Our Ushers welcome and greet you with a smile as you enter the Church or Hall. They assist the elderly and families with their little ones to be seated. The Ushers graciously collect the generous donations from the assembly and invite parishioners to join in bringing the gifts of Bread and Wine to the Altar. At Communion time, Ushers guide the people up to receive the Body and Blood of Christ. After the final blessing from the Priest, our Ushers are at the doorways, still smiling, bidding you a “good week” and handing out the bulletins. St. Joseph’s Ushers are a true testament of volunteer commitment to our parish.
The qualifications are simple: + Be pleasant and friendly + Be familiar with the Order of the Worship
+ Be concerned about the well-being and comfort of our parishioners
+ Be diplomatic and calm even on busy days like Palm Sunday! A commitment would be for One Hour a week, serving at a Saturday night or Sunday Mass. There is always an opportunity for more to serve as Ushers!
Contact coordinator, Theresa, 631-587-0321 for more information.
The Ministry of Lectors is charged with the solemn proclamation of Sacred Scriptures at the Mass, in hopes of giving us a deepening affection for the Divine Word. Each Lector prepares for the Eucharistic celebration with careful and solemn reflection on the Word of God. At each Sunday liturgy, the Lector introduces the readings of the day; generally, one each from both the Old and New Testaments. On those rare occasions when a Cantor is not present at the Mass, the Lector will recite the Responsorial Psalm between the two readings. In instances when a Deacon is not present at the celebration, the Lector will also lead the congregation in the general intercessions of the Universal Prayer of the Faithful. “As the biblical readings throughout the liturgical cycles of the year unfold, it is in the reverent presentation of the assigned texts each week that the Lector assumes a unique responsibility in using their own voice to proclaim the Word of God in a fashion that makes it both living and real to us.” A commitment would be to serve once or twice a month at a Saturday or Sunday Mass.
Training is free and we serve with partners which the coordinator Tom can give more information about at 631-445-2165.
Extraordinary Ministers, nicknamed EMs, are assigned to either Team A or Team B and serve every other Saturday/Sunday weekend. Weekdays have no formal schedule however, three ministers will usually be present to serve informally at daily Mass. Funeral Masses are assisted by EMs assigned as part of the Consolation Ministry. Our dedicated EMs serve at every celebration for our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Days, Instructional Masses for Faith Formation students, and distribution of ashes on Ash Wednesday. Extraordinary ministers compassionately visit and bring Communion to the homebound of our community, usually on a weekly basis. Our parish is home to several adult care facilities like Bayview Rest Home, the Beach House, Berkshire Residence and the Bristal where our ministers and the residences know each other by name. If you are called to become a Eucharistic Minister, you would make a 3 Year Commitment; Beginning with Diocese Training offered in the spring and fall. Then in house training with one of our ministers will give you a “Walk Through” of our Sacristy in the Church and in the hall in order to familiarize you with our St. Joseph campus area and the vessels we use. Throughout the year, Ministers get to know each other at five meetings held on Saturday mornings from September through May.
Call Coordinator, Mary Alice at 631-669-4179 for more information.
The Young Altar Servers have a special privilege. Our Pope says "Being a server is a call to prayer and mission." When you serve at the Altar, you are serving Jesus and your Catholic community. The Servers hold liturgical books for the priest, so that he can pray with outstretched hands. They also assist with incense, holy water and vessels to hold the consecrated bread. The Altar Server leads the entrance procession carrying a cross, usually followed by two servers carrying candles. After the opening prayers, the servers carry the lighted candles to the ambo while the Deacon or Priest proclaims the Gospel. One or more servers assist in arranging the altar, then the Altar Servers ring the bells to bring the assembly to attention for the consecration. At the end of Mass the recessional in led by the cross bearer inviting all to take the Lord home with them. There are many reasons to become an altar server. Among the most important is gaining respect and a deeper understanding of the mass.
Call Jeanna 631-848-8342 for more information.