| Altar Servers |
| Children of the parish (3rd grade and above, both
Catholic and non-Christian) are invited to participate in the liturgical
services as an altar server. The annual training program for this ministry
takes place each September. |
| Bingo Workers |
| The Bingo workers are volunteers of the parish who
run our parish bingo that gives financial support to our parish. Bingo
is held every Monday and Saturday with doors opening at 5:30PM. Anyone
interested in working as a volunteer for bingo is encouraged to contact
the rectory. |
| CCD |
| CCD (Confraternity of Christian Doctrine) is a program
of Christian doctrine for children not enrolled in a Catholic school may
be arranged by need and appointment. It is the aim of the parish to start a Catechetical program for the Catholic children of the public schools. Any parent interested is invited to call the parish office to register (212) 267- 8376. |
| Charismatic Prayer Group |
| The Charismatic Prayer Group meets every week to pray
for the parish, the people, the priests and the sick. Through the reading
of Scripture, the singing of hymns and a prayer chain, the members of
the prayer group grow closer to God. The prayer group meets every Wednesday
evening from 7:30PM to 9PM. Everyone is welcome. |
| Eucharistic Ministers |
| At St. Joseph, Eucharistic ministers are used at school
masses and on occasion may assist the pastor on his visits to the homebound
and hospitalized. The Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus serve in this
capacity. |
| Holy Name Society |
| The Holy Name Society is open to all men of the parish
18 years of age or older. Its purpose is to relate the Catholic faith
to the issues that confront men in society today. The Holy Name Society
provides the leadership of ushers at all masses and prepares holiday food
baskets for the community. They are also actively involved in many other
activities of the parish. The spiritual growth of its members and parish
involvement are the main characteristics of this Society. The Holy Name
Society meets every second Sunday at the 9AM Mass. A breakfast meeting
follows the Eucharistic celebration. |
| Ladies Auxiliary |
| The St. Joseph Ladies Auxiliary seeks to promote the
spiritual and social welfare of the women of the parish, and suport the
apostolic ministry of the parish. The Ladies Auxiliary has been active
in the Church of St. Joseph for over 60 years. They meet and work together
as well as sponsor several activities in the parish. Meetings are held
on the 4th Tuesday of every month during the school year, and all women
of the parish who are interested in the faithful practice of their Catholic
faith are invited to join. |
| Lectors |
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the Lector's Schedule. Please download and install the reader below: Lectors serve as readers and commentators at the liturgical celebrations of our parish. A training program in catechesis will be given to all those called to this ministry by the pastor. The current lectors are Elenor A., Michelle A., Judy C., Thomas C., Gabriel D., Carol D., Angela D, John M., Niaisia P., Sara T., Desiree U., Anna W. and Victoria Z. When the early Christians gathers for the Breaking of the Bread (The Eucharist), along with prayer and the Consecration of the Bread and Wine, a letter was usually read addressed to the local Church. These letters were from the Apostles Peter, Paul, James or John. They were usually instructions to the Church in their relationship with Christ and with each other. Very often they were words of encouragement as to keeping the faith alive, putting up with the faults and short comings of others and encouragement in time of persecution. These letters were usually read by a member of the community who was charged with keeping them in a safe place so that they could be referred to from time to time. The lector also kept a daily account of the activities of the local Church and was in correspondence with the other Churches and Apostles as they traveled spreading the Gospel of Christ. The Office of Lector or Reader was of such importance that along with Acolyte, Exorcist and Porter, it became one of the minor orders leading to the Priesthood. With the reforms of the Second Vatican Council only Acolyte and Reader have remained. These ministries are shared both by those seeking Sacred Ordination and by the laity. It is a privilege to proclaim the Word of God in the midst of the community. As we are fed with the Body and Blood of Christ, so are we nourished with His Word as we share our faith with others, understand their strengths and weakness and live our lives according to the Will of God. |
| The Association of Mary Help |
| The Association of Mary Help is a Fujianese Association
that was established
to tend to the spiritual needs of the Chinese speaking members of St.
Joseph Church, especially new immigrants. The group meets every Sunday at the 3:00PM Fujianese Mass at the Church. They also organize spiritual activities such as retreats and pilgrimages for members. This organization is made up of an administration committee that plans these events. Sacramental preparation is offered each Sunday afternoon from 1:30PM to 2:30PM and the Sacrament of Reconciliation is provided each Sunday at 2:30PM in Fujianese. |
| Music Ministry |
| The choir director of the Adult English choir plans
and provides music at the 12 Noon Sunday liturgy and at all major parish
liturgies, and the Fujianese Choir accompanies the 3PM Mass each Sunday.
These Choirs are open to all the parishioners of St. Joseph Church. The
English Choir meets every Sunday from 11AM to 12 Noon. The Fujianese Choir
meets every Sunday from 2:30PM to 3:00PM. The St. Joseph School children's choir is an integral part of school worship. They lead the song at all school liturgies and occasionally at special parish liturgies. |
| Parish Council |
| The Parish Council is a group of dedicated parishioners
who work with the pastor in planning and sponsoring the spiritual and
social activites of the parish. The Parish Council meets monthly to discuss
the concerns of the parish. The pastor appoints members for this Council.
|
| School Finance Board |
| The School Finance Board meets with the pastor and
the principal of the school on the 1st Tuesday of each month. They work
in collaboration with the administration to help oversee the school's
financial endeavors. |
| Senior Citizens Group |
| The Senior Citizen group is open to all seniors who
are interested in social gatherings and discussions of topics of interest.
Each week this group meets and shares in refreshments and activities such
as Bingo, 50/50, bus trips and discussions on such topics as legal advice
and health information. This group meets every Wednesday from 1:15PM to
3PM in the parish auditorium. |
| St. Rocco Society |
| This society upholds the tradition to honor St. Rocco
which has been observed by Italian migrants for over a century. Each August
16th there is a mass and procession to honor St. Rocco. |
| Ushers |
| As "Ministers of Hospitality", ushers welcome parishioners
to the celebration of the Eucharist and assist parishioners at weekend
liturgies and other special functions. |
| Youth Group |
| A newly formed group of high school students plans
to sponsor spritual, social and service activites for our high school. |