ADORATION

In March 2004 Eucharistic Adoration was initiated on each Thursday in the lower Church here at Saint Joseph Parish. In September of 2004, the Adoration was extended to include Wednesday.

Volunteer attendees for the hours of adoration come from all parishes in Medford and surrounding areas, uniting all of us in our love of our Catholic Faith… and for the Eucharist.

The Blessed Sacrament is exposed for veneration on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 AM until 8:30 PM. Benediction is held at 5:30 PM each day, depending on the availability of a priest.

Volunteer attendees and hourly “captains” are asked to sign up for one hour, in order to assure that someone is always present when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed. “Captains” agree to stay after the assigned hour in those instances when volunteers are late or absent.

Volunteer attendees and captains are always needed for some of the difficult-to-cover hours… especially 4-5 PM and 6-7 PM on Wednesday, and at 9:30-10:30 AM, 10:00-11:00 AM (intentional overlap), and 4-5 PM on Thursday. If you can help, or if you would like to attend at any time, please contact Mary Ann Harold… or use the sign-up sheet in the Church.

If you would like more information on Eucharistic Adoration, go to:

www.therealpresence.org

Parish contact:     Mary Ann Harold     782-391-1396     maryannharold@comcast.net

ALTAR SOCIETY

The Saint Joseph Altar Society consists of dedicated parishioners… men and women… who add a positive element to parish liturgies by performing many behind-the-scenes projects such as cleaning, polishing, and repairing our worship areas. Because of their efforts parishioners are provided with a most fitting environment for sacred liturgy.

Volunteer help is welcome. The time commitment is flexible.

Contact:     Michael DePascale     781 391-6937     mdepascale@comcast.net

BAKERS

Contact or chairperson of committee:  Betsy Pesce

Phone number:  781-396-0423
E-mail address:  stjosephmusic@msn.com

This group of volunteers assists the liturgy committee in providing baked goods for receptions following special liturgies and events throughout the year;

Need for Volunteers:

1. Type of job – volunteer bakers
    

2. Requirements of job – to provide baked goods for collations following special liturgies and events (missions, concerts, etc.);
    

3. Number of hours needed – variable; volunteers are asked to deliver baked goods to the cafeteria or church foyer in accordance with  instructions;
    

4. Flexible timing commitment –the liturgy office prepares a letter requesting baked goods for a particular event and mails it to all bakers approximately two weeks prior to the event; volunteers are asked either to return the tear-off reply form, or to telephone the rectory with their response at their earliest convenience;
    

5. Commitment level – anytime enrollment, either at time of volunteer solicitation drive in fall, or simply by contacting the rectory at any time during the year to offer services;
    

6. Additional information – from time to time, other parish groups such as religious education may ask for assistance from volunteer bakers as the need arises;

CHRISTIAN SERVICE

The Christian Service Committee plans and carries out various activities that respond to the needy of Saint Joseph’s and nearby communities. Their activities raise the consciousness of people to the needs of others, and in some way encourages people to respond to those who are less fortunate.

Activities of the Christian Service volunteers include the preparation and cooking of meals for the homeless, writing of Christmas cards and sorting gifts at Christmas, and helping sort gifts for the annual Mothers’ Day baby shower.

Volunteers are welcome… the time commitment is flexible.

The Spiritual Director is Fr. Joseph Diem

Contact:

Ann Porcaro         781 396-1584       Annnursery@comcast.net
Clara Clemeno     781 395-3147       cclemeno@comcast.net

CURSILLO

Saint Joseph’s is blessed to have an active Cursillo community… where members can meet Jesus in a deep, living, and personal way.

Cursillo is a three day-three night ecclesial program, somewhat related to a retreat, which aspires to foster Christian Community and the proclamation of the Gospel in homes, neighborhoods, work places, and other situations where people live the better part of their lives. Cursillo in supported and encouraged in every diocese in the United States.

For more information on the Cursillo community here at Saint Joseph, contact Richard Grant (781 391-4624), or Joe Feltz (781 391-2420).

In eastern Massachusetts, Cursillos are conducted at the following locations:

            Marist House, Framingham   
            Holy Cross Retreat House, N. Easton
            Saint Basil’s Center, Methuen

“I find in Cursillo all that Christ meant for his Church to be; an outpouring of love, grace, renewal, and friendship. It has been a milestone in my faith journey. Don’t pass this up; it is Living Water.” 
- 2001 Participant

“For me Cursillo was a time of spiritual renewal. I think the weekend is for everyone; it doesn’t matter where you are on your journey of faith.”
- 2002 Participant

 *********************************

The Cursillo method aims at helping to transform, in a Christian way, the environments where people live and work through the involvement of “new men and women” who have become such from their encounter with Christ.  This is a goal of the three day “little course ”on Christianity; in which a team of priests and lay people, supported by the prayers and sacrifices of the movement’s other members, communicated the fundamental truths of the Christian faith in an especially “living way”.

                                                                                 Pope John II, July 29, 2000

*********************************

DECORATORS

The decorators are a group of parish volunteers who donate their time and talent at times throughout the year to help prepare the church for liturgies appropriate to the season… e.g., Christmas, Lent, Palm Sunday, Easter, etc.

These volunteers help in decorating (and un-decorating) the church for special liturgies according to their abilities. Tasks vary widely from preparing candles for the Easter Vigil, arranging flowers around the altar, hanging ribbons, bows, swags, and wreaths, etc., depending on the liturgical season.

Volunteers are always welcome! Many hands make light… and pleasant work. Hours are flexible and volunteers for specific “projects” are contacted approximately two weeks in advance of the scheduled need. At Christmas and Easter, volunteers may be asked to assist in advance preparation work sessions to reduce the work done on the actual “decorating day”.

Volunteers may enroll at any time by contacting the rectory office.

Contact:     Betsy Pesce     781 396-0423     stjosephmusic@msn.com

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

Eucharistic Ministers, perhaps more accurately called Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, are lay men and women, who, after special training and instruction, are commissioned by the Church to distribute Holy Communion at Mass, to those who are shut-ins, or to residents of nursing homes.

Here at Saint Joseph, we have four groups of dedicated Extraordinary Ministers. One group helps distribute Holy Communion in Saint Joseph’s church. Another group brings Holy Communion to the homebound. The two remaining groups bring Holy Communion to the two nursing homes… Brighten and Courtyard.

Parish Masses: Schedules are mailed to this group of Extraordinary Ministers every two months… and those scheduled for the week are listed in the parish bulletin.

Contact:     Michael DePascale     781-391-6937     mdepascale@comcast.net

Shut-ins or Homebound: Ministers bring Holy Communion to shut-ins once each month. Each minister visits 4 to 6 homes. Some special training is given to help better understand ministry to the homebound.

Contact:      Theresa O’Keefe     781-395-3488     donandtheresa@comcast.net

Nursing Homes: Ministers bring Holy Communion to residents of the Brighten and Courtland nursing homes once each month.

Courtyard contact:     Barbara Dwyer     781-395-7838

Brighten contact:     Theresa O’Keefe     781-395-3488     donandtreresa@comcast.net

The Spiritual Director of the Extraordinary Ministers is Fr. Patrick McLaughlin.

FAMILY LITURGY

Each Sunday the 10:00 AM Mass is planned as a Family Mass. Any parishioner may attend. After the Introductory Rite children are brought to the lower church for the Liturgy of the Word. There they hear an approved children’s version of the readings… and are given an explanation of the readings by members of the adult team. They then return to the upper church for the Creed, the Prayers of the Faithful, and the rest of the Mass.

Children in grades 1 and 2 are asked to attend this special Mass as part of their Religious Education and sacramental preparation requirements.

Volunteers for the adult team are welcome. Requirements include knowledge of our religion and the ability to prepare a basic lesson from provided materials with help from the team leader. Being comfortable in front of a crowd is also important. Adult volunteers must also attend a “Protecting God’s Children” presentation if they have not already done so. The time commitment can vary depending on the volunteer’s availability.

Contact:     Phyllis Patten     781- 391-5819      ppatten119@comcast.net

GREETERS

This group of volunteers serve as Ministers of Hospitality by welcoming people at the doors of the church before weekend Masses and by handing out copies of the weekly parish bulletin.

Scheduled volunteers arrive one half hour before the start of each Mass for which they are to serve as greeter.

Greeters enter their monthly commitment on a sign-up sheet posted in the church foyer a month in advance. Once finalized, the schedule is mailed to all volunteers approximately one week prior to the start of a new month.

From time to time, volunteers may be asked to assist in greeting, distributing programs, etc., at special liturgies or other events on an “if available” basis.

New volunteers are welcome and may enroll by contacting the rectory.

Contact:     Betsy Pesce     781-396-0423     stjosephmusic@msn.com

LECTORS

PROCLAIMING THE WORD OF GOD

Lectors proclaim the word of God at all parish liturgies… and may also read prepared announcements.

Weekday lectors are volunteers on an “as available” basis.

Lectors for the weekend liturgies sign up for masses a month ahead of time. The schedule normally appears in parish bulletin one week prior to the actual assignment.

Parish contact person: Mary Mocogni        (781) 395-1404

Lector workshop Archdiocese of Boston website:  www.rcab.org/OfficeForWorship/LectorWorkshop

WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

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MOTHER'S CLUB
(Organized 1948)

The Mothers’ Club is a dedicated group of school mothers (with help from dads, grandparents, and other relatives on occasion) whose efforts raise over $50,000 each year to help support Saint Joseph School. These efforts also foster a great spirit of co-operation and involvement of parents in the education of the students of our parish school.

Club Motto:  ” Sincerity, truth, maternal interest, and co-operation”

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

To carry out our mission, the Mothers’ Club sponsors a variety of fundraising and social events. The range of activities may change annually to ensure that the needs of the St. Joseph School community are met.

Our fundraising efforts are for the exclusive benefit of the St. Joseph School. The club will plan and sponsor events to meet the annual goal set by the Business Manager, to fund the continuation of the Enrichment Program, and to work toward the best interest of the school, the children, and our members.

We will provide social opportunities for the children and/or families of St. Joseph School community in an environment where safety, fun, and spirituality are the primary consideration.

MEMBERSHIP

The SJMC offers you a unique opportunity to enrich your child’s elementary school years. Sharing your time and talents as a volunteer and your financial support is essential for the Mothers’ Club to continue its existing services to the school and the children. Your support enables us to expand our services and occasionally meet new needs. Your active participation in the club and its events can build a framework for friendship, enhance communication, cooperation and the continued well-being of the St. Joseph School community.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Many activities are conducted where children are present. All parish/school employees and volunteers who interact with children, no matter how minimal, are required by the Archdiocese of Boston, to attend a “Protecting God’s Children” presentation prior to their participation in the activities. Please visit the Protecting God’s Children selection on this website for more information.

Mothers’ Club Website:  www.stjosephmothersclub.com

School Website:  www.stjosephschoolmedford.com

MUSIC

Contact or chairperson of committee:  Betsy Pesce

Phone number:  617-335-8155
E-mail address:  stjosephmusic@msn.com

This ministry supports and enhances both our weekend and special liturgies here at St. Joseph Parish throughout the year.  Both our Adult Choir and our Youth Choir provide a wide range of liturgical musical experience for all, and we gladly welcome new members.  The Adult Choir sings at the Noon Mass on Sundays, the Youth Choir sings at the 10 A.M. Family Liturgy on Sundays, the Teen Ensemble provides the music at the 5 P.M. Mass on Sundays, and a cantor serves as the leader of song at the 4 P.M. Mass on Saturdays.

Need for Volunteers:

1. Type of job – regular adult and youth choir members, and pick-up choir members
   

2. Requirements of job – regular choir members are asked to attend weekly and special choir rehearsals throughout the season, as well as their respective weekend and special Masses/services (members are asked to arrive at least one-half hour before Masses/services for a warm-up)
   

3. Number of hours needed – approximately 1 ½ hours for weekly rehearsals and 1 ½ hours for warm-up/Mass on Sundays; (Teen Ensemble: approximately 1 hour for weekly rehearsal/warm-up and 1 hour for Mass)
   

4. Regular meeting time: 

5. 
   Adult Choir – 7-8:30 P.M. on Thursdays, and 11:30 (warm-up) and Noon Mass on Sundays (coffee is available at 11 A.M.!)
   
   Youth Choir – 3-4 P.M. on Tuesdays, and 9:30 (warm-up) and 10 A.M. Mass on Sundays (Youth Choir Breakfast from 9-9:30 A.M.!)
   
6. Teen Ensemble - 4-5 P.M. and 5 P.M. Mass on Sundays.
   
   Pick-up choir:  Usually the fourth/last Sunday of the month (dates are announced in the bulletin); anyone who would like is invited to come to the choir loft at 11:15 A.M. for a rehearsal, and to sing with the choir at the Noon Mass.  It’s a nice way to “try us out”!

5. 
   Commitment level – anytime enrollment
   

6. Additional information – The regular choir season extends from September to June, however, for anyone who would like to participate, pick-up choir continues at the Noon Mass during July and August.   Also, the music ministry presents a parish concert each year in February, which is always great fun!

RECTORY OFFICE VOLUNTEERS

Occasionally the workload in the parish office is such that extra help is needed. This normally happens when a large mailing is scheduled… e.g., the mailing inviting participation in the Grand Annual Collection… or other parish-wide mailings.

This group of “on-call” volunteers helps fold, stuff, and seal… to assist in getting these mailings out in a timely manner. They may also collate and staple special event programs.

If you would like to be included on this group, call the rectory. Time commitment is flexible and dependent on the availability of the volunteers.

Contact:     Rectory Office     781 396-0324

ROSARY

Each weekday, immediately after the 8:00 AM Mass the Rosary is prayed for anyone who would like to attend. All are welcome!

In addition… a group of parishioners meets on the first Tuesday of each month to pray the Rosary with residents at the Courtyard Nursing Home starting at 1:30 PM. Rosaries are prayed in the C, D and A/B units. Volunteers are welcome!

For information on the Rosary go to:   www.how-to-pray-the-rosary.com

Parish contacts:    

Daily Rosary:     Ethel Bonaccorsi     617 395-4215
Courtyard:     Francine Burke     781-395-4916

SODALITY OF OUR LADY

The Sodality is an organization of parish women who meet on the first Tuesday of each month, except during the summer months.

Activities vary, but include such events as rosary & benediction, Mass for deceased members, a Christmas party, and an annual communion supper.

The Sodality also sends bereavement cards and get-well cards.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Rosary and Benediction in the Upper Church at 6:30 PM, followed by refreshments in the Social Center.

Reservations for the Communion Supper may be made at this event.

Monday, May 5, 2008 – COMMUNION SUPPER

A child from the First Communion Class will crown the statue of the Blessed Mother at the 6:30 PM celebration of Mass in the Upper Church. Dinner will follow in the Social Center.

Ticket price is $25.00. Contact Eleanor Meskell or Louise Beucler for tickets.

ST. VINCENT DePAUL SOCIETY

Members of The Saint Joseph St. Vincent de Paul organization are men and women who strive to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to the needy in our area.

The efforts of this dedicated group are supported by the financial contributions of our parishioners… and by the contributions to our food pantry. Thanks to the generosity of many, and to the efforts of society members, help to the needy is given in many forms.

• -Food, fuel, and financial aid for many families who call throughout the year for
   assistance. (Home visits verify the needs).
• 
  -Food is given to families at Thanksgiving.
• 
  -Food, clothing, and toys are given to needy families at Christmas.
• 
  -Organizing the annual Mass of Anointing for shut-ins, nursing home patients, and the
   sick or elderly of the parish… including the providing of transportation, dinner,
   entertainment, and gifts.
• 
  -Providing poinsettias at Christmas, which are delivered by the Boy Scouts to shut-ins.
• 
  -Contribute, along with church donations, financial aid to national disaster relief funds.
• 
  -Provide bi-monthly, food for a meal served at Saint Paul’s Kitchen.
• 
  -Provide food for families from parishioner donations to the food pantry.

Members of the St .Vincent de Paul Society at Saint Joseph Parish are Gerard & Janet Marchese, Bob & Dianne Tringale, Rudy & Marilyn Cavallo, Mike & Kathie Carpenito, and a number of associate members.

The work of these dedicated volunteers deserves you continued support.

Parish contact: Call rectory (781) 396-0423

Link to St. Vincent de Paul web site:  www.svdpusa.org

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE

The mission of the Stewardship Committee is to find ways to welcome members of the Medford community into the Saint Joseph Parish community through information and inclusion. Members do this by searching for ways to involve people of all skills and backgrounds.

A current project is to publish an updated version of the Saint Joseph Parish Directory, which will include all of the ministries offered at Saint Joseph Parish.

The Stewardship Committee presently consists of Mary Doyle (Chairperson), Shari Bickford, Janet Donnelly, and Deb Hurley.

Meetings are held on the 3^rd Wednesday of each month from 7:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Additional volunteers for this committee are more than welcome!

Contact:

Mary Doyle      MHDoyle59@hotmail.com or  SJCStewardship@hotmail.com

VOCATION

Included in the many ministries in Saint Joseph Parish is a team of men and women who work and pray for an increase in religious vocations.

This Vocation Team has set two goals:

1. 1.  To encourage people to pray for an increase in vocations to Holy Orders and the
        religious life through the Vocation Crucifix Program, and…
2. 
   2.  To provide those who may be considering a religious vocation, encouragement,
        sources of helpful information, and referrals and/or mentors through the
        Archdiocese of Boston.

The Vocation Crucifix Program encourages… and schedules… families to volunteer to pr ay for vocations for one week (Sunday through Saturday). Helpful aids, including a “vocation” crucifix, and prayer guidelines, are provided by the Vocation Team.

If you would like to volunteer to pray for vocations for one week, or if you would like more information about this program, please contact the parish office… or one of the Vocation Team members listed below.

Contacts:

Edward Flynn     781 393-9708     vze2377v@comcast.net
Robin Dooling     781 391-5551     gdooling51@comcast.net