Fellowship
Spiritual formation is the growth of our souls and bodies into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ. God, the Father, shapes our lives by His Son and the Holy Spirit through the grace of the sacraments. We believe that this formation happens intellectually just as much as it does in our habits and emotions. Here at St. Joseph’s, we are committed to being formed into conduits of God’s grace from Sunday worship onwards as we go in peace to love and serve the Lord.
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The Praise of Christ
Acolytes
The ministry of Acolyte is one of the oldest ministries in the Church. At St. Joseph of Arimathea, it is a ministry open to children and adults, and–along with the ministry of Lector– is often an entry to deeper involvement. Children are encouraged to consider becoming acolytes when they are seven years old (or very close) and have completed Solemn Communion Preparation, which is offered during Lent each year, with solemn communion traditionally taking place on the Second Sunday of Easter.
For specific information or questions related to our acolyte ministry, contact Shelly Sircy.
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic Ministers (sometimes known as Chalice Bearers) at St. Joseph of Arimathea may be called upon to help in a variety of ways in worship, but their focus is primarily upon administering the chalice at communion. As with all of worship ministries, people are encouraged to consider the ministry of Eucharistic Minister as part of their devotional life. This is a licensed ministry, and those who engage in it must be adult confirmed communicants in good standing, recommended by the priest and licensed by Bishop Bauerschmidt.
For specific information or questions related to our Eucharistic ministry, contact Shari Caloz.
Music
St. Joseph’s predominately uses traditional music from the hymnal and approved supplements. However, we encourage employing the musical talents of our diverse congregation including children. Beyond organ music, we have experience with the incorporation of Taizé chants, and guitar accompanied songs during Communion. The St. Joseph’s Carillon Bell Choir joins the St. Joseph’s Choir on a regular basis in sharing their musical offerings for the benefit and uplift of our worship together.
For specific information or questions related to our music ministry, contact Sandra Disney.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is a lay ministry to serve God by preparing the Sanctuary for worship, maintaining and caring for the sacred vessels, altar linens, and vestments, and serving the clergy and the parish. The Altar Guild is responsible for setting up the Altar each week for Sunday services and works with the priest for special services that come up during the year (i.e. weddings, funerals, Ash Wednesday, Easter Holy Week, Advent, Christmas as well as any other services that are scheduled).
If you are interested in joining the Altar Guild, contact Cornelia Pullins.
Eucharistic Visitors
Eucharistic visitors are lay persons authorized to take the consecrated elements in a timely manner following a Celebration of Holy Eucharist to members of the congregation who, by reason of illness or infirmity, were unable to be present at the Celebration of the Eucharist. A Eucharistic Visitor acts under the direction of a deacon, if any, or otherwise, the member of the clergy or other leader exercising oversight of the congregation or other community of faith. This is a licensed ministry, and those who engage in it must be adult confirmed communicants in good standing, recommended by the priest and licensed by Bishop Bauerschmidt.
For specific information or questions related to our Eucharistic visitors, contact Shelly Sircy.
Lectors
Lectors, also called readers, are persons chosen to read Holy Scripture aloud during our common worship services. The ministry of the lector is to proclaim the word of God by reading from both the Old and New Testament at church services throughout the year. A lector may also lead the Prayers of the People. Lectors are scheduled to serve at both Sunday morning services. Lectors are not required to be licensed by the Bishop. Anyone with a love of Holy Scripture and a good speaking voice can be one after a training session.
If you would like to learn more about serving as a lector, please contact Shannon Meuggenborg Holt.
Ushers
Ushers work together as a team, rotating throughout the year. Some of the duties include greeting churchgoers as they arrive, helping to orient guests and newcomers to our church, handing out the bulletins, assisting with seating, recording service attendance and answering questions. Arriving early for services, ushers help prepare the entry area of the church for services, collect and present the offering during the service and direct people to and from their chairs during communion. Ushers can also serve at special services during holidays, holy days and funerals. We would like to invite anyone interested in this ministry to join us.
Please contact Bob Lindsey if you would like to serve as an usher.