St. Joseph Catholic Church, Clayton MO
Each of us has a gift to offer. Each of us has time, talent, and treasure, given to us, by God, for a purpose. The parish community provides endless opportunities for us to love and serve God by sharing the gifts He has shared with us. There is something for everyone to do. And if everyone does something, then the load will be light. Together we can find peace in loving and serving!

Below is a list of areas in which you may share your time/talent. Please call the contact listed or the rectory at 726-1221 for more information.

ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMISSION

This commission acts as a consultative group to assist the Pastor in the financial management of the parish. They make recommendations intended to maximize the financial resources of the parish. This includes reviewing the parish financial statements, investing the parish cash accounts, developing long-term parish capital improvement plans, monitoring the parish endowment fund, and overseeing the system of internal financial controls.

The commission meets at least quarterly and may meet more frequently if necessary. Anyone interested in serving should contact Monsignor Shamleffer at 726-1221.

ADULT FAITH FORMATION

BIBLE STUDY
Six week program that consists of a scripture reading, prayer, and discussion. Programs are offered in the Fall before Advent and in the Spring during Lent.

PURSUITS IN THEOLOGY (PinT)
PinT is our speaker series offered in the Fall and Spring. The talks are designed to spur discussion on topics relevant to the Church and society.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION FOR ADULTS (RCIA)
RCIA is the process by which peopel become full members of the Catholic Church. It involves a journey of faith and conversion in which a person is introduced to the beliefs, life, liturgy and apostolic work of the Catholic Church.

PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN (PGD)
This is a required video program on child safety for all volunteers, catechists, substitutes and scout leaders who work with children. St. Joseph Church and other parishes offer this program. Check the archdiocesan website Archdiocese of St. Louis: Protecting God's Children for a list of dates and times.

Contact Terri Venneman at 727-9059 for more information concerning Adult Faith Formation programs.

ALTAR SOCIETY

This group uses their time and talent to keep the Lord's house clean and inviting. They share in preparing for weekly and seasonal celebrations. The candles, flowers and altar linens are there because of the efforts of these seldom seen, but hard working ladies. If you would like to join this group, they meet on Friday mornings after the 8:00 a.m. Mass.

Please contact Billie Koken at 961-9010 for more information.

ARCHDIOCESAN DEVELOPMENT APPEAL

CHILDREN'S LITURGY OF THE WORD

The children attending 11 a.m. Mass are invited to participate in the liturgy of the word for children, which meets in the Parish Hall Cove in the basement of the church. The children in first grade through sixth grade hear the word of God on their level and participate in age appropriate activities which enrich their understanding of the weekly scripture. Preschool and Kindergarten students are welcome when accompanied by a parent.

Contact Sue Powers at 725-9988 or Terri Venneman, D.R.E. at 727-9059 for more information.

DONUT SUNDAYS

Once a month event. Check bulletin for details.

EDUCATION COMMISSION

The primary role and mission of the Education Commission is to identify the educational needs of the entire parish community. The Education Commission develops, coordinates and evaluates religious education programs for parishioners and those associated with the parish through our Parish School of Religion. The Education Commission shall serve in an advisory capacity to the pastor, the admisinistrative staff and the Parish Council.

Contact Frank Hackmann at 726-2970 for more information.

FISH BAKE

Annual Ash Wednesday event, with choice of take-out or eat-in food.

LITURGY COMMISSION

The purpose of the Liturgy Commission is to enhance worship/spiritual life. This begins with celebrating meaningful Eucharistic celebrations through word, gesture, music and environment.

EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
Contact Deacon Al Williams at 993-2256 for more information.

LECTORS/READERS
Contact Mary Molloy at 862-8664 for more information.

SERVERS
Contact Priests or Secretary at 726-1221 for more information.

USHERS
Contact rectory at 726-1221 for more information.

MUSIC MINISTRY

The mission of the Music Ministry at St. Joseph Church is to nurture abilities of all participants, engage them more deeply in the life of the parish, and lead the congregation in sung worship and prayer.

Contact Tom Taylor, Music Director at 726-1221 or Mary Taylor, Choir Director at 569-1047 for additional information.

ADULT CHOIR
The adult choir meets 7:30 TO 9:00 P.M. each Monday night to prepare for Sunday and special liturgies. They sing every Sunday at the 11:00 a.m. Mass and for special occasions. The choir is a volunteer choir and anyone wishing to join may contact Tom or Mary Taylor for an audition.

CANTORS/SONGLEADERS
The cantors meet individually for rehearsal and preparation to provide leadership for parish singing at the 9:00 a.m. Mass and the 5:00 p.m. anticipated Mass on Saturday.

CHILDREN'S LITURGICAL MUSIC PROGRAM
The Children's Liturgical Music Program at St. Joseph's Parish is designed to provide all children direct and full participation in the Liturgy through sung prayer. The children are provided with an age appropriate knowledge of the order of the Mass and Liturgical year, instruction for sight-singing, I.e., ability to follow printed music in the hymnals, and weekly preparation for the music of the Mass. Special needs children are welcome and will be given additional help as needed.

CHILDREN'S CHORAL GROUPS
Class Schedule is as follows:
School Children - Monday 4:40 to 5:10 p.m.
Home School Children - Wednesday 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

Class is held in the Music Room located in the lower level of the school building.

PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION (PSR)

Click here for detailed information

SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMISSION

The purpose of the St. Joseph Parish Social Concerns Commission is to empower people in their ministry of Christian Service. This is done by promoting and sponsoring programs that help insure justice and charity for all God's people.

Contact Sharon Skrivan at 725-2571 for more information.

BEREAVEMENT
This ministry will provide a valuable service to families and friends during the difficult time of dealing with the death of a loved one. The committee provides luncheons in the parish hall after funeral celebrations at the request of families who have lost a loved one.

Contact Ann French at 863-4631 for more information.

DINNER MIXERS
This project uses the dinner table as an opportunity for new members of the Parish to meet "forever" members. Each dinner group meets three times a year in hosts houses; all groups meet twice a year at a cocktail party. It's simple but effective.

Contact Mary Lee Rovira at 725-2745 or Marion O'Gorman at 726-1259 for more information.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat for Humanity St. Louis was founded for the purposes of assisting low-income families in need of adequate housing. Through volunteer labor, management expertise and tax deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds homes in partnership with homeowners. Houses are sold at profit to the partner families, and zero-interest mortgages are issued over 20 - 35 years. Carpentry skills are not a requirement for participation. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.

Contact Steve and Donna Topping at 725-7652 for more information.

PRO-LIFE COMMITTEE
We seek to promote Jesus Christ's "seamless garment" truth of life issues by educating, empowering, and motivating people to stand for life from conception to natural death. We sell roses on Mother's Day, participate in the Greater St. Louis Life Chain and support pro-life organizations such as Birthright and Our Lady's Inn. On Wednesday's after the 8:00 a.m. Mass there is a rosary for pro-life intentions. We welcome any new ideas for ways to support this important cause.

Contact Fred Clifford at 863-0980 or Barbara Reddington at 398-5725 for more information.

PROGRESSIVE DINNER GALA
If you have never been to a progressive dinner, you don't know what you are missing! Cocktails and conversation in your host's home will be your first stop of the evening. From there it is off to another home for dinner and more spirited conversation. The evening will be topped off by dessert at Monsignor John Shamleffer and Father Bob Knight's home. It is a relaxing and fun way to meet new friends and renew old acquaintances.

Contact Angela Rucinsky at 993-3541 or Joanne Soudah at 725-0598 for more information.

ST. PATRICK'S CASSEROLES
Once a month, we prepare and deliver casseroles to St. Patrick's Center. These casseroles are a necessary part to the ministry of feeding the homeless of the St. Louis community.

Contact Susan Hackmann at 726-2970 for more information.

ST. JOSEPH/OUR LADY OF LOURDES GUILD
The guild meets September through May-June for a great variety of activities. All parishioners are invited to attend any or all of the events. Events include spiritual as well as secular. Motor coach transportation to concert events at the Fox, Symphony or St. Louis Cathedral Basilica is prearranged.

Contact Betty Tucker at 994-0193 or Connie Josse at 726-1287 or Angela Rucinsky at 993-3541 for more information.

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
The society seeks, in a spirit of justice and charity and by person-to-person involvement of its members, to help those who are suffering. The Society is concerned not only with relieving need but also with addressing the situations that cause it. It serves persons in need regardless of creed, opinion, color, cast or origin. The monthly meeting is usually the first Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the church hall.

Contact Clare Reid at 862-5272 for more information.

GIVING TREE
Each year during the season of Advent, parishioners purchase gifts needed by people who cannot afford presents for their families.

Contact Rosemarie Voelker at 862-0089 for more information.