If any public event or celebration is to have meaning, careful "behind-the-scenes" preparation is necessary. Our parish liturgy is no exception! It is a very important and public event, the heart of our parish life. Our liturgy proclaims who we are, and provides the foundation for our growing and working together as a family of faith.

Imagine that you are hosting a dinner party in your home. Consider all the preparations and special care taken to assure that your guests have a memorable experience. There is much work to be done days, maybe even weeks, before your guests arrive. A menu must be decided upon, food must be purchased, and the meal itself must be prepared. On the day of the party, well before your guests arrive, care is taken to tidy your home, to set the table and to make sure that everything is "just right." Once your guests have arrived, you give them your undivided attention and extend your very best effort to make them feel welcome. Your goal is to ensure a joyful celebration for all.

The dinner party at which we Catholics are the most "at home" and comfortable is the celebration of the Lord's Supper. It is at Sunday Mass that we find our true identity and are most able to be our real selves. When we gather to celebrate the Lord's Supper, we give praise and thanksgiving to God and are nourished at the table of the Lord. Yet in order for the liturgy to have its full effect and for the faithful to be enriched by it, Sunday Mass must be celebrated well. The ministry of the Mass Coordinator is essential to good liturgical celebration. This ministry is a work of integration and coordination, of giving attention to all God's holy people gathered for liturgy and to the things they need for their prayer. In a sense, this "behind-the-scenes" minister is a sort of "linchpin" for liturgy, gathering and holding together various elements for the benefit of the assembly's liturgical celebration. This minister assures all the faithful enjoy a reverent and joyful celebration.

People from the parish, and this also includes adults who would be willing to serve, who are age 11 and beyond assist in the liturgical celebrations of the parish at weekend Masses and on special feasts. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact one of the persons on the Liturgy Committee or Eileen Kuchar thru the parish office (544-7426), parish web site or email.

Lectors bring life to the written Word of God. Those who proclaim God's word in the liturgy are known as Ministers of the Word or Lectors. Answering the call to become a lector enters one into a deeper relationship with God as He is revealed in sacred scripture. Lectors commit to ongoing faith formation and training activities that prepare them for the calling to the ministry. If you are interested in this ministry, please contact the parish office (544-7426).

At the 10:30 A.M. Sunday Liturgy, after the Opening Prayer, children between the ages of 3 and 12 years old, with their catechists, are invited by the celebrant to process with the Book of Sunday Readings to the small chapel behind the altar. There they are welcomed and regathered to prepare themselves to listen attentively to the First Reading and the Gospel. The Sunday Responsorial Psalm and Gospel Acclamation are sung. The children are invited to participate in a dialogue reflection on how God's Word is relevant and active in their lives. A Profession of Faith is often included. The celebration concludes with the Prayers of the Faithful presented by the children. Age appropriate bulletins are given to each child as they leave to rejoin the assembly for the Preparation of Gifts.

The call as a Eucharistic Minister is to recognize the Lord in the Eucharist as well as in each human person to whom they minister. As the Lord washed the feet of the disciples, he challenged them to likewise serve others. Eucharistic Ministers serve the people of God at St. Joseph Church.

Contact Rita Havrilka (Church Office 544-7426) if you are interested in serving as Eucharistic Minister or have any concerns about this ministry.

Required training for new ministers is necessary.

Attached is a drawing of the location of each Minister of the Eucharist. The list indicates where each position is from facing the Assembly. There are 5 cups and 5 bread, which includes the Presider as part of the 5 bread. If you ever have any questions, please feel free to contact the office. Thank you for your ministry.

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans15:7)

The Greeters Ministry has a very special role at the liturgy. We as Greeters give a warm Welcome to everyone, and make them feel welcomed as we prepare to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. We are called by God to ministry by offering hospitality in the name of Christ.