Ministries

Student Altar Servers

Boys and girls, 5th grade and older with parent’s permission, who are members of the St. Joseph Faith Community are encouraged to become student altar servers. These servers assist at the Saturday Vigil Mass and all Sunday masses, as well as serve at Monday Night Rosary and Benediction, Stations of the Cross during Lent, other special events throughout the year, and assist the priest at Parish Weddings. For more information call (215) 672-3020.

Adult Altar Servers

Saint Joseph Church Adult Altar Servers are dedicated men and women who assist priests, deacons, and special ministers of the Eucharist at Mass and other liturgical celebrations throughout the year. Adults serve weekday Masses and funerals. Altar Serving is a wonderful opportunity to show one’s love for God and His people, to grow in appreciation for the Church and to live the call of Christ to serve our brothers and sisters. For more information please call the rectory at 215-672-3020 and leave a message for Mary Boland.

Lector

The reader (Lector) proclaims God’s word to the assembled faith community. The Lector has the awesome privilege of bringing the printed word to life. At St. Joseph’s, the Lectors proclaim the readings and offertory invocation at all Sunday and Holyday Masses. They also read for certain liturgies; the Penance Service, for example. Individual preference is considered when the schedules are prepared, and there is training and guidance. To join this special ministry, please contact: Ann Trotter (215) 672-4651, via email at aatrot@aol.com

Ushers

Ushers of hospitality assist the parish on Sundays, Holy days, and other special events during the year with seating people at mass and taking up the collection, as well as passing out bulletins after mass. They may also be called upon to assist with parking on special occasions. Anyone having an interest in becoming an usher should contact Bob McNulty at 215-674-1196.

CCD Catechists (Teachers)

Our Religious Education Program goes beyond teaching children doctrinal definitions. We strive to bring children and young people into relationships with Christians that, in turn, lead them to Christ. It is important to realize that their primary teachers are their own parents, and then the Catechists and Community of Saint Joseph’s Parish.

We are looking for Catechists who have a sense of calling to serve the Lord by giving time and effort to help the spiritual growth of the children. There is nothing more rewarding than teaching children about God. The children are so inquisitive and willing to learn. You may be the one individual who says something in class that will remain with the child throughout his or her life and continually bring the child back to God! You will actually make a difference in someone’s spiritual life! Anyone interested in becoming a CCD Catechist, please contact Cathy Cain at 215-672-3020/9990.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

“There is One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.” Ephesians 4:5

How Can I Become a Catholic? Life is a journey that continually searches for meaning. The human heart hungers for relationships that nurture one’s maturity and ability to love and to be loved. Often as one seeks to fulfill these very human yearnings, the realization that something is missing from life is made. As one reflects upon this void, it is not unusual to discover that this something is God. This awakening may lead to a turning point in one’s life to commit to a relationship with God and seek out a worshiping community to guide one’s journey in faith. Many will ask the question: How can I become a Catholic? The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) is the normal way for unbaptized persons and those who have been baptized in another Christian tradition to become a Catholic. To find out more information about the R.C.I.A. at St. Joseph’s, either to become a candidate or to volunteer as a member of the team, call (215) 672-3020.

Rectory Volunteers

Our Rectory volunteers (a.k.a. Angels) answer the door & telephone one day a week either: 9am to 12 noon, or 12 noon to 3pm. Their presence at the Rectory is invaluable to the staff because the volunteers answer the many telephone calls we receive, and greet those who come for appointments. Do you have a free morning or afternoon when you could help out? We always need subs for the wonderful men and women who currently help us. (Vacations, meetings, etc.) Please contact us at 215-672-3020 for more information or to volunteer your time.

Remember, when you “work for the Lord, the pay isn’t great (as in non-existent), but ‘ the Retirement is out of this world!!”

Music Ministry

MUSIC MINISTRY

If you are interested in joining St. Joseph’s Music Ministry, please contact our Music Director, Mrs. Maria Lennon, at 215-896-9484 or mariaalennon@gmail.com.

ADULT CHOIR

The Adult Choir sings at about two Sundays a month and for Christmas, sacraments, Triduum, and other special liturgies.

According to the USCCB document, Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship (29-31): “An important ministerial role of the choir or ensemble is to sing various parts of the mass in dialogue or alternation with the congregation… At times the choir performs its ministry by singing alone… When the choir is not exercising its particular role, it joins the congregation in song.” It also notes that the choir can add musical elements to congregational singing, such as descants and harmonies that require extra rehearsal time.

The Adult Choir practices every Wednesday evening from 7:15 to 9:15 pm.

There are no auditions, and the Adult Choir accepts members at any level of musical ability. No previous choir or singing experience is necessary. Benefits of joining include enjoying Christian fellowship with other parishioners and participating more fully in the Catholic Liturgy.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR

The Children’s Choir sings once or twice a month at designated Sunday Mass times, at Christmas, and occasionally alongside the Adult Choir for sacraments and other special liturgies. The Children’s Choir shares the same role as the Adult Choir described above.

The Children’s Choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 6:45 pm.

In addition to the music benefits of membership, children learn more about their faith, the Mass, and the liturgical seasons, as well as sharing Christian fellowship with other children in the parish. Children are welcome to join at any time during the year.

CANTORS

According to Sing to the Lord (37), “the cantor is both a singer and a leader of congregational song… the cantor may sing in alternation or dialogue with the assembly.” Cantors lead from the front with modest gestures to guide the congregation. Cantors at St. Joseph’s are scheduled in advance based on availability. Candidates must have a pleasant singing voice, however, prior experience is not required as proper training will be provided.

INSTRUMENTALISTS

According to Sing to the Lord (41), “The primary role of the organist, other instrumentalists, or instrumental ensemble is to lead and sustain the singing of the assembly and of the choir, cantor, and psalmist, without dominating or overpowering them.”

All instrumentalists—including pianists, organists, guitarists, flutists, violinists, and trumpeters—who have received proper training on their instruments are encouraged to share their gifts. Guidance will be provided for their use during Mass.

ENSEMBLES

St. Joseph’s Contemporary Ensemble, led by Bill Monaghan, leads the congregation in song at the 11:30 Mass one Sunday every other month. Practice is held an hour and a half prior to Mass.

Additional ensembles may be formed in the future for those who are interested.

Food Cupboard

The first Sunday of each month parishioners are requested to bring canned goods such as beef stews, tuna fish, fruit, vegetables, soup, pork & beans, and other non-perishable goods such as cereals and pasta. Contributions are transported to the Community Food Cupboard in Warminster the Wednesday after the Sunday collection to feed the needy in the area. If you are interested in volunteering to assist with transporting and/or sorting food collected each month, contact Bob Byrne at 215-675-9060.