Community Events
As a community of disciples, we have the principal task the promotion and sustaining of growth through interpersonal relationships focused on the person of Christ. This bonding together makes us into the Body of Christ. Parishes are called, through their activities, to bring people together in a spirit of unity through diversity. All the ministries related to the building up of the community are included in this category.
Special Events
These are annual events to help support the building of
community and the growth of our parish community!
Benefit Dinner
Every March, our school hosts its Annual Benefit Dinner, a cherished tradition that brings together families, alumni, faculty, and community members for an evening of celebration, connection, and impact. This special event raises essential funds for both a designated charitable cause and our school’s endowment fund, helping ensure long-term sustainability and excellence in education. Each year, the dinner features a unique theme, inspiring speakers, and an opportunity to support initiatives that matter. Past events have helped fund everything from campus improvements to student scholarships. There are many ways to get involved and make a difference including sponsorship, donations, and volunteering!
Contact Maddie Piscopo at mpiscopo@stjoesylvania.org with any questions
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 and 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 our parish.
Contact Heather Koziarski at hkoziarski@stjoesylvania.org with any questions
Harvest Dinner
The Great Harvest Dinner, which occurs in late fall, provides an evening of food, fellowship and inspiration for women of the parish and their friends. Dinner is served by men and young people of the parish, and a speaker shares her faith experience.
Contact Joanne Denyer at jdenyer@stjoesylvania.org with any questions
Italian Dinner
Our Annual Italian Dinner is held each November in conjunction with the Scholastic Book Fair! Enjoy a delicious evening of classic Italian cuisine with family and friends—all while supporting a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the dinner help fund our 8th Grade Field Trip Week in May, creating lasting memories for our graduating students as they celebrate the end of their middle school journey. Community members come for the pasta, stay for the purpose!
Contact Molly Lindsey with any questions
Toledo Symphony Concert
The Toledo Symphony Concert, scheduled for Advent, is an effort to encourage community participation. It is an evening of outstanding classical and seasonal music with parish choirs featured.
Contact Margie Heck at mheck@rootinc.com with any questions
Valentine Dinner
The Valentine Dinner is marriage enrichment program. The evening consists of dinner, a guest speaker and fellowship. The event is held near Valentine's Day.
Contact Joanne Denyer at jdenyer@stjoesylvania.org with any questions
Support Groups
Welcome to our support community, where you’ll find compassionate spaces for those navigating grief, illness, and life’s most difficult moments. Whether you're coping with a recent loss or facing a challenging diagnosis, you're not alone—connect with others who truly understand.
Bereavement Support Group
We are affiliated with an ecumenical support group that meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:30pm at Saint Joseph Parish. We can provide emotional support and resource material to help family members of deceased parishioners.
Contact Joanne Denyer at jdenyer@stjoesylvania.org with any questions.
Deb's Ministry of Prayer and Hope
We are an adult prayer group for anyone diagnosed with an health concern or ANYONE in need of PRAYER. It is for those receiving treatment, in remission, for their families, friends or caregivers. We gather for one hour on the first Wednesday of every month starting at 7pm in the Holy Family Chapel.
Contact Chris Powers at 419-885-1148 with any questions.
Funeral Luncheon
The Funeral Luncheon Program has been developed to serve a luncheon in the Family Center following any parishioner funeral at Saint Joseph Parish. There are teams of volunteers to coordinate dessert dishes, set up and clean up. Families may choose from a selected menu at minimal cost.
Contact Joanne Denyer at jdenyer@stjoesylvania.org with any questions.
Social Events
Join any of these recurring events to meet new friends or to sharpen your skills!
Cribbage
If you would like to play (or learn to play) Cribbage, come join us! Not only is this a chance to make new friends, but also to play a game that involves team strategy and helps sharpen your math thinking. We meet Tuesday evenings at 7pm in the East Campus Meeting Room. All are welcome!
Contact Gary Bell at bell@bex.net with any questions
"Little Carpenters" Play Group
Throughout the year, the Office of Youth Formation invites children pre-school age and their parents to come together for community building. While our Little Carpenters work to learn about faith, follow instructions in school, and enjoy playtime with their friends, their caregivers connect with new families from the parish community. All are welcome and there is no sign-up to attend! Dates are posted in advance in the bulletin, so check there for upcoming fall, winter, spring, and summer sessions. Little Carpenters meets on select Wednesday mornings in the Youth and Media Center (located in East Campus).
Contact Jane Richardson at jrichardson@stjoesylvania.org with any questions
MahJong
MahJong is a tile-based game that originated in China during the Qing dynasty and has since spread around the world in various forms. This group meets on Fridays from 12-3pm in the Pastors Suite on the East Campus. All are welcome!
Contact Pat Duncan at pdunc@bex.net with any questions.
Senior Bridge
All seniors are invited to join Senior Bridge. The group meets the first Monday of the month from 12:30-4pm, typically October to May. There are 9 tables of 2 partnerships each which are set for the season. If interested, please call the number below prior to September of the year to play. You will need a partner, or you could be added to our sub list.
Contact Joanne Denyer at jdenyer@stjoesylvania.org with any questions
Pancake Breakfast
Hosted by the Knights of Columbus, the Pancake Breakfast aims to raise funds for a specific charity each year. In the past we have aided Saint Gregory Choir, a local family in need at Christmas time and a seminarian in need of some financial assistance. Our pricing is, we hope, conducive to providing a good meal at a very reasonable cost. Keep your eye on the bulletin for the upcoming date!
Contact Mark Boyer at markb@bex.net with any questions.
Welcoming Committee
This group strives to provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for new parishioners as well as existing parishioners. Members call and visit new parishioners and provide them with an informational packet. The committee hosts a breakfast for new parishioners every six months. The welcoming committee, along with other parish organizations, assists in greeting parishioners at Mass.
Contact Maddie Piscopo at mpiscopo@stjoesylvania.org with any questions
Girls on the Run
GOTR is an after school program for girls in grades 3-5 that combines training to participate in a 5K running event with self-esteem enhancing discussions and a community service project. Saint Joseph sponsors one or two teams, depending on interest and coaching availability. To find out more about GOTR, visit GirlsontheRunNWO.org. Contact us if you are interested in coaching or registering a participant.
Contact Saint Joseph Parish School at 419-882-6670 with any questions.
Parish Potluck
Join us for our monthly fellowship potluck on the second Monday of every month from 5:30-7pm in the Pastor's Suite on the East Campus. Bring a dish to share! Feel free to invite someone new! All are welcome!
Contact Mary Jane DelVerne at mjdelverne@vergeline.com with any questions.
Lunch 'N Learn
Saint Joseph Parish's Lunch 'N Learn program is for any parishioner and their guests. They are held a few times a year and include a guest speaker on a variety of topics and lunch. It begins with lunch at 11:30am with the speaker to follow. These are held in the East Campus Meeting rooms. The cost is $5. Keep watch in the bulletin for upcoming dates and topics.
Contact Joanne Denyer at jdenyer@stjoesylvania.org with any questions.
