What is Ministry? And What Does it Mean for Me?
Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19). Note that He did not say, “Sit and make disciples of all nations.” Jesus doesn’t want us to simply come to church, SIT, then leave. He wants us to PRACTICE our faith by serving others. When we follow His example and serve others, we grow closer to Jesus. The parish ministries at St. Joseph, St. Anne & St. Joachim allow you to do just that.
If one of the ministries on this page speaks to you, please call the parish office at 360-384-3651 to learn more and be put in touch with the coordinator for that ministry.
Four Expressions of Ministry
- Parish Outreach and Social Justice Ministries – Bringing the Good News to all who seek the life giving message of faith in Jesus Christ.
- Prayer and Worship – Serving and participating in the liturgy and prayer groups.
- Fellowship and Service – Coming together to build a stronger community of faith.
- Faith Formation – Forming, nourishing and deepening the faith we receive through the ministry of the church.
Parish Outreach and Social Justice Ministries
Eucharistic Ministry to the Homebound – Members of this ministry bring the Body of Christ to persons who are homebound. Men and women of this ministry must be confirmed Catholics who have completed the Eucharistic Minister training and have been commissioned.
Project Outreach – Project Outreach is an in-need food assistance program serving the Ferndale, Custer and Lummi Nation communities. The program is open for food distribution each Thursday, September through June,(excluding Thanksgiving) 10am-11am in the parish classroom wing. Volunteers are needed each Thursday, September through June, 9am-1130 am. A second collection for Project Outreach is taken the first Sunday of each month.
Christmas Giving Garland – This Project Outreach program provides gifts and food to families in need during the Christmas season. The program depends on the generosity of volunteer time to coordinate the collection and distribution of gifts and the donation of those gifts from the faithful congregation.
Quilting Group – This group meets on the first Tuesday of the month to obtain supplies. Quilts are designed and sewn by members in their own homes and are given to the community. All levels of skill are welcome.
Website Coordinator – Maintain and update this important communication and outreach tool.
Prayer and Worship Ministries
Altar Linens – The Altar Society cleans the altar linens weekly, orders flowers for Christmas and Easter and helps decorate the church. Meetings are called as needed on Sundays during coffee hour, usually twice a year.
Altar Servers – Altar servers are children in grades 3-12 who assist the priest with the books, candles and gifts during Mass, Stations of the Cross and other special liturgical activities.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word – During Sunday Mass children are invited to the altar to receive a blessing from Father before being dismissed with a teacher to hear the Word of God presented in language that the children can understand. Also included is prayers and activities and take home material that focuses on the message of that week’s gospel. The goal of Children’s Liturgy of the Word is to teach children to be conscious listeners and responders to God’s Word. Children’s Liturgy of the Word runs during the school year and is meant for children 4 – 7. Younger children may attend with an older sibling and older children are welcome as helpers.
Divine Mercy – This group prays the Divine Mercy Chaplet Fridays after daily Mass as well as the special Divine Mercy Sunday celebration.
Lectors – This group of commissioned volunteers prepares and proclaims the Sacred Scriptures during Mass and other celebrations. Open to parishioners at least 16 years of age who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Music Ministry – Share God’s gift of your voice and lead the congregation in song during Mass.
Ministers of Holy Communion – Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers are men and women who have been confirmed. This group of volunteers helps to dispense the Body and Blood of Christ during Mass. Eucharistic Minister training is provided before volunteers are commissioned.
Prayer Chain – Prayers are offered for the special requests of our church members.
Sunday Rosary – Lead the rosary before Mass on Sundays at 10:00 am.
Ushers & Greeters – Welcome parishioners and visitors to the church and assist in the orderly celebration of Mass and funerals.
Fellowship and Service Ministries
Building Maintenance Ministry – Volunteers attend to the physical maintenance of the church buildings. All trade skills needed; especially plumbing or electrical experience.
Finance Council – This group advises and counsels the pastor regarding administration, management and finances of the parish. Potential members are interviewed and appointed by the Pastor.
Grounds Maintenance – Maintain the beauty of the church grounds by adopting a garden. This is a wonderful family activity. In addition there is a parish-wide effort scheduled before Easter to clean, trim, mow and beautify the grounds.
Knights of Columbus – The Knights of Columbus is a service organization of men that support priestly vocations and our youth ministry programs. They host fish fries, steak dinners, and an annual golf tournament. They also serve a pancake breakfast on the 5th Sunday of the month. They meet on the first Tuesday of the month.
Ladies Guilds – There are four Ladies Guilds and each group promotes fellowship, friendship, and service to the parish and community. Each guild staffs one Sunday coffee hour a month and are responsible for church flowers and holy water fonts three months of the year. The Ladies Guilds are open to all married or single adult women who are members of St Joseph.
Office Volunteers – Periodic help is needed with parish mailings and various office functions.
Pastoral Council – The council serves the pastor in an advisory capacity in nonfinancial matters pertaining to the health and wellbeing of the parish. Potential members are interviews and appointed by the Pastor.
Rosary Creators – Design, make, renew and repair rosaries and chaplets.
Religious Display Cabinet – Order religious items and display them for purchase in the church hall during coffee hour.
Faith Formation Ministries
Adult Faith Formation / Bible Studies – Learn the truth about the Catholic faith and heritage that is built upon the Word of God. Register, promote and facilitate or lead bible studies and faith enrichment meetings.
Children’s Faith Formation – Kindergarten through 5th grade meet Wednesday evenings during the school year. Volunteer teachers help share the faith using materials supplied by the Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation.
Middle School Youth Ministry – Grades 6 through 8 meet on Sunday evenings during the school year to continue the faith journey. Volunteer teachers help share the faith using materials supplied by the Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation.
High School Youth Ministry – Grades 9 through 12 meet Sunday evenings during the school year. Volunteer teachers help share the faith using materials supplied by the Pastoral Assistant for Faith Formation.
Jesus Day Camp – For one week in July, children 3 years of age through 5th grade (age 11) experience a Jesus Day Camp. Volunteers are needed to staff classes, assist with crafts and activities and prepare snacks.
Parish Library – St. Joseph church library is located in classroom #1 by the parish hall. It is open during coffee hour on the second and fourth Sunday of each month (Closed June, July & August). Volunteers process new and donated books and staff the library. Library experience is not necessary.