Ministries
Liturgical
[We could provide a link to the current ministry schedules here]
Eucharistic Ministers
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist assist in distribution of Holy Communion to the faithful at Liturgies, and may also bring Holy Communion to persons unable to attend Liturgy due to illness or infirmity. Candidates for Eucharistic Ministry must be members of the parish community who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation, have received training in this ministry, and be approved by the Bishop of the Manchester Diocese.
To arrange for training, contact the parish Office Manager.
Lectors
Lectors, or Readers, assist at Liturgies by proclaiming the scripture readings, with the exception of the Gospel. They may also announce the intentions of the General Intercessions and, if there is no cantor, sing or read the psalm between the readings. Lectors are trained and commissioned by the parish.
To arrange for training, contact the parish Office Manager .
Altar Servers
Altar Servers assist the priest during Liturgies. Altar Servers must have received the Sacrament of first Eucharist and be trained in this ministry.
For training, contact the parish Office Manager .
Music Ministers
There are two styles of music ministry at St. Joseph. You could call them traditional and contemporary, but neither stays within any such boundaries, they work together, and there is much music that is common to both. New musicians, both vocal and instrumental, are welcome. The photo below was taken at the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, 2006.
Contemporary music is generally employed at the 11:00 Mass, and at the 5:00 Youth Mass, when it’s in season. This group, sometimes referred to as the "folk group", meets to practice each Tuesday at 7:30pm in the church. The 11:00 music ministry is led by Brenda Terry.
The other weekend Masses make use of Traditional music. There is a choir, which generally sings at the 9:00 Sunday Mass and special occasions, and there are cantors or small groups for the other Masses, including a very dedicated group of mostly high-school age at the 7:30 am Mass. The choir meets to practice each Thursday at 7:00pm in the church. Anna Willis is the overall Director of Music Ministries, leads the Traditional music ministry and is the principal organist for the parish.
Greeters
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All of the Youth Mass ministries are coordinated by Shawn McDonough
Spiritual Life
Youth Ministry
This lively group of young people from St. Joseph and Mary Queen of Peace parishes meets at 7:00 PM on Mondays in our parish Family Room. Special activities are advertised in the bulletin. Check out the schedule of upcoming Youth Masses. All High School students are welcome to join in the social and spiritual activities. For more information about the Youth Group, contact Shawn McDonough.
Men’s Prayer Breakfast
This is a group of men from St. Joseph and neighboring parishes (and other faith communities) that meets for breakfast, community prayer, music and teaching. Breakfasts are on the last Saturday of most months during the school year, and are held at 8:00 in St. Julie Hall. Upcoming breakfasts are advertised on our parish bulletin. For more information, contact Dick Collopy, 603-898-7020.
Community Bible Study
This is an ecumenical group that meets seasonally on Monday (changed from Tuesday) evenings, 7:30 to 9 pm, at Triumphant Lutheran Church in North Salem. Anyone who would like to participate should contact Lorraine Parhiala at 603-898-5627.
Parish Bible Study
This group meets seasonally in our Family Room. It tends to be organized as a 6-to-8 week series with some common theme. Some of the series are held immediately after the Liturgy on Monday mornings, and some are at 8:00 am on Saturdays. For current information, see the parish Education page.
Prayer Line
A Prayer Line prays for the sick, the dying or anyone who is in need of spiritual healing. For prayer requests, please call Lee Alphen, 898-1927 or Melanie Costello, 893-6763.
Social Justice/Outreach
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry is located below the church, across the hall from the rest rooms. Easiest access is the ground level side door around the corner to the left of the main church entrance. Food may be picked up on Fridays from 12 noon to 1:00 PM. Please call the parish Office Manager at least the day before.
Food donations may be left outside the food pantry door at any time, or in the back of the church at weekend Masses.
Respect Life
Contact parishioner Joan Espinola, 899-3960.
Consolers
The Consolers are parishioners who have united to form a ministry that embraces the Rites of a Christian Funeral. Taking a line from the Order of Christian Funerals, "The Church calls each member of Christ's Body -- priest, deacon, or layperson -- to participate in the Ministry of Consolation: to care for the dying, to pray for the dead, to comfort those who mourn." This ministry supports members of our parish, from the terminally ill through the bereavement phase. We are always open to new members. We work as a team, so you are never alone. If interested in finding out more, please call the parish Office Manager and leave your name and phone number. A member of the Consolers will return your call.
Bereavement
St. Joseph Bereavement and St. Mary Bereavement Center. Contact parishioner Linda O’Reilly, 978-685-2651.
Mercy Meals
A Mercy Meal can be provided after funerals upon request of the family. It is prepared and served by a group of dedicated and caring women and men of the parish.
Christian Service
Persons in need of assistance or those willing to volunteer should contact the parish Office Manager during business hours..
Natural Family Planning
For information or instruction about natural family planning, contact Nancy Malo 800-437-9666, ext. 8706