Altar and Rosary Society
The mission of our society is to raise awareness of the rosary and devotion to Mary. We are also responsible for ensuring that all needed altar linens and cloths are clean and ready for all of our liturgical celebrations. We meet Tuesday mornings. 

Contact Rita Marino 467-3086.

Altar Servers
Altar serving is an excellent way for parish youths to begin their volunteer experience of offering time and talent to the church.  Boys and girls from the fourth grade up are always welcome and encouraged to become a part of this ministry.  

Contact: Fr. Vincent Orum 467-0037

Art & Environment
The members of this ministry are responsible for enhancing our worship space that reflect the liturgical seasons.  Members work with the Liturgy Planning team and our parish priests to ensure that our liturgical celebrations offer a spiritual and reflective surrounding.  Together, they plan on seasonal accents while concentrating on each liturgical celebration.  Volunteers are always needed to help in this rewarding ministry.

Contact: Elaine Long 467-4863.

Baptismal Prep
It is an evening when we ask the parents of the children who are to be Baptized, to affirm their religious beliefs and recognize their role in the spiritual life of their child.  We also discuss the Baptismal ceremony and the role of Godparents. 

Contact: Deacon Joe Garozzo - 467-0792

Bereavement Ministry
This newly formed ministry consists of caring individuals who assist families during their time of sorrow. Bereavement ministry members are not counselors or advice givers, they are ‘grief companions’, willing to journey and support the loved ones through their loss and the grief process.  At present, the primary goal of this ministry is to assist the families with the preparation of, and to be present at, the Funeral Liturgy. 

Contact: Sonia Tagle - 467-2234  

Building Committee
The primary focus of this committee is to ensure that our parish buildings and ground are properly maintained.  Members routinely inspect our buildings and provide recommendations to the pastor on any needed repairs and improvements.

Contact: Rita Marino 467-3086 or Kimberley Koorneef - 467-0037

Children’s Liturgy of the Word
Liturgy of the Word for Children offers children, ages 6-10, the opportunity to hear and discuss the Sunday readings at their own level.  Facilitators and children, along with a teen aide, are dismissed before the readings begin at the 10:00 Sunday liturgy.  The children listen to the Sunday readings and then discuss their meaning.  The children return to the Church during the singing of the offertory hymn.  This ministry allows parents and children the opportunity to listen and concentrate on the readings and homily and provided with all  materials.  Consider becoming part of this ministry and hearing the Gospel through the eyes of a child. 

Contact: Joanne DiGennaro - 467-0037.

Columbiettes
The Columbiettes were established to be the right arm of the Knights of Columbus and have been a vital force in northern and middle New Jersey as well as in New York, Connecticut, Delaware, and Florida. The Columbiettes are a group of Catholic women who are dedicated to working with their church and community. This is the only group of Columbiettes in this part of South Jersey. The only requirement for joining this auxiliary is that the women be seventeen years old and practicing Catholics. Projects of the Columbiettes include, but are not limited to, bake sales, Baby Bottle campaign for the Right to Life organization, cooking and serving a Thanksgiving Day meal to those who have no families or those who are unable to visit with their families. Donations have been given to our local Catholic School, church and to the St. John of God Community. In the near future we are planning on sponsoring an Art Gallery sale.

Contact: Maryann Sparks - 467-0668

Cursillo Community
Cursillo, which takes its name from the Spanish Cursillos de Christiandad--a "short course in Christian living"--began in Spain in the early 1940s and was brought to the United States by Spanish airmen stationed at Texas air bases. Cursillo is a movement of the church. Its purpose is to help those in the church understand their individual callings to be Christian Leaders .It helps to renew and deepen our Christian commitment. Many people have said Cursillo provides an important learning experience which causes many to feel like newly made Christians with a purpose and with support. This is a wonderful way to live out your Baptismal covenant. 

Contact: Dorathy and Joe Garozzo 467-0037.

Extraordinary Ministers
As an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist, you will assist the priest and deacon in the distribution of Eucharist during our Parish celebrations.  In addition, you may also be asked to assist with bringing Eucharist to our homebound.    Ministers are asked to serve, at a minimum, once a month at a Mass time of their preference. Training is provided. 

Contact: Maryann Sparks - 467-0037  

Contact: Fr. Vincent Orum - 467-0037

Finance Council
As one of our two parishioner driven governing bodies which advise the pastor on the operation of the parish, the Finance Council consults with the pastor on all matters related to the financial condition of the parish. We assist in the preparation of the annual budget, financial statements and reports to the diocese. We give guidance to the pastor in the management of the assets of the parish and the expenditure of funds necessary in the daily running of the parish. In that there are not many things that go on in the parish which do not have a financial effect, we are very actively involved.

Contact: Fr. Joseph Byerley

Hispanic Ministry
The Hispanic Ministry of the Saint Joseph Parish in Swedesboro explores and responds to the diverse pastoral needs of Hispanic Catholics in the Parish. The Ministry seeks the necessary resources to meet these needs in the best manner possible. These resources can be found both within and outside the parochial structure to receive the maximum benefits of the pastoral and social services offered by the Parish. 

Contact: Deacon Pablo Berrios 467-3512

Homebound
Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist visit our sick and homebound parishioners on a regular basis. A visit includes prayer, scripture and reception of the Eucharist.   In addition to bringing the Eucharist, the visits help make the homebound parishioner feel more connected with parish life. The visiting minister works with the priests to schedule clergy visits when requested.  Visiting the homebound is a wonderful and rewarding experience.

Contact: Fr. Vincent Orum – 467-0037

Hospitality
The Hospitality Committee was organized several years ago to provide a spirit of welcoming and community within our Parish family. Committee members greet parishioners at the doors of the Church before Mass, host  refreshments after Mass, organize the annual Easter Egg Hunt and summer Parish Picnic, provide meals for those in need, and prepare letters of welcome and deliver  welcoming bags to all newly registered parishioners. 

Contact:   Christine Nicastro - 467-3883 or
                   Kimberley Koorneef - 467-0037

Kings Things
KING’S THINGS is a Christian thrift shop established in 1983 through the cooperative efforts of the Ministerial and Lay persons from the Bethesda United Methodist, First Baptist, First Presbyterian, St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic, and Trinity Episcopal Churches. The mission of this Ecumenical thrift shop is to provide the communities of the Kingsway sending district with an outreach center. The funds generated through the sale of used clothing and other small household items to the general public provide clothing, food, or funds for emergency needs. In conjunction with the thrift shop, a volunteer food pantry is maintained. Church’s, service organizations, and private individuals make regular contributions of funds, canned goods and other staples to stock this endeavor .It is through the combined efforts of the thrift shop, food bank, and community that over one hundred families were provided with food at Thanksgiving and food baskets and children’s gifts at Christmas. The KING’S THINGS thrift store and food bank are located at 1402 Kings Highway. Adult volunteers are always needed.

Contact:
Carole and Bill Dupper - 467-1796
Gerry Siglow (President) – 467-3066

Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is the largest worldwide organization of male practicing Catholics (1.6 million members) specializing in service and commitment to the Church, family, and country.  Key principles are: charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism.  Knights are known   for raising funds for schools, churches, the physically impaired,  for visits to the sick, blood donations, assistance to those losing a loved one, and for providing aid to those in need. Although not well publicized, the very first payments made to the survivors after the World Trade Center disaster came from the Knights within 1 week and given without regard to religious affiliation. The Knights of Columbus organization was founded by Fr. Michael J. McGivney of New Haven, CT. whose cause for canonization is proceeding.  His life is yet another example of what a good priest can do.

Contact: Lance Gardener - 467-9004 

Lectors
As a Lector, you will assist the priest and deacon during our Parish celebrations by proclaiming the first and second readings, lead the intercession prayer and  make any verbal announcements that may be needed. Ministers are asked to serve, at a minimum, once a month at a Mass time of their preference.  The diocese provides the initial training for this ministry with follow- up instruction in our parish. 

Contact: Maryann Sparks - 467-0037

Legion of Mary
The Legion of Mary is the largest apostolic organization of lay people in the Catholic Church. It offers members an opportunity to enrich their lives through a balanced program of prayer and service to the Parish.  Legion of Mary members at St. Joseph meet every Thursday morning at 10 AM for prayer, planning and discussion. Their ministry also includes visits to the sick and homebound of the Parish. In March, active and auxiliary members will assemble in a sacred celebration called Acies to renew their pledge of consecration to the Blessed Mother.  All are invited to attend a meeting, and new members will be warmly welcomed. 

Contact: Sonia Tagle 467-2234 or Fances Patti - 224-0511

Music Ministries

Each week, many people are needed to raise their voices in song. Singing or playing an instrument is a wonderful way to praise the Lord.  We have several different groups that provide music for our liturgies.  Consider sharing your talent. All ages are welcome.

Contact: Doris Hall - 467-2386

Pastoral Council
The Pastoral Council consists of Parish members who serve in an advisory capacity to the pastor and staff.  Each member serves for a term of three years.  The council meets on a monthly basis to discuss, and provide assistance and recommendations in matters pertaining to the spiritual, social, civic, financial, and educational affairs of the Parish.

Contact: Kevin Brady - 241-3599

Parish Newsletter
The goal of our parish newsletter is to reach out to our entire community and ‘keep them in the loop’ with all the news and happenings in our parish community.  This ministry is open to anyone who likes to write, proofread, or do layout. 

Contact John Nicastro - 467-3883

PRO-LIFE Committee
St. Joseph's Parish has had a most successful year as it worked to promote the dignity of human life.  The Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes were instrumental in involving many persons to actively support projects affecting lives.   Some of the ongoing projects, and where we would like your support during the year, include: the Baby Bottle fundraiser which supports the Woodbury First Way Life Center, raising funds for St. John of God School, and  the New Jersey Right to Life Car Raffle which helps support the Pro-Life educational materials and one paid lobbyist to defend the issues regarding the dignity of Life.  The year 2004, however, will present the MOST CHALLENGING ISSUE EVER BEFORE MANKIND - that of embryonic stem cell research (cloning of human beings for the sole purpose of destroying them for research and body parts).   We need more concerned volunteers to continue the effort for the coming year.   

Contact: Marie Miller 241-0935.

Contact: Caroline Kalfas – 241-1675

Each year there are non-Catholics who approach us to ask questions and want to learn about our catholic faith.  Members of our parish community meet, discuss, and journey with these interested people as they learn about our Catholic faith.  This is an ongoing program with adults and children of all ages.  Volunteers are needed to be sponsors, companions or to work behind the scenes in preparing various materials.  Training and materials are provided and this is a wonderful opportunity to share your faith journey with others. 

Contact: Fr. Vincent Orum - 467-0037 (Adults)
                 Maryann Plasky - 467-1743 (Children)

Sacristan
Comes from the Latin word “Sacristia” that refers to the vestry, a room in the church or attached thereto, where vestments, church furnishings, sacred vessels and other treasures are kept. It also serves as a dressing place for the clergy for various liturgical functions. A sacristan is one charged with the care and responsibility of looking after the sacristy, the church and their contents, decorations of the church for different seasons and feasts, and preparation for liturgical celebration, before and after the mass.  We have a few members of our community who serve in this role; however, we need a few more people.  Training is provided. 

Contact: Fr Vincent Orum - 467-0037  

Each week, members of our community give of their time to assist our parish office in the counting of contributions collected during the weekend liturgies.  Members work in teams along with the parish staff to ensure that all monies collected are tallied and recorded correctly.   

Contact: Kimberly Koorneef  467-0037

Ushers
The ushers aid the congregation to locate available seats during our liturgical celebrations. The ushers are also responsible to greeting people as they enter the church and taking up the offering during liturgy.  Our men and women are ready to assist in all situations.  This ministry is open to all men and women in the community.

Contact: Gerry Siglow 467-3066.

Youth Group
St. Joseph’s Parish has an energetic and fun youth group focused on learning the teachings of our Church and bringing that knowledge to everyday life.  The group is made up of our young people in grades 9th through 12th.  We meet every other Sunday at Azzari Hall.  Through group discussions and guest speakers, we explore moral issues such as the respect that must be evident in relationships, the necessity of integrity, and the value of diversity. 

Our young adults are very involved in their social and school life and come together to grow in their Christian faith.  With this in mind, our activities are based on opportunities to help them explore their faith.  This spring we are planning a retreat, as well as a visit to the Shrine of Mother Drexel and a Passion play.  We invite all the youth of our parish to join our group. 

Contact: - Christine Nicastro 467-0037