Duties and Responsibilities

• Complete CORI request form at the start of ministry and then annually.
• Participate in VIRTUS (Protecting God’s Children) training program.
• Recognize that appointment to this ministry is for the purpose of meeting the needs of the parish community.
• Follow the monthly schedule; obtain own replacement from EME list if unable to be present.
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before Mass, thus allowing for assigning of places and a brief time for recollection of self.
• Wear appropriate attire in keeping with the dignity of the service.
• Participate willingly in training and/or scheduled ministry meetings and opportunities for spiritual enrichment.

Qualifications

• A fully initiated Catholic, that is, one who is Baptized, Confirmed and receiving the Eucharist.
• A practicing Catholic and a registered parishioner.
• Possess a sense of liturgical prayer.
• A person of faith and committed to personal growth in holiness.

Ministers are supported by the parish pastoral staff. The length of commitment is a term of three years. Re-appointments as needed and, as mutually agreed upon for another term.

The food pantry is stocked by the wonderful generosity of the parishioners of St. Joseph’s Parish. All non-perishable food items, toiletries, baby needs, paper goods, soap and detergents are collected at the church on the first Sunday of the month. You may also leave your donations at the rectory during the week. Cash donations are also accepted and are greatly appreciated.

Prayer Shawls are made with love and are freely given to those in need of healing, celebrating a life event, or wishing to stay connected to St. Joseph’s community. Donations of yarn help keep this ministry flourishing.

For more information, speak with Jini Vickery or contact the rectory.

The Holy Name Society at St. Joseph’s Church is a men’s organization dedicated to “Honor the Holy Name of Jesus” and is characterized by fellowship, spiritual growth and service to the parish and community. The society meets every second Sunday of the month for the 8:30 a.m. mass, followed by our monthly meeting which is usually held in the gymnasium. While these are primarily business meetings, the informal atmosphere with coffee and pastries enhances a strong spirit of fellowship among the members.

The Holy Name Society has been at St. Joseph’s for over 80 years and in those years the Holy Name Society has been a large part of St. Joseph’s. The group has over 30 active members who are not only active members of the Holy Name Society, but also as Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers, Parish Council Members, and even a Deacon. Our members range in age from their 30’s to their 90’s with members of all ages being active in the many events that are sponsored by the group. Currently, St. Joseph’s Holy Name Society is one of the most active societies in the Archdiocese of Boston.

As the membership has grown and the years have gone by, the activities which the Holy Name Society sponsors have also grown with the new members injecting new ideas and added support for our projects. Spiritually, the Holy Name Society members attend Mass as a group once a month (usually on the second Sunday of the month). Each Spring, we sponsor a pilgrimage to the Mirimar Retreat House in Duxbury, MA where we join other Catholic men from Boston and surrounding cities to make a weekend retreat. Also, the Holy Name holds a vigil every year after the Holy Thursday Mass from 10 to 11 pm. During this time, prayers are offered and the rosary is recited.

Socially, we have sponsored various events that not only have brought people together as a community, but also have been successful fundraisers which aid the Holy Name in supporting local charities (most notably the St. Joseph’s Food Pantry). Some of these annual events include: our Pasta Supper in the Fall, our Christmas Wreath Program in the Winter, our Communion Breakfast in the Spring, Kite Flying in the Park and sponsoring a parish field trip to a Pawtucket Red Sox game in early Summer. Our services to the parish are not only spiritual and social in nature. Our members are also involved with the Parish food pantry, aiding the bi-annual Red Cross Blood Drive, supporting the Parish clean-ups, and offering our “handyman” support to the Pastor for improvements to the parish facilities.

We welcome new members to share in the camaraderie of the Holy Name Society while helping us to build a more dynamic parish. The only requirement is that you be at least 18 years of age. To join, just attend one of our monthly meetings or contact the Parish office with your name and how to contact you. We’d love to have you with us!