Home
Living the Gospel Message Since 1890 • Farmington, Missouri
phone: 573-756-4250 • fax 573-756-6938 • 10 North Long Street • Farmington, MO 63640
St. Joseph Parish Office hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am until 4:30 pm
Administration and Finance Commission
The Administration & Finance Commission works to establish and supervise a stewardship program for the parish, giving all parishioners an opportunity to share time, talent, and treasure to serve the mission of the Church in the parish, to make recommendations to the council concerning all aspects of parish financial and budget matters, and to be concerned with the maintenance of parish property.
Budget and Finance Committee
It is the responsibility of the Budget & Finance Committee to serve as advisors to the Pastor and the Parish Council in regard to financial and budget matters of the parish. Activities include preparation of an annual budget that addresses the needs of all aspects of parish life. The budget is based on the goals and objectives determined by the Parish Council as the Council discerns the needs of the parish in areas of liturgy, education, Christian service, etc. in the future as well as in the present. The committee monitors and evaluates where the money comes from and how it is spent. Committee members are appointed by the pastor and have some expertise in budget and finance.
Buildings And Maintenance Committee
The Buildings & Maintenance Committee serves the parish in the role of property management for the parish. The committee is responsible for the care and maintenance of the Church, Parish Center, rectory, school, Lober building, and cemeteries. Our responsibilities include maintenance support and counsel, and the overseeing of parish-related constructions, or maintenance projects. They also manage “Spring Clean Up Day”, a spring-cleaning project, open to all parishioners. If any parishioner would like to volunteer their time as painters, electricians, plumbers, etc., please contact Rob Grindel at 756-5531.
Buildings And Renovation Committee
This committee is involved in the long-range planning for remodeling and additions to our church, our school, and a multi-purpose building. Currently, the committee has researched demographics and presented these to the parish; they have compiled and prioritized a list of needs; they have interviewed and chosen an architect to give form to the vision; and have met with the architect to explain the needs of our parish so a preliminary plan can be drawn up. Their ongoing efforts will include working with the pastor, the archdiocese and architect at all aspects of the project, and keeping parishioners informed as well as receiving input from parishioners during the entire process.
Endowment Committee
The St. Joseph Church & School Endowment Fund was created to provide another alternative for those wishing to make contributions to our church and school. Rather than being used to meet the current needs, contributions to the endowment fund will provide perpetual support. The amount an individual invests in this fund becomes the ‘principal’, and is never touched. All ‘principal’ funds are invested in an account that is professionally managed under the supervision of the Archdiocese on behalf of all parishes having endowment funds and only the interest and dividends earned from the account are used.
Liturgy Commission
Since Vatican II, the entire faith community has been given the responsibility for planning and implementing the liturgy that celebrates the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The overall purpose of the Liturgy Commission and all its committees and organizations is to provide opportunities for the spiritual development of each member of the community through the planning of, preparing for and participating in liturgical celebrations.
Eucharistic Ministers
Eucharistic ministers assist in the distribution of communion at Mass, bring communion to homebound parishioners, and to the 24 nursing homes in our parish. To become a Eucharistic minister, a parishioner needs to be at least 19 years old, be actively involved in the parish, be recommended by the pastor and be approved by the Archdiocese. The community of St. Joseph has need for individuals willing to serve in this important ministry. There is a general meeting of all Eucharistic ministers each fall. Based on the number of those who wish to be a part of this ministry, a schedule is made up for the entire year.
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Word of God and commentators direct the congregation and give announcements at the celebrations of our liturgies on Sundays and Holy Days. Any parishioners of high school age or older who have a good speaking voice is invited to join this ministry. Individuals are needed for all Masses both as regulars and as substitutes.
Servers
Servers assist at all the parish liturgies. Any boy or girl who is a member of St. Joseph Parish, is in the fourth grade and is enrolled in a religious education program is welcome to join this important ministry. Training sessions are scheduled during the winter months between the feasts of Christmas and Easter. Any individual who is interested in learning how to serve is asked to call the rectory for details.
Greeters
In our Parish Mission Statement there is a phrase that states that we as a community will, through celebration, be church and live the gospel. The ministry of hospitality offers all parishioners the opportunity to welcome one another as we gather for our celebration of the liturgy. All that is required is a smile, a cheerful greeting and about 15 minutes in the vestibule before Mass. Families, singles, youth and senior members are all invited to participate in this joy-filled ministry.
Ushers
Ushers greet and assist those coming to mass, oversee the collection of offerings, assist with the orderly reception of communion and handle any emergency that may arise during mass. Parishioners, at least 18 years of age, are needed to serve as regular ushers and as substitutes for all weekend and Holy Day Masses.
Organ Choir
The organ choir sings at the 5:00 pm Saturday and 9:00 am Sunday Masses and for special occasions. Membership: adults/young adults who enjoy singing and/or playing a musical instrument. All are welcome – no auditions are necessary. The choirs practice on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 & 8:00 pm.
Guitar Choir
The guitar group leads the music regularly at the 10:30 am Sunday Mass. The choir welcomes anyone interested in ‘making a joyful sound unto the Lord.’ The choir usually practices on Saturday afternoons.
Church Cleaning
Parishioners tidy the church after the 7:00 am Mass each Monday morning. Those who volunteer: care for the interior of the church, do light cleaning, straighten the books, wash the vessels and linens used at Mass, etc. This is a very important ministry as it benefits our entire faith community. Church cleaners are generally scheduled one Monday per month. However, if you have some extra time to give for the upkeep of our church, cleaners are always needed and are most welcome – just show up, or contact Theresa AuBuchon at 518-0729 for more information.
Parish Rosary
St. Joseph Parish gathers to pray the rosary every Wednesday evening at 7:15 pm in the church. Those interested in leading the rosary, please contact Joyce Wozniak at 756-1088.
Eucharistic Adoration
The St. Joseph Eucharistic Adoration group exists to organize and manage hours for adoration on a weekly basis. Currently, Eucharistic Adoration is on Thursday of each week from 8:00 am to 5:15 pm, concluding with evening prayer and Benediction. Three coordinators facilitate this program: Diane Slinkard coordinates hourly captains for mornings; Paula Karl coordinates captains for the afternoons; and Linda Versluys coordinates captains for evenings. Adoration allows the faithful a time of silence and peace for an hour in the presence of Our Eucharistic Lord while deepening our relationship with Him. Anyone interested in being an hourly captain, or wants more information on Eucharistic Adoration is asked to contact one of the above coordinators.
Moms’ Prayer Group
The Moms’ Prayer Group prays the Rosary for the individual intentions of the students and any intentions of those present. They meet the first Wednesday of February, March, April, May, October, November & December at 8:00 am. The group is open to anyone who would like to attend.
Charismatic Prayer Group
The “Hearts of Fire, Light of Hope” prayer group has been meeting since June of 1999. Members of Theotokos Ministries conduct the meetings, which consist of praise and worship, scripture, teaching and shared prayer. The group meets the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm in the Church. All are welcome. The prayer group also assists with Charismatic Masses. For more information, contact Phyllis LaPlant at 756-3261.
Prayer Power
Prayer Power is a phone chain of ‘pray-ers’ committed to praying daily for the sick of our parish. To be a part of the chain contact Pat Boatright at 756-4169 for more information.
Christian Formation Commission
The primary role and mission of the Christian Formation Commission and all its committees/organizations is to develop within the parish an understanding that the community as a whole has the responsibility for promoting the educational mission of the Church. This commission embraces all the formal and informal programs in which the parish is involved in fulfilling its mission to bring the message of Jesus to the world. It gives leadership to the parish’s efforts to move people beyond where they are to a deeper understanding and experience of faith.
RCIA
The “Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults” process is the individual and group journey into faith and conversion leading up to the reception of the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist for full initiation into the Catholic faith. The RCIA process begins each year in October and concludes in May after Pentecost Sunday. During these months the team meets with the candidates and catechumens bi-weekly in preparation for the celebration of the sacraments. The RCIA process at St. Joseph Parish is organized and implemented by the pastoral staff and fellow parishioners. The team guides and aids the candidates and catechumens through their spiritual journey. The goal is to develop good will and a spirit of community with the candidates and catechumens so they can experience being part of the St. Joseph parish family. If you are interested in the Catholic faith or if you are a practicing Catholic and are interested in joining the RCIA team, call the parish office for more information.
Marriage Preparation Program
The program that we use at St. Joseph is entitled “From This Day Forward” which approaches the preparation for marriage by presenting a loving experience of the sacrament of matrimony. A host couple invites the engaged couple into their home for the sessions thus providing a warm personal atmosphere conducive to relaxed and open discussion. Couples who are members of St. Joseph Parish and have been married for at least two years are welcome to become host couples and join this important ministry to the engaged.
Parish School Of Religion (PSR)
The Parish School of Religion supports parents in the faith development of their children by providing spiritual formation through a variety of specialized programs. Classes meet on Wednesday evenings. Presently the program ministers to children in grades one through eight. For more information, please contact Patrick Kelly, our Team Leader.
Youth Ministry
The youth ministry program is a holistic program, which supports the faith development of young adults by providing opportunities for fun, spiritual growth, and community service. Meetings are generally held on Sundays in junior high and high school groups. Adults and young adults of college age or older are needed to be Core Team members for youth ministry. For any information on joining youth ministry or becoming more actively involved with our young people you are encouraged to contact our youth minister, Patrick Kelly.
As an accredited school, St. Joseph Elementary offers a full curriculum, which stimulates the intellectual, aesthetic, physical and social development of each student. Students learn to gather, interpret and report data accurately in a variety of activities enhanced by the use of technology. They also are given opportunities to express their intelligence and creativity through individual and group projects. Certified teachers enrich the curriculum with their personal skills and expertise. Their goal is to empower the students to live out the mission of St. Joseph Parish in the twenty-first century. Parents support the school financially and through fund-raising efforts. They work as partners with the teachers for the total development of their child. By lives of prayer, service and celebration, the parents create their child’s first experience of faith community.
School Board
This is a six-member board serving the elementary school for the parish of St. Joseph. The Board facilitates a smooth working relationship among pastor, principal, faculty, parents and students. The Board acts in an advisory capacity to the Pastor for the purpose of formulating and evaluating policies of the Archdiocesan School Office. The Board also reviews policies relating to the planning, operation and maintenance of facilities and equipment at St. Joseph School. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month in the 8th grade classroom at 7:00 pm except in July.
Home & School Organization
This is an organization consisting of the administration, faculty and parents of the students attending St. Joseph Elementary School. Its objective is to facilitate the relationship, communication and cooperation between school and home. The organization assists the children, parents and teachers of the school by holding special events, presenting speakers and helping with activities. It also provides financial assistance by sponsoring social events and fund-raising projects. The organization has an elected president, a vice-president, a secretary, and a treasurer. All interested persons are welcome and encouraged to attend the meetings, which are scheduled four times a year.
St. Joseph Athletic Association
The purpose of the St. Joseph Athletic Association is to provide the necessary guidance and coaching that is needed to develop the athletic skills and Christian attitude of the children and to promote good sportsmanship, respect for the rules and self discipline among all participants. The athletic program is available to children attending St. Joseph Elementary school, first through eighth grade. Soccer, basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading are offered at various levels. St. Joseph School participates in an athletic program with a consortium of other elementary schools in the area. For more information about the athletic program at St. Joseph School, please contact Jackie Whitworth, principal of our school.
Children’s Liturgy Of The Word
Our Children’s Liturgy of the Word occurs during the 10:30 am Sunday Mass for children pre-school through grade three. Children are gathered before Mass begins and return during Offertory.
Vacation Bible School
Our Vacation Bible School is a summer religious educational and fun week for youth ages four through those entering fourth grade. Registration information is made available through the bulletin. For more information, contact Dawn Fuemmeler at 756-9853.
Christian Service Commission
It is the purpose of the Christian Service Commission and all its committees/ organizations to promote and coordinate programs that will guarantee all God’s children in the worldwide community, in the local community and especially within the parish boundaries, justice and charity in full measure. It has the responsibility of enabling members of the parish to respond to the social justice problems of today. It also concerns itself with the physical, mental and emotional needs of the people of the parish, giving special care to the poor, the lonely, and the aged. Because we do not have a separate Social Commission, those activities and committees for the social life of the parish are also included in this commission.
Respect Life
Our goal is to create an awareness and appreciation that every human life, from the moment of conception through natural death, is a gift from God. The Respect Life Committee meets the third Thursday of September, November, February, and April. The committee’s objectives are: sponsor various baby item drives to benefit our local pregnancy center and local hospitals for families needing assistance, promote participation in the national "Life Chain" held on Respect Life Sunday in October, send Easter cards to parishioners who are home-bound or in nursing homes, send "welcome" cards to members of the RCIA when they join the parish, fund-raising to support a local Prolife Billboard, keep members updated on state and national government right-to-life issues and other important right-to-life news. If interested in this committee contact Dotty Bach at 756-1357 or Pat Boatright at 756-4169.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
The St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Joseph is a volunteer group of men and women of the parish who provide assistance to families and individuals in need. Our food pantry, located in the Paul & Velma Lober Building across the street from the church is open every Tuesday and Friday, 9 am to 12 noon. The food pantry relies on food and monetary donations to continue to provide assistance. To donate to the work of the Society, or for more information, please contact Kathy Neiner at 756-8462.
A fraternal organization of Catholic men, the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Council #12332 was chartered on January 1, 1999. In less than a year, the organization grew to a membership of 76 members. In that short time the Knights have had several fund raising and charity events that help support our parish and school. The Knights also help the mentally handicapped, Right to Life, and youth programs, as well as provide a Catholic information and educational service. Our Knights have also been very active in parish events including blood drive, parish picnic, parish breakfasts, and the annual golf tournament. The Knights meet the 1st Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center. For more information, please contact Mike Ward at 760-8800.
St. Joseph Parish Picnic
Our parish picnic, held every year on the last Sunday of June, is our major parish fund-raiser, as well as our major “fun” raiser. We hold a main raffle, a quilt raffle, a silent auction, a garden booth, and a flea market. We host an excellent kettle beef and chicken dinner with all the trimmings. We have music, entertainment, and a fiddle contest throughout the day and into the evening hours. We have games for children and adults, as well as lighter food fare and liquid refreshments for all ages. We rely on parishioners for set-up, work during the day itself, and clean up. Lots of help is needed and a great day is shared by all.
Quilters
Our Quilters meet on Wednesdays during the fall and winter months to provide the quilts for our parish picnic. Times and places vary. To donate quilt tops… to join the quilters… or for more information, please contact Betty Krapf at 747-0134.
Garden Club
The Garden Club plants and waters the flowers on our parish property May through September, and hosts the garden booth at the annual parish picnic. To volunteer, or for more information, contact Pat Boatright at 756-4169.
Women of Mary
The Blessed Virgin Mary Altar Society of St. Joseph Church is an organization open to all ladies of our parish who are 18 years of age and older. The sodality fosters ardent devotion, reverence and love for Our Blessed Mother. It also directs its members to seek a holy life for themselves in service of others and our church. Our members take an active role in various committees and projects such as: sacristans, quilters, nursing home rosary, Prayer Power, bereavement ministry, a Spring Bake Sale, and Christmas cards to shut-ins. The sodality meets seven times a year on the first Wednesday of the month at 1:00 pm, in the months of October, November, December, February, March, April, and May. May and December meetings are social meetings with a luncheon. The sodality is affiliated with the Prima Primaria in Rome, thereby sharing in all its indulgences and privileges. Come join us.
