Organizations

Athletics
The athletic program of St. Joseph Parish exists to provide all children of our parish the opportunity to learn and develop their skills in various sports. The focus of the program is to provide a Christian atmosphere in which the individual child can develop to his/her full potential, while learning the value of team work and good sportsmanship. Currently our athletic program includes Football, Basketball, Baseball, Wrestling, Cross Country, Tennis, Girl’s Volleyball and Track & Field.
Men’s Basketball - 30 years and older; Sunday nights, 6:30 -8:30 p.m.
Jeff Seemann - (419) 882-0661 
Baptisms
The Sacrament of Baptism is administered on the first, second, third and fourth Sunday of each month at 1:15 p.m. You must be registered in the parish before making arrangements for Baptism. A Baptism preparation class is held for first-time parents on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 1:15 p.m. in the Carpenter Room in the Parish Center. You are encouraged to take the class before the baby is born. Registration for both is required.
Parish Center - (419) 885-5791 
Bereavement Group
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 that meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and the 4th Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 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.
Ed Ruszkiewicz - (419) 882-1688                    Laurie Neary - (419) 885-5791 
Boy Scouts
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/
Jim Layman - (419-882-8978) 
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
Children's Christian Formation
This program is for children entering grades one through eight but not attending a Catholic school. Children are taught the rich traditions of our Catholic faith, while providing them with the opportunity for spiritual and moral growth in either the summer program or the year long family program.
Christian Formation Office - (419) 885-2181 
Children’s Liturgy of the Word
A planning group prepares the Liturgy of the Word for children grades 1 - 4 from September to May, at 9:00 and 10:30 Sunday Masses in the Daily Mass Chapel each Sunday except, on holiday weeks. 
Christian Formation Office - (419) 885-2181 
Children's Sacramental Processes
St. Joseph prepares 2nd grade children for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion. Eighth grade children are prepared for the sacrament of Confirmation.  In addition to the parish level preparation process to celebrate the sacraments, children are expected to have a catechetical foundation beforehand. 
Christian Formation Office - (419) 885-2181 
Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP)
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.
Ann Randolph - (419) 882-3284 
Choir -- Click here for link. 
Comfort Blanket Ministry 
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.
Laurie Neary ............... 419-885-5791 
Community Center/Family Center
The Banquet Hall accommodates 400 people and the Family Center accommodates 320 people with room for dancing. It is available for rent by parishioners for wedding receptions and anniversaries etc.
Jim Floyd - (419) 885-5791 
Divorced and Separated Group
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.
Linda Wesson - (419) 754-3444
Engaged Couple’s Conference
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 several times a year. Registration is required.
Parish Center - (419) 885-5791 
Exercise Program
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.
Laurie Neary - (419) 885-5791 
Extended Day Program
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.
Mrs. Therese Siebeneck - (419) 882-8459 
Festirama
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.
Jim Floyd - (419) 885-5791 
Funeral Luncheon
A Funeral Luncheon Program has been developed to serve a luncheon in the banquet hall or the Family Center following a 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.
Parish Center - (419) 885-5791 
Girl Scouts
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.
Gwen Smaziarz - (567) 455-6129 
Knights of Columbus
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 Tuesday at 8:00 p.m..
Mark Boyer - (419) 882-6937 
Liturgy Committee
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.
Rachel Hunyor - (419) 882-5871 
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 
Ministry to the Sick and Infirm
Every hospital in the Toledo area has a priest assigned as Chaplain. The Chaplain facilitates reception of Holy Communion for patients and makes regular patient visits. Fr. Tony Vera is Chaplain for Flower Hospital and Lake Park Nursing Home and also is responsible for celebrating Mass regularly at the nursing homes in our Parish. He may be contacted at St. Joseph Parish Center. Priests from St. Joseph will be happy to visit parishioners in other area hospitals if family members or the person hospitalized so request. Hospitals do not have the responsibility to inform the Parish of our hospitalized parishioners.
Our Eucharistic Ministers visit Catholic patients at Flower Hospital and the extended care and nursing care facilities in the area bringing Holy Communion several times weekly. They minister Communion to shut-ins by individual arrangement.
A listing of our parishioners who are ill and in need of our prayers will be printed in the bulletin. To request someone's name to be listed, please fill out the card located by the suggestion box in the back of church. The completed card may be put in the suggestion box or dropped off at the Parish Center.
Parish Center - (419) 885-5791 
Music Ministry Click Here for the link. 
Nursery
The Tiny Tot Nursery, located in the School, is open each Sunday during the 9:00 and 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. It is open only during the 10:30 Mass during the Summer.
Joan Bruggemann - (419) 885-2844 
Our Children Remembered
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.
Paul White - (419) 882-2676 
Parish Loan Closet
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 Center - (419) 885-5791 
Parent-Teacher Organization
The St. Joseph School PTO exists to enrich and serve the educational environment and lives of our students, their parents, and teachers, and to achieve better relations with God and each other. The membership is comprised of all parents and teachers/staff associated with the school.
Lisa LeStrange 419-842-0890 
Parish Library
The Christian Formation Office has books, tapes, videos, records, and filmstrips available to parishioners on loan.
Christian Formation Office - (419) 885-2181

Parish Nurse Ministry
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.

Parish Center - (419) 885-5791  
Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council is comprised of parishioners, the Pastor and the Pastoral Associate. It meets monthly except for July and August. The council's mission is to discern the appropriate, long-range pastoral plan for accomplishing the Parish mission statement. The ideal for which the council strives is a spiritually vibrant and ministerially active faith community, which constantly develops and nourishes our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Jack Edwartoski - (419) 882-6765 
Reconciliation
Saturday: 3:00 - 4:00 p.m or anytime by request 
Respect Life Ministry
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! We hold monthly meetings to plan our activities. Please join us and take action to help implement a "culture of life."
Randy Okuley - (419) 843-1432                         Laurie Neary - (419) 885-5791 
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
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.
Sr. Pat Gist - (419) 885-5791 
Retrouvaille
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.
To register - 1 (800) 470-2230 
School Advisory Council
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.
Michael White - (419) 829-2256 
Senior Activity Gatherings
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.
Parish Center - (419) 885-5791 
St. Vincent de Paul Society
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.
Parish Center - (419) 885-5791 
Sunday School 
The Sunday preschool program is for children ages three, four or five. Sessions are held on Sunday mornings during the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Masses.
Christian Formation Office 419-885-2181 
Vocation Committee
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.
Richard Schoen - (419) 471-9083 
Weddings
According to diocesan guidelines, couples are requested to contact the priest at least six months before the wedding date. This time allows for adequate preparation and personal contact between the priest and the couple preparing for Marriage. The couple usually meets three times with the priest and attends the Engaged Couples’ Conference. There are specific requirements if one or both parties are under 19 or if there is a pregnancy.
Parish Center - (419) 885-5791 
Women’s Club
All women of the parish are automatically members of the Women’s Club. Come to the meetings, meet your fellow parish members and join in the fun.
Maxine Hall - (419) 841-5625 
Youth Group
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. 
Deb Simoff - (419) 829-5906