St. Joseph's offers many opportunities for you to participate in our mission.
Liturgical Prayer
The Holy Mass and the sacraments are the bedrock of Catholic worship. We all have an important role as members of the assembly gathered to worship God and to offer ourselves to God in union with Jesus. Our presence and our prayer builds up the worshipping community. Members come forth to serve in various ways.
In what areas do you think you are being called to minister to the community?
Liturgical Ministers gather to pray before the Entrance Procession begins.
Altar Servers - assist the priest during Mass. Through their integral role in the Mass, adults and children (male and female) in the 4th grade and above, gain a deeper appreciation of the liturgy, receive valuable catechesis and forge a deeper love for our Lord Jesus Christ. Training is offered in the fall and as needed. Virtus training is required for adults. Click here to learn more.
Contact:
Darlene Smith (343-6452)
Juan Paz (344-5339) for Spanish Mass
Children's Liturgy of the Word - provides a way of engaging children in grades 1-6 with the Sunday Scriptures. It is offered during the 8:45 AM. English Mass and 1:15 PM. Spanish Mass on Sundays. Training for the leaders is offered as needed. Virtus training is required. Click here to learn more.
Contacts:
Kathy Brown (372-0224) for English Masses
Laura Romero (615-1426) for Spanish Mass
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - minister the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ to their sisters and brothers at Sunday Mass, and take Holy Communion to parishioners who are homebound or in nursing homes. Training is held periodically for those who are eligible to serve in this ministry. Virtus training is required. Click here to learn more.
Contacts:
Beth McElhone (343-6256 x113) for English weekend and Holy Day Masses
Chela Gelabert (324-2438) for Spanish Mass
Sr. Mary Catherine (343-6256 x108) for Holy Communion to the homebound
Lectors - proclaim the Word of God to the gathered community at Mass and other parish services. A training session is held each fall and as needed for those who wish to continue in this ministry or to begin serving as a lector. Virtus training is required. Click here to learn more
Contacts:
Beth McElhone (343-6256 x113) for English Masses
Lydia McNamara (342-4946) for Spanish Mass
Liturgy Commission - plans and coordinates liturgical services throughout the Church year. The commission meets the third Wednesday of the month. If you would like to know more about the work of this commission or to be a be a part of it, call Maribeth Huster or click here.
Contact:
Maribeth Huster (382-5778)
Music Ministry - supports the singing of the Assembly of the Faithful and provides music during worship services and devotions. St. Joseph's has various choirs: adult choirs; seasonal choir; two children's choirs; a chime choir; and a Spanish choir. If you would like to be a member of a choir, or to play an instrument, talk with Beth McElhone. Virtus training is required for adults who assist with children's choirs. Click here to learn more.
Contact:
Beth McElhone (343-6256 x113)
Ushers - help parishioners and visitors to find places at Sunday Mass and other services, collect the Sunday offering, and distribute bulletins and other literature. If you would like to serve in this ministry contact Clair Branch or Tomás Mata.
Contact:
Clair Branch (372-7688) for English Masses
Tomás Mata (383-0668) for Spanish Mass
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At the end of Mass, we are sent forth to love and serve the Lord. Where and how is God calling you to serve? You might find some opportunities in what follows.
Devotional Prayer
Prayer is a constant in everything we do at St. Joseph's. The following groups and activities deserve special attention because prayer - in and of itself - is the focal point of their ministry.
Legion of Mary - a group of Catholics who join together to pray and to serve in honor of Mary, our Blessed Mother. The group meets weekly on Tuesday afternoons at 1:30 in the rectory dining room. All are invited to come and join in the prayer.
Contact:
Georgia Dann (343-7064)
Prayer for Peace in the Taize Style - an Ecumenical Candlelight Service with Sacred Scripture, songs, and quiet reflection time. All are invited to this time of prayer from 7:00-8:00 PM the first Thursday of each month.
Contact:
Kathy Nederhoed (327-8872)
Rosary Group - people who meet at 6:30 p.m. on Monday evenings to pray the Rosary. All are welcome to come when able to do so. Enter the church building through the front door of the rectory.
Contact:
Mary Mero (382-4102)
Stations of the Cross - prayers and meditations that retrace Jesus' path to Calvary. The Stations of the Cross occur regularly during Lent. Call the rectory office for days and times.
Contact:
Rectory office (343-6256)
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Christian formation concerns deepening our understanding of the Catholic Faith, to become "formed" to the life Jesus Christ is calling us to live. St. Joseph's offers several ways to help form its members as disciples of Jesus:
Bible Studies
Lectors' Bible Study - helps lectors to get a grasp of the upcoming Sunday readings in order to proclaim them in a meaningful way. Anyone - don't let the name scare you - who would like to understand better the Scripture Readings at Mass is welcome to attend. The group meets Monday evenings at 7:00 PM in the parish library. Click here for more information.
Contact:
Monsignor Mike Hazard (343-6256)
Pastor's Bible Study - consists of reflection and faith sharing on the Scripture readings to be used at the upcoming Sunday Masses. The group meets every Saturday morning during the entire year at 8:00 AM in the rectory dining room and is happy to welcome new participants. Enter through the side door by the parking lot. Click here for more information.
Contact:
Monsignor Mike Hazard (343-6256 x103)
Sunday Morning Bible Study - follows the Little Rock Scripture Study program to better understand the Bible and apply it to our daily lives. The study group meets Sundays at 10:10 - 11:10 AM during the school year when religious education classes are scheduled. New members are always welcome to join us as often as they are able to do so. Click here for more information.
Contact:
Patty Donovan Haley (343-6256 x110)
Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo (CSGK) - a Catholic-faith-based elementary and secondary education system that focuses on high achievement in a caring Christ-centered environment. St. Joseph Parish and seven other area parishes sponsor CSGK. The sponsoring parishes are:
- St. Ambrose, Parchment
- St. Ann, Gull Lake
- St. Augustine, Kalamazoo
- St. Catherine of Siena, Portage
- St. Joseph. Kalamazoo
- St. Mary, Kalamazoo
- St. Monica, Kalamazoo
- St. Thomas More, Kalamazoo
To volunteer, contact the school at the location where you wish to serve. Virtus training required. Click here to learn more.
Contact:
St. Augustine Campus
Elementary/Middle School: K-8, Pre-School and Young-5 Programs, and Before and After School Care
600 West Michigan Avenue Kalamazoo, MI 49007
349-1945 (office) 349-1085 (fax)
Click here for more Information.
St. Monica Campus
Elementary/Middle School: K-8, Pre-School, and After School Care
530 West Kilgore Road Kalamazoo, MI 49008
345-2444 (office) 345-8534 (fax)
Click here for more information.
Hackett Catholic Central High School
Grades 9-12
1000 W. Kilgore Road Kalamazoo, MI 49008
381-2646 (office) 381-3919 (fax)
Click here for more information.
Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo Administration
(at Hackett Catholic Central High School)
1000 W. Kilgore Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
381-2646 (office) 381-3919 (fax)
Click here for more information
Marriage Preparation
Facilitator Couple for Discussion of Pre-Marital Inventory - facilitates an engaged couple's discussion of the results of their pre-marital inventory. The instrument we use is FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication, Understanding, and Study). The meeting is scheduled for a mutually convenient time and usually lasts for a couple of hours. Most facilitators have the meeting in their home, but meetings may be held at the parish. The inventory is scored on the computer by the parish staff. Facilitators receive the print out and related information prior to meeting with the engaged couple. Training is provided through the Diocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life as well as through St. Joseph Parish. If you would like to know more about this, talk with Monsignor Mike.
Contact:
Monsignor Mike Hazard (343-6256 x 103)
Presenting Couple for Christian Marriage Seminars for Engaged Couples - gives an 8-10 minute talk about the impact faith and prayer have in their married life. It is a personal sharing of how Christian Marriage is for them. Usually two married couples give a short presentation at each seminar which includes, in addition to the presentations, formal input, a short video presentation, and prayer. Call Monsignor Mike if you would like more information.
Contact:
Monsignor Mike Hazard (343-6256 x 103)
Men's Fellowship Group - through prayer, Scripture reading, reflection and discussion, participants work together to apply Gospel values to their daily lives and become the men Jesus wants them to be. All men 17 years and older are welcome. The group meets every Saturday at 7:30 AM in the St Joseph Room (rectory basement).
Contact:
Jerry Minich (629-3015)
Pilgrim's Progress - consists of baptized adults who meet for a variety of reasons, to learn more about the Catholic Church, faith, and living as a baptized disciple of Jesus. Whether they come from a different denomination, are rejoining the Catholic Church after a period of separation, are preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation, or just want to add to their personal knowledge of our faith, all meet with the same purpose: to deepen their relationship with Jesus; to strengthen their bond with the Catholic Church; and get to know others from our parish family. The sessions include prayer, reflection on Sacred Scripture, formal presentations, and large- and small-group discussions. Everyone has something to offer! Pilgrim's Progress meets regularly on Monday evenings from 7-9:00 PM in the St. Joseph Room (rectory basement) with breaks for the holidays. People are welcome to join us at any time during the year to participate and/or assist for whatever length of time works for them. Click here for more information.
Contact:
Sr. Mary Catherine (343-6256 x108)
Religious Education
Formal Programs for Children and Youth - provides English and bilingual formal religious instruction and sacramental preparation for youth up to 18 years old. We share this program with St. Thomas More Catholic Student Parish. We welcome and train adult and youth volunteers who wish to help us in our teaching mission. Virtus training required for anyone who is age 18 or older. Click here to learn more.
Contact:
Patty Donovan Haley (343-6256 x110)
Religious Education Advisory Group - works with the Religious Education Coordinator in planning and implementing activities and special events pertaining to the religious education of children in the parish, including sacramental preparation. If you would like to help in this way, call Patty Donovan Haley.
Contact:
Patty Donovan Haley (343-6256 x 110)
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) - a process for unbaptized persons to learn about the Catholic Faith and way of life in preparation for Baptism. The RCIA meetings are held Wednesday evenings. The process includes prayer, instruction, community, and service. It leads, through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist celebrated at an Easter Vigil, to full initiation into the life and mission of Jesus as lived by the Church. We welcome inquirers who are not sure what they want to do but would like more information to assist in their decision-making, as well as those who desire to prepare seriously for Baptism and live their life according to Catholic belief and practice. A team of parishioners helps those who are on the road to Christian Initiation through prayer, participation in the meetings, and sponsorship. Click here for more information.
Contact:
Sr. Mary Catherine (343-6256 x108)
Vacation Bible School - provides a great way to continue the religious development of children during the summer months. Through instruction, games and challenges, children gain a deeper understanding of their faith, grow closer to Jesus, develop lasting friendships, and have a whole lot of fun. Children from other parishes or faith expressions are welcome to attend. If you would like to help out talk with Patty. Virtus training is required for anyone who is age 18 or over. Click here to learn more.
Contact:
Patty Donovan Haley (343-6256 x110)
Women's Spirituality & Reading Group - meets at 4:00 PM. on the first Sunday each month to discuss an agreed-upon book which was read in preparation for that month's meeting. The group is open to all interested women.
Contact:
Toni Gross (383-7853)
Youth Ministry / Youth Formation Program - helps our youth develop a deeper relationship with Jesus, fosters a welcoming and loving community, and sends them forth to be the light for others. The high school program is for students in grades 9 through 12, and meets on Sundays during the school year, 6:00-8:00 PM. The middle school program is for students in grades 6 through 8, and meets every other Monday during the school year, 6:30-8:00 PM. The youth group program is sponsored by St. Joseph and St. Thomas More parishes and is open to all high school and middle school youth. Meetings are held in the Youth Room at St. Joseph Parish on the 2nd floor in the Bennett Building. Talk with Molly or Jerry if you wish to volunteer to serve our youth. Virtus training is required. Click here to learn more.
Contact:
Molly & Jerry Mechtenberg-Berrigan (381-8917 x 262)
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The Faith Jesus calls us to is not faith in a vacuum. It is social. It has us interacting with our brothers and sisters, working together, building up our parish community and helping each other become better witnesses of Christ. The following are some of the opportunities to foster fellowship. You might find something for yourself here.
Basketball Team - gathers twice weekly to practice basketball skills and to play as a team. This co-ed group of parishioners aged 16 or older currently practices at 4:00 PM on Sundays and at 7:00 PM on Tuesdays in the parish gym. There are occasional games with teams from other parishes. Would you like to play with us?
Contact:
Matt Weaver (382-1383)
Bazaar - held the first weekend in November, this event puts the talents of our parishioners on display via baked goods and crafts. Proceeds go toward special initiatives and/or to the parish's general fund. Call Lynn North in the rectory office if you would like to participate in this event.
Contact:
Lynn North (343-6256 x101)
Donut Crew - coffee, juice, warm conversation and some of the tastiest donuts in southwest Michigan provide a great setting for fellowship after the 8:45 AM Mass. This "power" breakfast happens in the Bennett Gym on most Sundays, September to May. If you would like to help out call Kyle Elmblad.
Contact:
Kyle Elmblad (323-7217)
Fish Fry - make new friends and rub elbows with some movers and shakers at the St. Joseph Fish Fry. Fish and chips, macaroni and cheese, hot and cold beverages, and great desserts are served the first 6 Fridays of Lent. We welcome you to help set up, cook, serve, and clean up - Always.
Contact:
Therese Krajewski (cell: 377-5371)
Colleen Dawson (381-0251)
Hospitality Committee - prepares and serves refreshments at special parish events. Help is always appreciated. Talk with Lynn North in the rectory office if you would like to serve as part of this committee.
Contact:
Lynn North (343-6256 x101)
Parish Pride - bi-monthly newsletter that keeps parishioners up-to-speed on what's going on in our parish. Article contributions are welcome and may be dropped off at the rectory for publication. Check with Lynn North for current guidelines for written material.
Contact:
Lynn North (343-6256 x101)
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Catholics are called to imitate Jesus by taking care of those in need. St. Joseph parishioners answer this call by assisting the needy worldwide through organizations such as the Heifer Project, Catholic Relief Services, Foods Resource Bank, and assistance to the growing Church in Kenya through Fr. Dominic Ministries. Click here for more information on Fr. Dominic Ministries. On a more local scale, St. Joseph's provides a meeting site for Narcotics Anonymous (NA). The Hispanic American Council (HAC) uses our space to teach English as a Second Language several evenings a week. The parish provides space for the Immigration Assistance Program, sponsored by the Diocese of Kalamazoo. Many of our parishioners assist our parish and others in the following ways:
BeFrienders ministry - reaches out to members of the parish in their time of grief through notes and personal contact. BeFrienders let the grieving person know that the parish is there to help them get through their difficult time following a death or major life change (health issues, unemployment, divorce, etc). An annual prayer service is held each November in memory of those who have died during the year. Training for new volunteers is offered as needed. If you are interested in serving in this ministry or know of someone who would benefit from it, talk with Toni Gross.
Contact:
Toni Gross (383-7853)
Blood Pressure Clinic - offers monthly blood pressure checks by parishioners who are registered nurses. The clinic is usually scheduled for the second Sunday of each month from 10:00 - 11:00 AM in the Bennett Library which is near the gym. Registered nurses are welcome to be part of a rotating team.
Contact:
Lynn North (343-6256 x101)
Christian Service Office/Food Pantry - provides emergency food to those in need through the Loaves and Fishes program for Kalamazoo County. It dispenses limited direct assistance to prevent energy and water shut-offs and refers people to appropriate resources. Volunteers work in the food pantry during the day Monday through Friday on a regular basis or as an Occasional substitute. If you would like to help in the food pantry or donate to the fund, contact Gloria Copeland.
Contact:
Gloria Copeland ( 343-6256 ext 128)
Church Cleaning Crew - in charge of keeping the church building in tip-top shape. Rotating teams clean after the morning Mass each Monday. Other individuals work on special cleaning projects at other times. If you call Diane Lynagh, she will be glad to give you a volunteer job.
Contact:
Diane Lynagh (345-6297)
Facilities Commission - reviews conditions of parish buildings and grounds; advises pastor, Finance Council, and staff of needed repairs and maintenance; recommends plans for the future; coordinates with vendors regarding major projects to be done; and supervises repairs and the maintenance of buildings and grounds as needed. Click here for more information.
Contact:
Lynn North (343-6256 x101)
Finance Council - aids the pastor and staff in the administration of parish goods, in order to carry out the mission of the parish. The Finance Council includes persons with skills in finance, administration and law. If you have useful skills for this work and are available to serve, talk with Richard Wheeler. Click here for more information.
Contact:
Richard J. Wheeler (cell: 269-358-1149)
Flower Care - plant, prune and weed flower beds surrounding the Church. If you would like to help, talk with Marianne Denny.
Contact:
Marianne Denny (375-9038)
Foods Resource Bank - benefits communities in third world countries. Local volunteers are involved in the planting, cultivation, harvesting and sale of a food crop whose income is then invested in programs in a third-world country to help the inhabitants achieve food security. A Kalamazoo farmer donates land to be used for this purpose. Other local farmers give their time and the use of their machinery. Sponsors pay for the seed, water, and any other costs associated with growing food. Foods Resource Bank is made up of member organizations including churches of various Christian denominations, church agencies, and faith-based hunger organizations. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Foods Resource Bank are a partnership that responds to the challenges of world hunger. St. Joseph Parish is one of the member organizations. Monetary donations from sponsors are received through the parish office. Peggy Baker can tell you more about Foods Resource Bank or check out their web site. Click here for web site.
Contact:
Peggy Baker (327-6147)
Funeral Lunch Crew - prepares and serves meals for the bereaved following funerals and graveside services. This comforting ministry calls on a substantial number of parishioners to do the job; from the callers who let people know a dish is needed, to the cooks and bakers who make the dish, to the people who serve the food. Help in any phase of this work will be appreciated. Right now we need your help especially in serving the meal.
Contact:
Therese Krajewski (cell: 377-5371)
Justice for Immigrants - addresses the need for immigration reform based on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Campaign for Immigration Reform. A group of parishioners meets regularly for the purpose of:
1. Understanding the primary objectives of the Campaign.
2. Exploring Catholic Social Teaching regarding migration.
3. Discussing how our parish can participate more fully in the Campaign.
Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month from September through May at 7:00 PM in the St. Joseph Room (Rectory Basement). Click here for information about the Justice for Immigrants Campaign.
Contact:
Sr. Mary Catherine (343-6256 ext. 108)
Library Assistants - check in and out DVDs, videos and books in the parish library (Bennett Building) on Tuesdays 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM from June through August, Sundays 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM from September through May, and by appointment. Teenagers and adults are welcome to help out.
Contact:
Rose M. (344-0954) Please leave a message and your call will be returned.
Life Awareness Team - invites parishioners to get together for prayer and then to plan and support outreach activities which advance the culture of life. Meetings are held the first Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM in the parish library. Malinda Frybarger will be happy to tell you more about it.
Contact:
Malinda Frybarger (388-3301)
Michigan Organizing Project (MOP) - addresses social justice issues in the surrounding neighborhoods by organizing people, strategic, and engaging the local political scene. St. Joseph Parish an active member of MOP. John Musik will be happy to tell you more about it
Contact:
John Musik (344-1967)
Pastoral Council - comprised of parishioners whose role is to supply input to the pastor concerning the needs of the parish. The focus is on the prayerful identification and consideration of issues concerning parish life and the direction in which the parish is being called to carry out its mission. The format is based on prayer, reflection on Sacred Scripture relating to the issue being considered, and discussion of the issue. The parish staff meets with the pastoral council at various times during the year to clarify a common direction. The council meetings occur the second Wednesday of the month from September through June at 7:00 PM (7:30 PM when the staff attends) in the parish library. The meetings are open to guests. Click here for more information.
Contact:
Dotty Kasunic (381-6444)
Prayer Shawl Ministry - composed of a group of people who knit or crochet prayer shawls for those who are experiencing some difficulty; such as mental or physical health issues, loss of a loved one, or another major life stress. Shawls are made at home, and on some occasions the group members meet to pray and discuss the ministry. If you would like to make shawls or know of someone who would like one, talk with Lynn.
Contact:
Lynn North (343-6256 x 101)
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