There are many unique opportunities with the various ministries and organizations within our parish in which you can share your gifts and talents. Please prayerfully consider offering your time to help St. Joseph the Worker grow and thrive as a parish community. If after reading the brief descriptions below of all our ministries and organizations, you decide you want to volunteer or need more information, please call the parish office for contact information on 412-271-0809.
Altar Servers - assist the priest or deacon at the altar during Holy Mass. This ministry is open to boys and girls in the 4th grade and above who regularly attend Sunday Mass. There is also a need for adult altar servers to assist at a Funeral Mass.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - assist the priest in distributing Holy Communion at Mass. Willingness to serve as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion reflects not only a response to your Baptismal call to service but a commitment to Christ as you share in feeding the spiritually hungry. Reverence for the Most Blessed Sacrament is essential in this ministry.
EMHC – Care for the Homebound – bring the Holy Eucharist to those who are unable to attend Mass. This group acts as Disciples of Christ and representatives of St. Joseph the Worker by taking the Holy Eucharist to the homebound, sharing the word of God in scripture, praying with them. and just offering companionship during the visit.
Greeters - are most likely the first person visitors and parishioners see as they enter St. Joseph the Worker. The qualifications required to be a greeter are simple. Come to Mass approximately twenty minutes early, stand and greet everyone entering the church, smile and be friendly, warm, and helpful.
Lectors - are so much more than just readers. The call to proclaim the Living Word of God is an honor and a responsibility. It is a ministry of proclamation, giving strong voice to the Word of God found in Sacred Scripture, and announcing the Prayers of the Faithful if a deacon is not present.
Ushers - foster Christian hospitality among parishioners and visitors. They greet people, show them to available seating when needed, take up the collection, and send forth the gift bearers in a timely manner.
Book Club – Book selections are made that will nourish both the mind and the soul. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month at 10 am in the Lawrence Room on the St. Maurice campus for a morning of reflection and lively discussions on book selections.
Catholic Daughters of America – are one of the oldest and largest national organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. The CDA Court Westinghouse #759 has members from several area parishes as well as St. Joseph the Worker. These ladies give time, energy, and stewardship to help many people in need. This organization develops a close sense of community, while enjoying the company of other Catholic women in their shared spiritual and charitable endeavors. They meet the second Friday of each month in Beaufort Hall on the St. John Fisher campus at 5:45 pm with a rosary and then the meetings begin at 6:30 pm.
Knights of Columbus – serve our parish and community while working to create a better world through charity. If you are a Catholic man looking to live out your faith in the spirit of charity by helping others, the Knights of Columbus of St. Joseph the Worker Parish would welcome you to join their efforts.
Ladies of Charity – is a women’s group in our parish whose purpose is to imitate the Divine Savior in serving the needy, the sick, the elderly, youth, and children and in bringing them corporal and spiritual nourishment and to serve rather than be served.
LBTQ Outreach Ministry – a safe place for support and discussion with a group that is diverse and loving. All are welcome: LBTQ Community, family, friends, parishioners, non-parishioners and allies.
Legion of Mary – members become instruments of the Holy Spirit through a balanced program of prayer and service. With the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit they strive to develop greater spirituality in their lives while practicing the spiritual works of mercy. Their purpose is for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
Library / Gift Shop – The library offers a welcoming place to browse and borrow from a growing collection of over 5,000 books and DVDs. Noteworthy is the abundance of resources for biographies of saints, Bible Study, the Catholic faith, CCD / RCIA, spirituality, and prayer. Highlights of the gift shop are remembrance gifts and cards for all sacramental celebrations, bibles, prayer cards, and devotional aids such as, rosaries, statues, medals, prayer books, and more. Volunteer staff offer help with special orders. Conveniently located on the St. Maurice campus, the regular hours are Sundays 9:30 – noon.
Prayer Chain – Prayer is at the heart of our relationship with God. It is the foundation of our faith. The Prayer Chain Network is made up of people who love to pray and know the power of prayer. The St. Joseph the Worker Prayer Chain is a group that prays for a common list of intentions. The praying is individual and in your home at your convenience. Prayers are lifted for the healing of mind, body, and spirit of parish members, friends, and family in need.
Prayer Shawl Ministry – Do you knit or crochet? Shawls can be made on your own time and yarn is provided. This beautiful ministry has touched the lives of so many people in their time of need. The group also meets the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 10 am in the Lawrence Room on the St. Maurice campus to offer prayers and blessings for the prayer shawl recipients.
Men’s Fellowship – Join other men from St. Joseph the Worker parish on the first and third Saturday of each month at 9:00 am in the lower level of St. Colman Church for breakfast and conversation about becoming better Catholic men. There is a short scripture reading at the meetings, but most of time spent together consists of discussion about how these readings relate to real life events. The purpose of the group is to help your faith grow and stay strong.
Service and Outreach – The purpose of this group is to provide help where help is needed in our parish and in the community. They work together with many other parish groups to coordinate or assist at many of our parish fundraising functions. They also serve as coordinators for the monthly donation drives our parish conducts to benefit outside groups that need assistance. They meet every third Wednesday.
St. Vincent de Paul Society – This group assists those in need in our area with various forms of financial and material help. Representatives make home visits to meet with individuals to determine what is needed and how they can help. The assistance can come in the form of aid for utilities, furniture, food, or other house related needs.