St. Joseph Ministry List

Ministry Listing* April 2026

This booklet contains ministries* available to all those who attend St. Joseph Catholic Church. Please read them all and see if there is a place where your time and talent can reside. We need you!

Contact the office, by phone: 618-537-2575, or email: lebstjoe@gmail.com, for assistance with these ministries. Training is available.

*Note: These ministries are new or not occupied, yet all need volunteers. 

LITURGY/WORSHIP:

Lectors

Lectors are parishioners who share their gift of proclaiming God’s written Word at parish liturgies. Those who enjoy reading and proclaiming the Word are encouraged to sign up.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMs)

These parishioners distribute Holy Communion during Mass and to homebound, if needed.

Sacristans

Sacristans are volunteers who are willing and capable of setting up the sanctuary in preparation for Mass and cleaning up after mass. Sacristans also unlock & lock church, turn on & off the lights, and other duties to help prepare the church for Mass.

Servers

The Altar Servers assist at the Eucharistic celebration of the parish. Children who have received their First Holy Communion and older are invited to volunteer as servers. Adults are also welcome to serve.

*Environmental Arts

The primary purpose of this group is to decorate worship space (may include altar garden) in preparation for Mass for holidays, Holy Days and special liturgical events. Time commitment varies by time of year. This group works in conjunction with the liturgy committee.

*Children’s Liturgy of the Word

Liturgy of the Word for Children is a program in which the Sunday Gospel is proclaimed and explained on a level appropriate to children in grades 1 – 4. The children gather at the rectory to hear the Gospel and a reflection on the Word shared by their leader through stories, discussions/pictures. 

 Ushers & Greeters

The parish ushers and greeters are volunteers who offer the liturgical ministry of hospitality. Their duties are to welcome the faithful, seat people if needed, answer questions or give directions, as well as handout bulletins after Mass. They are responsible for gathering the collection.

Communion Service at Lebanon’s Care Centers

This ministry goes to each of Lebanon’s two care centers one day a month and provides a Communion Service along with Anointing at each service. This ministry asks for one hour a month of your time.

*Altar Society

The main objective is to cherish and care for all that goes into celebrating Mass. We serve the needs of the altar by caring for all the altar linens, priest’s vestments, server robes, purificators and cloths. We clean, repair and/or replace items as necessary. We are also responsible for maintaining the proper supply of wine, hosts, and candles to meet the liturgical needs of the parish.

LITURGY/MUSIC:

Cantors

The leaders of song cantor for Mass. Vocalists, typically high school age and up, who are willing to share their musical talents and gifts in this ministry learn and rehearse the music for Mass and are then scheduled by the Music Director after Mass or contact the office.

Accompanist/Instrumental

Instrumentalists, willing to share their musical talents and gifts in this ministry, lead music at Mass on piano or guitar. Woodwind, Brass, String, and Percussion volunteers are most welcome. For more information, please contact the Music Director after Mass or contact the office.

EDUCATION

Parish School of Religion (PSR) Catechists

PSR is a religious formation program for our parish children enrolled in public schools. We offer K-8 grade religious studies on Sunday mornings. During these classes, students learn about our faith through textbooks, presentation, and various activities. Our Catechists will share their time and talent in service to our community in response to the Gospel call. Sign up to be either a full-time or substitute teacher.

Youth Group

The idea for this program for high school students is to involve components of instruction in our faith, service opportunities, prayer experiences and possible field trips. It should be directed by a team of at least two adults. We imagine this to be a high-energy group who are open and honest about their faith concerns and actively deal with their questions.

Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)

OCIA is a series of steps and rituals that guides those who desire to become Catholic. OCIA is for both adults and children who have never been baptized, who have been baptized in another Christian Tradition, or who have been baptized Catholic but not raised as a Catholic. Sessions are scheduled year-round. Let us know if you wish to join the Church OR you would like to be on the OCIA team to walk with seekers on their journey.

FELLOWSHIP & COMMUNITY LIFE:

Parish Council

This council is a consultative body, pastoral in nature, comprised of individuals from within the parish community who prayerfully discern their involvement. The council also includes parish staff and trustees. The council’s primary job is to serve as an advisory body to the parish priest about pastoral issues as well as promoting pastoral action within the parish.

*Ministry to the Homebound and Sick

This ministry extends care by making weekly personal visits to the homebound, bringing them Jesus in the form of the Blessed Sacrament. Ministers must have empathy and remember that these individuals have personal needs and few visitors. Time commitment is approximately

 ½-1 hour per week. Volunteers should be trained as Eucharistic minister though not required to be on the weekly schedule.

Prayer Chain

Corpus Christi Prayer Chain has members eager to pray for those in need. You do not need to be a parishioner to participate.

St Joseph Community Club

Once you register with St Joseph Parish, you are automatically a member of this group. The goal is to enjoy fellowship opportunities and raise funds to help with the operation of the church. All are invited to any gatherings, to socialize, share faith, and plan events for the parish. This group organizes parish grounds clean up, the annual Lenten Fish Fry, other fundraisers and other ways to serve. In addition, the men and ladies offer separate functions throughout the year simply for fellowship.

*Book Club

This potential club is a group of parishioners who meet monthly or bi-monthly to choose, read and discuss books that have been chosen by the group. Any interested person(s) may join at any time. The discussions are self-contained; therefore, you do not have to attend every session, just the ones that fit your schedule. If interested, please sign up.

Fall Fest

The annual Fall Fest strives to bring together the faith community for an afternoon of fun, food and games! There are games for the young and young at heart, some of the tastiest chili and soup you will ever find, delicious desserts, a silent auction, and our Raffle Drawing. Many hands make light work in putting on such an event.

*Funeral Luncheon

The Funeral Luncheon Ministry helps make a very difficult day a little easier for family and friends following the death of a loved one. Through the generosity of many volunteers in the parish, we can provide a meal after funerals in the parish center. We are continually looking for cooks to donate a side dish or dessert as well as people to set up, work, and clean up the luncheon.

*Gardening Help

The church grounds include a significant amount of landscaping that needs weeding, tending and some watering from early March through late October. No set schedule. Can work at your own pace when time allows.

*Social Committee

As people of hospitality, the social committee works to support the parish and maintain a social community life by assisting the pastor with events that support the pastoral and social well-being of the parish.

OUTREACH -For the good of the Parish & Community:

Griffin Center (Catholic Urban Center)

The goal is to see every child reach adulthood grounded in faith, living and engaged in a healthy community and with the academic and social-emotional skills needed to succeed in life. Every fall we support the Back-to-School program and provide Christmas gifts to families in need. Donate items for these children in need. Volunteer your time to assemble book bags and organize gifts. Reach out to the Griffin Center to assist as tutor, mentor and friend.

Joseph House Ministry – McKendree University

Join us as we provide dinner to McKendree students. Fun, fellowship, and food! All are welcome around the table! We gather every Monday, 5-7PM, during Fall/Spring semesters to connect with our college students while providing a great meal. We alternate weeks with Corpus Christi and rely on volunteers to help make the meal. These students come hungry for food and connection. Help us make this their home away from home.

Matthew Ministries

Lebanon Matthew Ministries is a collaborative service ministry shared by various churches in Lebanon. St. Joseph has several parishioners who support this ministry of service. Financial and Food Donations are accepted at St. Joseph Church to support this ministry.

St. Vincent de Paul Society

The aim of the St. Vincent de Paul Society is to bring the friendship of true charity to all those in need. Persons to be aided are to be met “on an equal basis,” at their level, never looking down on them and always with the thought that they are our brothers and sisters in Christ. St. Vincent de Paul accepts clothing donations at the parish rectory.

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The Liturgical Committee is comprised of individuals who serve in select capacities. If interested, please contact the office.

Finance Council is comprised of individuals selected by the pastor. If interested, please contact the office.