for the license and paying all bills and applicable state taxes. --The supplier purchases all bingo supplies and keeps an inventory in stock. --The volunteer coordinator recruits and staffs the session teams and concession personnel. --The social chairman arranges for the volunteer appreciation party held each fall and sends out "occasion" cards, floral tributes and Mass arrangements. Regular and substitute volunteers are always needed. No prior knowledge or experience is required; simple training is provided.
Building & Grounds Committee As directed by the Parish Council, the Building and Grounds Committee maintains, repairs and updates all buildings and land belonging to the parish. The committee's primary responsibility is to keep the parish property in compliance with all state and local codes. Committee members contribute their time and talent, as well as solicit help from other parish members. They plan and carry out the renovation and expansion projects to keep the facilities up to date with our growing, vibrant faith community. New members are needed and are always welcome. This group can "fix you up" with a challenging and rewarding project. Contact Father Dick with any questions.
Choir - Ministry of Music The role of music in integral to the celebration of each liturgy and sacrament. All of us are called to raise our voice in song to praise our Lord. Music assists us to express and share the faith that is within us and to nourish and strengthen our interior commitment of faith. If you have any questions regarding the adult choir, angel choir, cantors or musical instruments please contact the parish office at 662-2832. Adult Choir is open to anyone who enjoys singing and can carry a tune. The choir rehearses each Thursday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The choir sings at the 10:30 a.m. liturgy each Sunday from September through early June. Cantors are people who lead each song as well as sing our responsorial psalm. As a cantor you are scheduled for one liturgy per month. You are provided with a practice tape and music ahead of time, so that you may prepare. The choir director is available to give extra help if needed. Angel Choir is for all children of the parish in grades 3-8. The Angel choir is in the process of reorganization, what your bulletin for announcements regarding the Angel Choir. Muscial Instruments If you play a musical instrument and would like to share your talent with the parish, please contact the parish office at 662-2832.
Christian Book Nook St. Joseph's Christian Book Nook, which is under the direction of Adult Education, provides Christian reading materials to parishioners of all ages on a variety of subjects. These subjects include Scripture, theology, the Bible, saints and church history, death and dying, personal meditation and prayer, teens, young adults and children, social awareness, parenting, marriage, divorce and personal relationships. The books and materials are located in the Hospitality Suite and may be checked out for a reasonable amount of time of no more than three months. Most publications are obtained for the Book Nook through monetary donations. Money for books may be donated in remembrance of loved ones who have passed away, in honor of living family members or friends, or in honor of you by being a donor. Labels recognizing the donors are placed in each book. Suggestions for reading materials and donations of current, new or almost-new books are also welcome.
Parish Auction Committee The Parish Auction Committee was organized as a fun event which would generate money for our parish. Members of the committee organize the entire event by planning, advertising, soliciting donations of auction items, coordinating food and beverages for the event. Meetings are held on Monday evenings. The committee's efforts peak on the day of the auction which is held in April. The next Parish Auction will be held in March of 2006. Please consider the Auction Committee for your time and talent stewardship to our parish.
Christian Formation Ministry Christian Formation Ministry assists families with the religious education of the youth and adults of our parish. While parents are the primary educators, the entire community of St. Joseph shares the responsibility to foster faith development and a sense of belonging. CFM prepares the youth of our parish for the sacraments of Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation. CFM offers structured classes for pre-school through 11th grade. Books and materials are provided for all classes. Training for volunteer catechists and assistance in becoming certified in religious education through the Archdiocese is available. The CFM Office is dedicated to assisting our parish community with any religious education needs. Contact the CFM Office with any questions at 662-3317.
Crown Financial Minstry Crown Financial Ministries is a practical, life-changing small group study applying bible verses dealing with money. Topics include, getting out of debt, saving, spending, budgeting, earning money, investing, giving, training children. You will be encouraged and challenged as you learn and apply what Scripture teaches about handling all of your possessions.
Debt Retirement The purpose of the Debt Retirement Committee is to invite all parish members to participate in the retirement of our debt. The second phase of our Capital Campaign began in June of 2002, with hopes of raising .3M in pledges to completely retire the debt of the new church, meeting rooms, Kindergarten room, Art and Science room and Parish Hall and Kitchen. Contact the parish office for further details.
Eucharistic Ministers Eucharistic ministers assist in the distribution of Holy Communion at all weekend Masses, holy days and other special celebrations of the Eucharist. There is one instructional meeting and one practice for new ministers. Eucharistic ministers may be men or women and must be confirmed. If interested in becoming a Eucharistic minister, please call the parish office at 662-2832.
Finance Committee The Finance Committee makes recommendations to the Parish Council with regard to parish finances, budget development, stewardship and resource allocation. In addition, the Finance Committee reviews and monitors the monthly financial statements. In December, two members of the committee meet with the leaders of parish departments to review their budgets. In January, all department budgets are combined into one parish budget, which then goes to the Parish Council for final approval. The Finance Committee meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Contact the parish office with any questions.
FOCCUS Couples for the Engaged Couples who have been married for at least five years may volunteer to mentor the engaged in their preparation for a Catholic marriage. It is necessary to enroll in the archdiocesan program for this special ministry. The parish pays registration fees for this program. FOCCUS is a questionnaire that the engaged couple takes to reveal the strengths and weaknesses in their relationship. The FOCCUS couple discusses the questionnaire results with the engaged couple. Contact Fr. Dick with any questions.
Food-For-Friends The Food-For-Friends Ministry has been developed to provide one meal a day for any parishioner or parishioner’s family who has been identified as having a need by our Parish Nurse, Janine Kirner. The ministry is similar to the Funeral Luncheon Program in that a volunteer is called to provide a meal when the need arises.
Fun Fest Fun Fest is the annual parish festival held in August. This year’s Fun Fest is August 12, 13 and 14. The goal of Fun Fest is to provide an environment for children "of all ages" to have fun and meet new people and acquaintances at the parish. The event, which requires a lot of help from dozens of volunteers, offers a variety of opportunities from donating food and supplies, to chairing a specific activity at Fun Fest. Specifically, the festival needs carpenters, electricians, booth set-up and take-down, vegetable peelers, cooks, bakers, food servers and dish washers. To help prepare for the event, the festival needs telephone callers, typists, copy makers and booth chairpersons. Fun Fest is one of those unique events that can use the talents and satisfy the interests of all. Contact the parish office at 662-2832 with any questions.
Funeral Luncheon Program The Funeral Luncheon Program provides a funeral luncheon reception for the family and relatives of a deceased parish member. The program, which was established to remove this task from the families of the deceased during a difficult time, is available for the funeral of any parish member by contacting the parish at least two days prior to the date. Most of the food is donated through the love and generosity of parish members. The only cost to the families is for meat and rolls, liquid refreshments and paper products used. The program always is looking for people to help by donating and serving food.
Health & Wellness Committee The Health & Wellness Committee works in collaboration with the parish nurse. Parishes can be instrumental in promoting the well being of their parishioners and the larger community. The church's leadership in the healing ministry of health and wellness is a necessary link in the everyday lives of people. It demonstrates God's love and care for those in need. Outreach, healing and welcoming people to health is an aspect of evangelization. Health and wellness ministry also can promote stewardship by empowering parishioners to take personal responsibility for the gift of life given by God. Components of health ministry can include health screenings, visiting the homebound, bereavement support, and educating the congregation on issues of health and healing. Contact Janine Kirner in the parish office with any questions.
Holy Name Society The Holy Name Society is a group of men whose primary goal is to promote spirituality by supporting the needs of our church and pastor. The society's ministries include promoting family values, helping needy families, participating in pro-life activities and providing financial assistance to the church. The organization conducts the Breakfast with Santa event and the Spring Pancake Breakfast fund-raisers to provide our financial resources. Breakfast meetings are held on the second Sunday of each month after the 8:30 a.m. Mass from September through May. New members are always welcome.
Home & School Association The Home & School Association provides communication between home and school, and assists in the Christian education of St. Joseph School students through parent involvement and fund-raising. The group's activities include presenting informative speakers at meetings, and continuing support of Market Day and Sentry receipts. Fund-raising activities help pay for needed supplies and equipment such as new desks and playground equipment. The Home & School Association meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of September, November, January, March and May. Parents of St. Joseph School students are encouraged to become active participants in this organization. Contact the school office at 262-662-2737 with any questions.
Human Concerns Committee The Human Concerns Committee of the Parish Council aids our parish in fulfilling the social justice dimension of Scripture and our Church tradition. Committee members are called to identify needs for social justice in the parish and wider community. The members respond by developing the resources and programs to address these needs through direct service, education, and social action (empowerment and advocacy). Some of the current projects include sympathy and get-well cards, food pantry collections, CCWC meal program, Ministry of Praise (a prayer ministry), Ministry of Care (visitation to the sick), Muskego Nursing Home Bingo, Catholic Charities Baby Shower, Toys from Friends of Jesus, Respect Life education/events (Life Chain), Care Notes, CRS Operation Rice Bowl, holiday food/gift baskets, etc. The committee is always in need of additional support from parishioners in all projects. Parishioners interested in answering the baptismal call to promote justice in God's kingdom are welcome at the committee's meetings at 7:00 P.M. on the first Tuesday of each month.
Kards for Kids Kards for Kids is a subcommittee of the Parish Life Committee. It began as a goodwill and public relations gesture to acquaint parents with St. Joseph's educational programs. The program offers information on the St. Joseph's Day School and Christian Formation Ministry to children who are near the ages of enrollment in those educational programs. Birthday cards designed by the children of St. Joseph are sent to parish children ages one through five who are not already enrolled in any of the educational programs. However, older children are not forgotten. For those turning 16 years old, birthday cards with 50¢ for emergency calls are mailed to the new drivers in the parish. Parents of the newly baptized also are given remembrance gifts. Anyone interested in supplying handmade birthday cards is asked to please leave them in the Parish Life mailbox at the rectory.
Lectors They proclaim the first two Scripture readings for the community at all weekend Masses, holy day and other special celebrations of the Eucharist. New ministers are asked to attend one instructional meeting. This ministry is open to men and women of high school age through adult.
Liturgical Environment Committee The Liturgical Environment for Worship Committee strives to provide an appropriate décor for the worship spaces of the church. The liturgical environment takes into consideration the liturgical seasons of the church year and the colors of those seasons, the various liturgical functions taking place during the year and the focus for each season. The committee's goal is to provide a décor that enhances the prayer life of our faith community without becoming a specific message. The décor must also be appropriate for weddings, funerals, baptisms, First Communion and other special events. Other committee responsibilities include dusting the liturgical furniture, sewing and laundering vestments and altar linens, arranging flowers and caring for live plants. The committee is made up of a great group of people working together, dividing tasks as needed and having fun in the process.
Mass Servers The practice for both boys and girls as Mass servers begins in fourth grade. The mother and father of these servers may also form server teams to serve with their child or children for the celebration of Eucharist. Servers' schedules are listed in the weekly bulletin.
Mothers of Pre-Schoolers MOPS MOPS stands for Mothers of Pre-Schoolers. . MOPS is about celebrating motherhood, meeting needs, making connections, and experiencing God’s love. MOPS provides an open, caring, and accepting atmosphere for today’s mothers to grow and share their experiences with other women. Our MOPS program includes teaching by mentors and other speakers, discussion, community, and opportunities to develop creatively. The MOPS group meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday of the month (except June, July, August, and December) at 6:30 pm Come join us! For more information, contact Terry Sommers at (262) 679-9695.
Parish Council The Parish Council is the umbrella organization that oversees all aspects of parish life. It is the council's job to work with the pastor in developing the direction of the parish. The council is the primary policy-formulating body of the parish. It makes decisions by responding to the needs of parishioners and reaching consensus through a discernment process. Fourteen members make up the Parish Council: the pastor, two parish trustees, nine adult members serving three-year terms and two youth members serving one-year terms. Each spring, the council discerns three new adult members and two new youth members. Current council members are listed on the cover of the Sunday bulletin. Parish Council meetings, held on the third Tuesday of the month, combine prayer and business. Each council member also is assigned as a liaison to one of the Parish Council committees: 1. Human Concerns 2. School Board 3. Children’s Formation Ministry 4. Building and Grounds 5. Parish Life Committee 6. Liturgy/Worship 7. Finance As liaisons, council members attend one committee meeting per month. Being a council member is a rewarding experience both socially and spiritually.
Parish Life Committee The Parish Life Committee is one of five parish council committees. It is responsible for building a sense of community among all parish members. This committee addresses the social needs of the community and encourages parishioners to participate by coordinating these activities. Some of those activities include the Easter social, Thanksgiving social, the parish newsletter, Activity Weekend, the Parish Pictorial, family project days and discussing future parish social needs. The committee meets 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month from September through December and February through May. The committee is always looking for energetic and creative people to help foster a sense of community among all parish members.
Prayer & Worship Committee This committee develops the liturgical life of the parish through programs of education, liturgy planning, ministry development and evaluation. It oversees the ministry of music, church environment, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, servers, ushers, and cross bearers.
Processional Cross Bearers Cross bearers lead the procession both at the beginning and at the end of Mass. Those who are new to this service are asked to attend one instructional and practice meeting. This ministry is open to men and women of high school age through adult.
RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults RCIA is a faith formation process for adults, intended for those who were never baptized or who were baptized in another faith and now wish to become Catholic. Classes are held on Sundays after the 10:30 Mass. Contact Fr. Dick with any questions.
SCRIP SCRIP is a fundraising program used by St. Joseph School. SCRIP is gift certificates purchased from participating merchants which are sold to the school at a discounted rate. The SCRIP program is then able to sell the certificates to St. Joseph Parish and School families at face value, allowing the school to make a profit. These certificates are exactly like the ones sold in the merchant’s store, and include large stores like Sentry and Kohl’s, gas stations like Kwik Trip, Citgo and Mobil, and restaurants like McDonalds, Outback Steakhouse, and Olive Garden/Red Lobster, and many, many more. SCRIP gift certificates make gift buying easy while providing a worth-while fundraiser for our school. For further details, contact the school office at 262-662-2737.
St. Joseph Parish School Board The School Board formulates policies related to curriculum, operations, personnel, finances and public relations for St. Joseph School. The board also assists with preparing annual budgets, long-range planning, the hiring of the principal and assesses the school's overall performance. The board consists of 13 members, the principal and Parish council liaison. The board meets on the fourth Thursday of the month, August through May. Sub-committees, including the Curriculum, Executive, Finance, Policy and Procedure, and Public Relations also meet on a regular basis.
St. Joseph School The philosophy of St. Joseph School is to create an environment that enables all students to achieve their fullest spiritual, intellectual, physical, social and psychological potential. The curriculum is consistent with archdiocesan, state and national standards. The school provides a structured environment conducive to teaching and learning. Teachers have high expectations for their students and encourage students to maximize achievement. Standardized testing and classroom assessment is used to ensure that all students are growing intellectually. Extracurricular activities are provided to enhance the school's instructional program. Activities offered through the Athletic Association include volleyball, basketball and softball. Students participate in Northwestern University's Midwest Talent Search, Toastmasters, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Student Council, Cadets, Junior Achievement and Forensics.
St. Vincent de Paul Society The St. Vincent de Paul Society helps the needy and less fortunate in our community. Members provide private assistance to local food programs, sort items at Society stores, organize school supplies and winter clothing drives; and console parish members in need. Coordination of snow shoveling for the elderly of the parish and visitation of the elderly at local nursing homes also are supported by this group. Due to the many people in the community who are in need, the society is always looking for more members willing to help. Please contact the parish office if you would like to be a part of the solution.
Ushers and Greeters The ministry of Ushers and Greeters is a group of men and women who arrive at church 15 minutes before the start of Mass to greet parishioners as they enter the gathering area on their way to Mass. Ushers and greeters also help find seats for parishioners if necessary. In addition, ushers and greeters take up the collection, select a family to take the gifts up to the altar, direct traffic flow during communion distribution, hand out bulletins after Mass and prepare the pews for the next Mass. This ministry is different from others in that it requires no meetings or fund-raising events during the year. The ushers and greeters are assigned one Mass per month, at a Mass of their choice, if possible. The greatest need is for ushers to serve at the 5 p.m. Saturday Mass, but help also is needed at the 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses on Sunday. Teenagers are welcome to serve as ushers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
