WAYS TO SERVE
YOUR PERSONAL INVITATION FROM FR. CHRIS TO EXPLORE OUR PARISH MINISTRIES!
In past generations, the Church community often used manipulative tactics and strategies to urge people to get involved in ministries of service. It did so without providing a clear understanding of the time and energy commitments that would be required to fulfill a specific role capably and faithfully. Among the outcomes was the thinking that everyone could do this particular ministry and every ministry quite well if they so desired, which certainly is nonsense!
The truth is that our friends at the Gallup Organization’s Faith Practices Division have helped us to see clearly that each person is a specialist, with specific talents and gifts, and that our task is to assist each person who desires to put those specific talents to work in finding “the right fit” in every way, including each person’s time constraints. We have also learned that when a person is working out of her or his key strengths, both the person and the faith community begin to grow exponentially.
This philosophy is very much in tune with our Parish Mission Statement, which is the yardstick against which we evaluate and measure the impact and progress of how our ministry activities develop:
The Parish of St. Joseph
is a Roman Catholic Community of Christ’s Disciples:
We Welcome. We Worship. We Witness.
We welcome the opportunity to help you discover which ministry will be a “good fit” for you. Please allow us to suggest how to get started: You may email Jane Zollo, our Stewardship Director, at stewardship@stjosephsbabylon.org or call Jane at 669-0068, ext. 159. Jane has been trained as a Strengths Coach, and will be happy to direct you toward a copy of “Now Discover Your Strengths,” where a personal inventory will reveal your Five Key Signature Strengths. Jane will also be happy to correlate your strengths with available parish ministries, rather than the other way around! We hope you enjoy reading through the Ministry capsule descriptions on this website.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
ADULT CHOIR - Our Parish 10:15am Sunday Choir provides trained musical leadership that empowers our parish community to sing during the liturgy. This choir also provides meditative music of high quality that enriches our prayer experience. Each December, the Choir hosts an annual fund-raiser concert that benefits the Mercy Inn Soup Kitchen in Wyandanch.
ADULT FOLK GROUP - This adult contemporary music ensemble leads the singing at our 5:00pm Saturday evening Mass and other liturgical events, Masses, and penance services. The singers and instrumentalists of this group help us to praise our God in song. Practice time occurs before Mass.
ALTAR LINEN GROUP - A dedicated group whose gift of service is to wash and iron the altar linens. This is done for weekday, weekend, holy day and funeral liturgies on a rotating basis. The group also gets together occasionally throughout the year to meet and trade tips.
ALTAR SERVERS - Our young people assist our priests, deacons and the whole praying community as we celebrate the Eucharist, at weddings and at prayer services. Our servers are at least 10 years of age, and the commitment of parents or family members to transport these young people is essential to this ministry.
APOSTLESHIP OF THE CROSS - The Apostleship of the Cross is a bilingual group of Christians in the Church, who pray for the priests and vocations. In following Christ, Priest and Victim are moved by the Holy Spirit to discover in their daily lives the salvific value of suffering accepted out of love; to offer to the Father, through the hands of Mary, Christ Priest and Victim; to offer themselves with Him in their daily cross; and to work to communicate to others this priestly spirituality through their apostolic action. "Thus they give glory to the Heavenly Father, Consolation to the Heart of Jesus, and Spread the Reign of the Holy Spirit." This group meets every Monday evening; please call the Parish Center for details.
BAKING MINISTRY - Those who love to bake and love to share their delectable creations for others to enjoy, find themselves in good company in the baking ministry. Bakers in this ministry bake for various parish social occasions about 2 or 3 times each year.
BAPTISM FOLLOW-UP TEAM - After a child is baptized at St. Joseph, our Parish wants to form a connection with the families of the newest members of our faith community. Members of this Team meet to plan ways to do just that, starting with a Baptism Reunion Mass each January, to which all those baptized in the previous calendar year are invited.
BAPTISM HOSPITALITY MINISTERS - This dedicated group of adults assists the priest or deacon who presides at celebrations of Infant Baptism by preparing the water and towels used in this sacramental celebration. Baptism Hospitality Ministers also assist families and guests of babies being baptized by designing the seating plan, and distributing the baptismal candles and baptismal gowns.
BEACH BLAST - As the summer days dwindle down and we begin to welcome cool fall nights, it's time for the Annual Beach Blast at Cedar Beach in Babylon. After celebrating Mass at the Beach, families are invited to stay for afternoon of fun, sand, and sun. Planners to make this day a success are always welcome!
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP - A support group that offers aid, comfort and support to those who have lost a loved one. Groups form throughout the year and are moderated by 2 diocesan-trained bereavement coordinators.
BLOOD DRIVE - The summer blood drive is sponsored by Long Island Blood Services. Working diligently to responding to our community's needs for more than 30 years, the blood drive plays an important role in yearly outreach efforts.
BOOK CLUB - Love to read and review a good book? Then share your thoughts with the Book Club. Book selections are decided in advance and posted in the bulletin. The group meets for coffee and conversation at the Parish Center on a Thursday evening every other month.
CANTORS- Also called Leaders of Song, these gifted musicians lead our community in prayerful song during regularly-scheduled Masses, weddings, funerals and other religious services. Cantors work with the organist and/or other parish musicians to help us sing together as a faith community, using musical settings old and new.
CATECHISTS IN OUR FAITH FORMATION PROGRAM - In addition to our celebrations of the Eucharist, our Faith Formation Catechists touch hundreds of people each week. Starting with Level One, which is a parent-child experience, Faith Formation helps us to remember that all of us are called to be life-long learners. Equipped with orientation sessions, manuals, and the constant encouragement of other catechists and our Faith Formation staff, Catechists lead small groups of young people to greater understanding about our church and our faith.
CATHOLIC DAUGHTERS OF AMERICAS,BISHOP MCDONNELL COURT 1403 - Formed in 1903, the Catholic Daughters of the Americas is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Catholic women in the Americas. They donate to charities, administer scholarship programs and strive “to be helping hands where there is pain, poverty, sorrow or sickness.” Our local members strive to live the CDA motto, “Unity and Charity,” in their prayer, service, fund-raising and charitable gift-giving.
CHARISMATIC PRAYER GROUP – The "Light of Joy" Prayer Group is a Christian, charismatic group of believers who meet weekly to praise, worship, and honor God. The group comes together to experience and deepen the personal presence of Jesus in ourselves and others. Prayer meetings are open to all and the focus is to grow in holiness through The Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Our outreach ministry prays each day for all priests and also for the petitions placed in the "petition boxes" found in the Church, Hall, and Capilla. At the end of each meeting, prayer teams are also available to pray with anyone in need of personal prayer.
CHRISTMAS FAIR - The Christmas Fair kicks off the holiday season in November, before Thanksgiving. Crafts, jewelry, custom-made items, and more can be found in Nolan Hall, along with freshly baked goods and a visit from Santa! The Fair Team meets during the summer for planning and they continue to meet as they manage all phases of the this fair.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT - In December, all children of the Parish in grades 1-6 are invited to participate in the annual Christmas Pageant, celebrating the Birth of our Lord, Jesus. Weekly rehearsals begin in the Fall and continue for all the angels, animals, drummers, and other young performers into the holiday season. Volunteers who love the excitement of working with the children and seeing the play take shape are always welcome!
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING - The start of the Advent Season brings with it the Annual Parish Tree Lighting on the front lawn. Everyone is invited to join together after 5:00PM Mass on the first Saturday of December to light the tree, take a first season view of our beautiful life-sized creche, and of course, sing those caroling favorites. Hot cocoa, cider, and homebaked holiday goods follow for all in the gym!
CHRYSANTHEMUM BALL - The keynote fundraiser for the Parish, the Chrysanthemum Ball, has been a mainstay event for so many years. Begun in 1958 when then Pastor Msgr. Nolan asked the Church's trustees to brainstorm new ideas that would help raise funds for a new hospital in the community (Good Samaritan Hospital), the Ball continues to be an exciting social event and major fundraiser celebrating the vibrancy of the Parish Community today! All those interested in being part of it's success are invited to call the Parish Center.
CYO - St. Joseph CYO has been the heart of Parish Youth Sports for many years. With programs that focus on teamwork and sportsmanship, boys and girls of all ages can participate in basketball, volleyball, and track. There are also a number of various opportunities to get involved in the continued successes of the sports programs. For more information, we invite you to contact the Parish Center.
EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION - While our deacons and priests are the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion, we have approximately 100 Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion to assist with the distribution of the Eucharist. Some of our Ministers share the Eucharist onsite in Church, in the Hall, and in La Capilla (our Hispanic Community’s Sunday Mass Chapel), while others go out to hospitals, nursing homes and health-care facilities.
ENVIRONMENT & ART COMMITTEE - There are many opportunities to share your creativity in this ministry: we have three major worship areas that require constant attention. As a sub-committee of the Parish Liturgy Committee, The Environment and Art Committee works year-round to artistically decorate and beautify these areas, respecting the art and architecture of each one. During our Advent-Christmas and Lent-Easter-Pentecost seasons, the work of this Committee is very visible.
FOCCUS MARRIED VOLUNTEERS - FOCCUS is an acronym for Facilitating Open Couple Communications Understanding and Study; with Pre-Cana sessions, FOCCUS is required for engaged couples prior to marriage. FOCCUS is an inventory designed in 1984 for engaged couples, and it provides a personalized profile of their relationship. Our married volunteers provide a wonderful service to the Parish by facilitating the administration of this inventory, and by meeting with the engaged couples to discuss the results. The top response to FOCCUS: “It helped us to talk about what we didn’t know we needed to talk about.”
GARDENING - No green thumb necessary! If you like to garden, when planting season comes around, get ready to work the soil with fellow community members. Gardeners...look for the bulletin of details of upcoming projects and also volunteer to work in the Parish Memory Garden, located on the south side of the old convent building.
GOLDEN AGE CLUB - St. Joseph Super Seniors meet every Wednesday at the Parish Center at Noon to enjoy Bingo, games, coffee, and conversation. Birthdays and holidays are celebrated with this lively group, and all are welcome.
GOLF OUTING - Tee off time for the Parish starts in May at Southward Ho Country Club in West Bay Shore. An exciting day on the links with fellow golf lovers - what better way to play hookey! Team volunteers are always welcome to join in the fun and you do not even have to play golf to join the folks who make this event so great and memorable!
HISPANIC COMMUNITY MINISTRIES - St. Joseph's Parish is blessed with a thriving, active Hispanic community offering varied opportunities to worship, gather, and serve. Come be part of this vibrant community by contacting Fr. Joseph Arevalo.
HOSPITALITY SUNDAY AFTER MASS - What better way to connect with old friends and make new ones than at Hospitality Sunday, the third Sunday of each month. Hospitality ministers prepare the morning goodies and greet all who saunter over to the gym after Mass. Teams rotate on Sundays from September through May and are also available to assist with other parish events throughout the year.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS - This is a membership organization of the Parish. Founded on the principles of Charity, Unity, and Fraternity, its members serve in many varied ministries. Meetings are normally held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month at 7:30pm. Prospective members are invited to call the Parish Office for details. You can also log onto www.kofc.org for general information.
LAZARUS MINISTRY - Members of this ministry offer comfort and consolation to those who have recently suffered the death of a loved one. Lazarus leaders facilitate a monthly Mass (usually on the second Saturday) at 9:00am that includes special prayers to remember our deceased loved ones, as well as an annual remembrance on or around All Souls Day.
LECTORS - Proclaimers of God’s Word - Those who read the Word of God at Masses and prayer services are trained, dedicated and reverent women, men and young people. They recognize that reading the Word of God in a public setting is a unique skill that begins with prayer and personal meditation and continues by reflective repetition. Lectors proclaim at scheduled daily and weekend Masses, including Christmas, Holy Week and Easter.
LITURGY OF THE WORD WITH CHILDREN - During the school year each week at the Sunday 9:30am Mass, the children of our Parish are invited to join with a dedicated group of adults who “break open” and share God’s Word in language our young people can understand, and to which they can relate. These adult volunteers play an important role in the faith formation of our young people at Sunday Mass.
MARDI GRAS - The Feast before the Fast...Party with your family and friends for a night of food, games, and music. The Tuesday before Lent, Msgr. Nolan Hall is transformed into a festival of fun. Anyone wishing to help out can fill various roles from making raffles baskets to "working the crowd" the night of the party.
NOCTURNAL ADORATION SOCIETY - On the first Friday of each month, all are welcome to meet in the Church for one hour of prayer and adoration with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The hour is filled with reflective prayer, music, hymns, the rosary, and silence.
OUTREACH - Our dedicated volunteer staff practices the words of Jesus that calls each of them to serve the poor and needy of our neighborhoods. There are kind and friendly volunteers who assist people looking for food assistance at our Food Pantry, those seeking clothing at our Thrift Shop, and persons looking for financial guidance at our Outreach Office.
PARISH COMMUNION BREAKFAST - Held in the Spring, the Parish Communion Breakfast is a yearly highlight. After celebrating Mass, many parishioners get the chance to take a break from springtime activities to enjoy each other's company while partaking in a full breakfast buffet. There is always an engaging guest speaker as well as lots of laughs along with your coffee and eggs!
PASTA PARTY - Chase away those January Winter blues and join parish members of all ages for a night of great food, great music, and great conversation. A casual night for all that takes place on Martin Luther King Day, the Pasta Party has become a post-Christmas mainstay that countless folks look forward to with their families.
POOL PARTY AT VILLAGE POOL - One of our most popular and successful get-togethers, the Village Pool Party is a blast for swimmers and non-swimmers alike, of all ages! Located at the end of Fire Island Avenue, the Village Pool is closed to the public on the evening of the party so that St. Joseph's members can swim, sing, play, and laugh under the stars. Families bring their own food and dessert and coffee are provided. A great night out and a great night to be part of the group that puts this event together!
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (RCIA) - Often abbreviated as “The RCIA Process,” this is the format whose adult leaders welcome unbaptized persons and those baptized in other Christian communities into the Catholic Church. The leaders also assist adult Catholics who have not received the sacraments of Eucharist and/or Confirmation to learn, share faith and grow in a friendly environment. The sessions take place on Sunday morning, beginning with the first part of the 10:15am Mass: then those who are preparing to receive the Eucharist are send forth with RCIA leaders to discuss and learn about God’s Word and the teachings of the Church.
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (RCIA) ADAPTED FOR CHILDREN - Sometimes abbreviated as the RCIA for Children, this is the format whereby unbaptized young people and those baptized in other Christian communities become members of the Catholic Church. The leaders also assist teenage young people who have not yet received the sacraments of the Eucharist and/or Confirmation to learn, share faith, and grow in a friendly environment. The sessions occur on Tuesday nights in the Parish Center; the parents of these young people also participate in this faith learning experience.
ST. JOE'S PLAYGROUP - Looking to meet parents with young children here at the Parish before everyone marches off to school? Then come to our parents (and grandparents and caregivers) playgroup, which meets at the Parish Center on Wednesdays at 10:30AM during the school year. No advance call is necessary. Just join us!
ST. JOSEPH POST OFFICE - When a parish mailing is set to go out, it's the post office mailers who get the job done. Volunteers get together as needed throughout the year for coffee, bagels, and plenty of folding! Mailers are asked to watch the bulletin for details on an upcoming mailing.
ST. JOSEPH TEEN MUSIC GROUP - The Sunday 5:00pm Mass is the place where you’ll find the group of young and talent musicians and singers: they prayerfully lead our faith community in song. Practices are usually held on Tuesday evenings and before Mass each week.
ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY - Volunteers meet regularly to discuss ways to serve the poor of our community. They visit parishioners-in-need at their residences to consult onsite assessments, and they provide referrals to civic social service agencies where appropriate. Members of the St. Vincent de Paul Society also work closely with our Outreach Office, particularly in providing funds for the most destitute of people.
SECULAR FRANCISCANS - This spiritual group of laymen and laywomen meets at our Parish on the afternoon of the third Sunday each month. They are connected to men and women throughout the world who follow the teachings and principles of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare. Secular Franciscans commit themselves to daily prayer, retreat and meditation time, and service to the faith community.
SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES - Those who have participated in a small Christian Community have often shared how blessed they feel to have become a part of a caring group of individuals in a prayerful and friendly setting. SCC is made up of small groups who meet in homes on a regular basis to reflect and share with each other the coming week's reading, followed by coffee and dessert.
SOCIABLE SINGLE SENIORS (55+) - If you are looking to spend some of your leisure time socializing with other local people, this may well be the group for you. With gatherings onsite and away from the parish, the regularly-scheduled gatherings are warm and friendly opportunities to meet new friends and keep long-term friends.
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE - Stewardship has sometimes been defined as “everything one says or does after saying Amen to living out fully our relationships with God and others.” This Committee discusses and decides how best to invite our parishioners to use their gifts of our time, talent, treasure and other resources for the glory of God and the good of the wider community around us.
THRIFT SHOP - The Thrift Shop has been in operation for more than 15 years! A variety of items are sold, from baby goods to clothing to household items and bric-a-brac – all at deeply-discounted prices. The Thrift Shop is located behind the Church in the center of the parking lot, is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm, and is fully staffed by a group of dedicated volunteers to serving the needs of our local community.
USHERS - These are the men and women of our Parish who are always ready with a friendly smile to greet and seat all who enter for Mass. Ushers also assist the community by taking up the collection, organizing the procession at the Presentation of the Gifts, and distributing the parish bulletin each week.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS) - Join the VBS program for faith-filled fun each summer and you can share your love for the children of the Parish as they journey through a week-long summer bible camp.
WEDDINGS: PRE-CANA ADULT MARRIED FACILITIATORS - Our dedicated Pre-Cana married leaders generously welcome groups of engaged couples preparing for marriage into their living rooms, and present topics and issues of importance in living the Sacrament of Marriage. Our facilitators also support the engaged couples by accompanying them to a Mass at the end of their Pre-Cana experience, during which our Parish community participates in a blessing of the engaged couple.
WEDDING REHEARSAL TEAM - This energetic group helps engaged couples and their families to prepare for the celebration of the Sacrament of Marriage on wedding day by guiding everyone through the wedding rehearsal. Rehearsals generally take about one half-hour, include a practice of the procession and recessional, and usually occur on Thursday and Friday evenings prior to the wedding.
WELCOMING MINISTRY - Registering at a parish should be more than just filling out forms! Here at St. Joseph, a group of "ambassadors" are ready to take time out to personally meet and greet new families with a Parish Welcome Packet. These friendly folks are available to answer any questions a new community member may have or to just be the first to officially say, "Hello and Welcome!"