Ministries/Activities

Bereavement Group
Ed Ruszkiewicz - (419) 882-1688 Laurie Neary - (419) 885-5791
The Bereavement Ministry Team consists of trained facilitators who are available to offer support to bereaved members of our parish. We are affiliated with an ecumenical support group (Today and Beyond) that meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Christ the King Church. Our team has also started a bereavement outreach program in which we provide emotional support and resource materials to help family members of deceased parishioners. Please call for assistance or more information.

Bridge

Couples' Evening Bridge Marathon starts in the Fall - Jon and Nancy Hook (419) 841-7405
Ladies' and Men's Bridge starts in the Fall - Barb Nolan (419) 882-8336 or Jeanne Conley (419) 531-4388

Business Networking Group
Mike DelVerne - (419) 882-6021
For Business Networking and Fellowship.  An opportunity for parishioners to network their business with other parishioners.  It's a great way to find goods and services being offered within our parish as well as an opportunity to make some new friends.  

Children's Liturgy of the Word
Christian Formation Office - (419) 885-2181
A planning group prepares the Liturgy of the Word for children grades 1 - 4 from September to May, at the 10:30 Sunday Mass in the Daily Mass Chapel each Sunday except, on holiday weeks.

Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP)
Ann Randolph - (419) 882-3284
Christ Renews His Parish is a spiritual renewal process which calls together parishioners to spend some time in reflection and Christian community within the environment of their own parish. There are separate weekends for women and men.

Comfort Blanket Ministry
Laurie Neary - (419) 885-5791
The Comfort Blanket Ministry involves making blankets (43"x 43") by sewing twenty-five 9" decorated squares of fabric. Some of the squares have messages of hope and encouragement. The blankets are given to people who are having a difficult time in their lives due to illness, death, divorce, job loss, etc. The group meets once a month. Watch the bulletin for meeting times. Please come and be a part of this wonderful caring ministry.

Divorced and Separated Group
Linda Wesson - (419) 754-3444
Our basic format is a sharing support group meeting every Tuesday for ten (10) weeks. There are two 10-week programs per year; beginning in March and October. We offer a monthly meeting between the 10-week sessions in January and February, on the second Tuesday of the month. Professional speakers occasionally are invited to complement particular topics aiding the healing process. Included are periodic activities and diocesan functions. Consult the bulletin for times and meeting place.

Engaged Couple's Conference
Parish Center - (419) 885-5791
The Engaged Couple's Conference is part of the diocesan policy for pre-Marriage instruction of any couple planning to get married at St. Joseph. Married couples who share their experiences provide leadership. One-day sessions are held twice a year. Registration is required.

Exercise Program
Laurie Neary - (419) 885-5791
A low impact aerobics class is offered to any interested parishioner on Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the East Campus Meeting Room. Join us whenever you can, no sign up is necessary.

Extended Day Program
Mrs. Therese Siebeneck - (419) 882-8459
The Extended Day Program gives St. Joseph School the opportunity to provide a service to the working parents of children attending our school. This program provides a safe environment for your child by offering a well-supervised schedule including time for play and homework. Open from 2:45 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Festirama
Jim Floyd - (419) 885-5791
Annual three-day festival held the 3rd weekend of May. Festirama is a fun-filled weekend for all parishioners, young and old. Amusement rides, live bands, children & adult games, bingo, fast foods, raffles and our famous Sunday chicken dinner. It is a community building event and a major source of income for the parish.

Funeral Luncheon
Parish Center - (419) 885-5791
A Funeral Luncheon Program has been developed to serve a luncheon in the Family Center following any parishioner funeral at St. Joseph Parish. There are teams of volunteers to coordinate dessert dishes, set up and clean up. Families may choose from a selected catered menu at a minimal cost.

Joseph Meals
Mary Jane DelVerne (419) 882-6021  (See more!)

Knights of Columbus
Kent Riesen (419) 340-7065
Immaculate Conception Council #5628 was formed here at St. Joseph Parish in 1964. An organization of Catholic men dedicated to charity, unity and fraternity. Meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Liturgy Committee
Rachel Hunyor - (419) 882-5871
The committee members meet regularly to study the liturgical year and to plan celebrations that will enrich the faith life of parishioners. Special attention is given to the seasons of Advent/Christmas and Lent/ Triduum/Easter. Meetings are open for others to attend.

Marriage Encounter (World Wide)
World Wide Marriage Encounter is designed to give married couples the opportunity to examine their lives together in a unique approach aimed at revitalizing Christian Marriage. It is for couples who love being married and want to strengthen their relationship. The emphasis of Marriage Encounter is on communication between husband and wife, who spend a weekend together away from the distractions and the tensions of everyday life to concentrate on each other. The weekend is Catholic in orientation and is expressed in the tradition and understanding of the Catholic Church but it is open to couples of other faiths. Weekends are held regularly at local motels and retreat houses. Registration is required. To register call 419-538-7210. World Wide Marriage Encounter also has a web page: www.wwme.org

Nursery
Angela Sapp - (419) 787-4791
The Tiny Tot Nursery, located in the School, is open each Sunday during the 10:30 Mass to children who are "crawlers" up to and including three years old. Moms and dads working in rotation and teenage volunteers staff the nursery. New members are welcome any time. I

Our Children Remembered
Paul White - (419) 882-2676
Our Children Remembered is an Ecumenical Bereavement Support Group for parents who have been separated from their children by death. This group is open to all parents regardless of the circumstances of the death of their child. It is our goal and mission to provide an open and non-threatening Christian environment for parents in which they can begin the healing process. We strive to provide initial support to the newly bereaved, as well as ongoing support to those further along the bereavement path. We show the love of God through loving and caring friends who have placed their trust in God.

Parish Loan Closet
Parish Center - (419) 885-5791
Reusable assistive equipment such as a cane, walker, shower chair, etc. can be donated or borrowed from the St. Joseph equipment closet. Any request to donate or borrow the equipment needs to be made by calling the Parish Center Office.

Parish Library
Christian Formation Office - (419) 885-2181
The Christian Formation Office has books, tapes, videos, records, and filmstrips available to parishioners on loan.

Parish Nurse Ministry
Laurie Neary, RN - (419) 885-5791
The parish nurse ministry focuses on the concept of holistic health, by promoting a healthy lifestyle, and integrating faith and health practices. The nurse plans educational programs, provides health counseling, mobilizes volunteers and acts as a liaison between parishioners and community resources. The nurse's office is located in the East Campus and the hours are flexible to meet the needs of the parishioners. For a complete listing of programs available click on the Parish Nurse link.

Respect Life Ministry
Randy Okuley - (419) 843-1432     Laurie Neary - (419) 885-5791
The Respect Life Ministry was formed in Spring 1997 and is open to any and all parishioners committed to developing a greater awareness in our church and community of our great gift from God, LIFE! Please join us and take action to help implement a "culture of life."

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Mrs. Joanne Denyer - (419) 885-5791
St. Joseph Parish uses the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) to receive new members into our faith. We offer participants the possibility of receiving the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist). The program begins each year in September. Informational meetings are available to those interested and are held monthly from January - June. A team of lay persons, priests, deacons, and religious acting as catechists facilitates all sessions.

Retrouvaille
To register - (800) 470-2230
The Retrouvaille (retro'-vie) Program has developed within the Catholic Church as an attempt to provide help for married couples with troubled marriages. The program is designed to help couples improve communication, re-establish trust and rebuild a stable relationship. The program is offered to both Catholics and non-Catholics. Three married couples and a priest present a weekend. Follow-up sessions are included in the program. Video or brochure available for more information.

School Advisory Council
Ann Riddle - (419) 885-4994
The School Advisory Council concerns itself with the planning and formulating of educational policy for St. Joseph School, and acts in the advisory capacity to the pastor and principal. Meetings are usually open to parish members.

Scouting

Boy Scouts
Mike Lynn - (419) 829-2474
The troop enjoys backpacking trips as well as week-long experiences at Camp Pioneer. The scouts are also involved in many service projects. Under careful leadership, boys in grades six to high school are helped to grow into responsible manhood. There is also an active Cub Scout program. http://www.troop87sylvania.com/

Cub Scouts
Matt Snyder - (419) 882-6032

Girl Scouts
Carrie Sim - (419) 824-5192
Girl Scouting is open for girls from kindergarten through high school.  The program is carried out with activities in the areas of the arts, well being, people to people relationships, science and technology, and last but not least - the world of the outdoors.  Underlying these activities are the foundations of responsibility, service and leadership.

Senior Activity Gatherings
Barb Nolan (419) 882-8336
All seniors are invited to the East Campus for Senior Day at St. Joseph. A variety of card and board games are offered. Bring a friend and enjoy an afternoon of conversation and competition. This group meets the first Monday of the month from 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Social Outreach 
Mary Jane DelVerne - (419)882-6021
 

St. Vincent de Paul Society
Parish Center - (419) 885-5791
The St. Joseph Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is open to all parishioners. The members help those in need in a spirit of justice and charity.

Sunday School
Angela Sapp (419) 787-4791
The Sunday preschool program is for children ages three, four or five. Sessions are held on Sunday mornings during the 10:30 a.m. Mass.

Vocation Committee
Richard Schoen - (419) 471-9083
The Vocation Committee seeks to foster and affirm lay, family, and ordained leadership in the Catholic community. Our goal is to affirm and foster vocations to the priesthood, sisterhood, permanent deaconate, brotherhood, and lay ministers. Our objective is to call forth priests, sisters, brothers, permanent deacons, and lay ministers from among the faithful in St. Joseph Parish and to affirm those who now serve St. Joseph Parish.

Youth Group
Deb Simoff - (419) 829-5906
St. Joseph's Sr. High Youth Group is open to freshmen though seniors. This group meets Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at the Youth House. Please watch the bulletin for specail events or activities being planned each month.