Liturgical And Music Ministries

Our Liturgical and Music Ministries are probably some of the most familiar roles for lay ministers. They serve our community by supporting the most important thing we do as a Parish - celebrate the Eucharist! It wouldn’t be possible for us to have beautiful liturgies without the support of our many parishioners serving in these ministries. There are many roles that help to enhance the worship experience for our Parish from Altar Care to Ushering and opportunities for children and families to participate.

Music, especially sacred music, has always been a unifying human force. At its most powerful, the harmony created in music serves as a glorious example of the cooperative spirit by which God intends us to live our lives. It is in this spirit that the Music Ministry at St. Joseph Parish approaches liturgical music. We welcome all parishioners with open arms and place no requirements on participants other than a willingness to serve Christ’s church, a commitment to attend rehearsals, and an openness to learn music and have fun.

Please prayerfully consider joining one of the ministries listed below:

Liturgical and Music Ministries

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Lay Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are mandated by the pastor, with the approval of the Archbishop, as distributors of the Holy Communion at Masses and to the home-bound within the parish, as well as to the local hospitals and prisons. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion show a reverence for the Eucharist, reflected in their full, conscious, and active participation at Mass; their appearance; and the manner in which they handle the Blessed Sacrament. An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is considered a very special and privileged role contributing to the worship of the community and fulfilling the responsibility that comes with Baptism. Please contact Teri Lauwers (teril at stjoegold.org) if you are feeling called to serve.

Lectors

A Lector is a proclaimer of God’s Word during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It involves giving witness to God in His Sacred Word. Lectors are needed for weekday and weekend Masses. Proclaiming the Word of God is a ministry in which the Lector help others feel the presence of Jesus Christ. The Lector must proclaim Scripture with faith, clarity, and conviction. If you are feeling called to serve as a Lector, please contact Terri (terrih@stjoegold.org).

Altar Servers (Ministry opportunity for youths)

Altar Serving is a wonderful opportunity for our youth to learn about and participate in the Mass. Open to boys and girls in fourth grade or higher, who have received their First Eucharist, servers assist at both weekday and weekend Masses. Servers carry the cross and processional candles, hold the book for the priest, carry the incense and censer, assist the priest when he receives the gifts of bread and wine from the people, wash the hands of the priest, and assist the priest celebrant and deacon as necessary. Servers respond to the prayers and dialogues of the priest along with the congregation. They also join in singing the hymns of the liturgy. Please contact Terri Huff (terrih@stjoegold.org) if your child is feeling called to serve.

Gift Bearers (Ministry opportunity for families with children)

Every Mass a family, group, or individuals carry our gifts of bread and wine in the Offertory Procession. While we usually choose Gift Bearers before Mass begins, you can request to be a Gift Bearer as well. As we like many parishioners as possible to have the opportunity to participate in this ministry, it is usually a one-time commitment instead of an on going commitment. Please contact Terri Huff (terrih@stjoegold.org) if your family would like to bear the gifts during Mass.

Hospitality (Greeter Ministry is a great opportunity for families with children)

Our Hospitality Ministry is made-up of Greeters and Ushers. Greeters serve the parish at each weekend Mass. They meet the people of God at the door, welcoming them into our Father’s House and into the Catholic community. We encourage entire families to minister together as Greeters at one weekend Mass. To find out more about being a Greeter, see our article found here. Ushers serve the parish at each weekend Mass. They help anyone needing assistance, assist with seating, collect the offertory, and pass out the bulletins. Blessed with gift of hospitality? Please contact Terri Huff (terrih@stjoegold.org) to share your gift.

Liturgical Linen Care

Parishioners volunteer to clean and press small linens for Communion, albs, Altar Server robes, and altar linens. This reverent care of the Eucharistic linens is an essential part of preparing our church for Mass and other celebrations. Please contact Terri Huff (terrih@stjoegold.org) if you’re called to serve.

Music Ministry

Adult Choirs

There are four weekend Masses, each with its own unique musical tone, from traditional to contemporary, from chants to guitar, and we encourage all to participate in the variety of styles offered. The Music Ministry at St. Joseph is dedicated to promoting the connection to the Divine through the vehicle of music. We invite you to experience the unifying and healing force of God’s music.

If you would like to participate in the Music Ministry, or if you just have comments or questions, please contact the Pastoral Music Coordinator, Maura Burns at maurab at stjoegold.org.

Rehearsal Schedule (Please contact Maura for a current schedule during the pandemic)

  • Saturday 4:00 pm Mass – rehearses Wednesdays from 7:00-9:00 pm

  • Sunday 7:30 am Mass – rehearses at the convenience of the musicians

  • Sunday 9:15 am Mass – rehearses Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00 pm

  • Sunday 11:00 am Mass – rehearses Tuesdays from 7:00-9:00 pm

Youth Choir (suspended)

The youth choir helps to enhance the music of the liturgy with their singing. The youth learn not only how to sing as a group, but also become acquainted with the hymns, songs, psalmody, and responses of the Mass. Ultimately, they learn to sing and pray as active members of the community. The youth choir is open to boys and girls fourth grade through high school and is lead by Maura Burns and Gary Bishop. Rehearsals are currently held on Tuesday evenings from 6:15 to 7:30 pm in the Education Center and the choir usually sings at the 11:00 am Mass the last Sunday of each month (unless prevented by a holiday). The youth choir runs September through May, but does not meet during December and the Spring schedule can vary due to Easter and Spring Break.

Youth Christmas Choir (suspended)

This special Youth Choir performs at the Children’s Mass on Christmas Eve. The Christmas Choir is open to children of all ages (Pre-K through 12th grade). Rehearsal schedules will be announce through the Bulletin and RE Newsletter closer to Christmas.