BEFRIENDERS MINISTRY      
BeFrienders are lay volunteers who provide pastoral care to people in difficult and transitional situations, such as illness, loneliness, or loss of a loved one. They embody the caring presence of God and of the faith community. Since their role is to care, not cure, the skills BeFrienders learn in training allow them to respond to any pastoral care need with confidence that they can provide a non-judgmental and compassionate listening presence.

BEREAVEMENT MINISTRY
The Bereavement Ministry supports parishioners who have lost a loved one.  Contact: Tom Gazella at 269-983-6191 or [email protected]

BIRTHRIGHT OF ST. JOSEPH
Birthright of St. Joseph located at 2700 Niles Avenue, St. Joseph, offers love, friendship, and support to women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant and helps them make a realistic plan for their future. Contact Maria Houseal Johnston, Director at 269-983-0700. Helpline (Toll-Free) 1-800-550-4900.

CATECHISTS
Religious Education teachers and teachers' aids share their special gifts and talents with children from pre-school to high school ages, and also in adult education. Volunteers are assisted in meeting requirements such as Virtus (Protecting God's Children) training and other catechist training. Please call Parish Office for more information 983-1575.

CATHOLIC COMMUNITY CENTER
The Center provides a caring Christian presence to the people in the Benton Harbor area.  Its community outreach services support and assist with food, utilities, and other basic needs. It also functions as a resource redistribution center, where people can share their talents, skills, resources, and time with those who need help.  In particular, we would appreciate additional volunteers to work in the office greeting people, answering the phone, and working with files. Volunteers are used for working in the food pantry as well as loading/unloading groceries and packing bags of food for food distribution days. There is also a thrift store.  It is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with people in our community and to help those who are seeking assistance.  The Center is located at 346 Catalpa, Benton Harbor, MI 49022.  Its hours are  9:00-12:00 for walk-in assistance and 1:00-5:00 for appointments. Contact Sr. Mary or Sr. Maureen at 269-926-6424.

FINANCE COUNCIL
The Finance Council consults on the stewardship of our parish fiscal resources.  Members are Michael Reed (Chairman), Mary Baker, Ken Kuester, John Meyer, and Terry Spindler. Contact: Mike Reed at 269-449-3053.

FUNERAL LUNCHEON APOSTOLATE
The Funeral Luncheon Apostolate helps those who are grieving over the loss of a loved one by assisting with a funeral luncheon.  They help by preparing a dish, serving the food, or helping with clean-up. 

JAIL APOSTOLATE
Volunteers spend one hour each Monday (on a rotating schedule), discussing the scriptures and prayer with those who are incarcerated.  This apostolate also includes bringing the Holy Eucharist to Catholic inmates once a month. Contact: Steve Kuehl at 269-429-6975.

JOURNEY IN FAITH CORE TEAM
The Journey in Faith Core Team researches and plans yearly events for our parish community relating to spirituality and faith.  Members are Eric Baker, Tom Gazella, Gretchen Klyczek, Joe Scrima, Dennis Szymanski, and Greg Zyjewski.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS    
A Catholic men's fraternal benefit society was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members. They are actively involved with religious, social welfare, war relief, and public relief works. Contact Grand Knight Ron Bronakoski at 585-576-9612 or Deputy Grand Knight Jim Milius at 269-414-8351.  

LITURGICAL ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE
The Liturgical Environment Committee works with the pastor to establish the decorating of the church for the liturgical seasons.

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES      LITURGICAL MINISTRIES WEBPAGE
Liturgical Ministers include lectors, extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, altar servers, sacristans, musicians and singers, greeters, and ushers. 

MIGRANT MINISTRY
The Migrant Ministry addresses the physical and spiritual needs of the migrant community.   Contact: Mary Anne Anselmino at 269-429-1712 or [email protected].

MUSIC   
Choir, cantors, musicians, and singers give their time and talent during liturgies and other services requiring music.  Our adult choir and cantors are accompanied by an organ, our singing groups are accompanied by piano and/or guitars.  Approach any group after Mass to inquire or contact Greg Zyjewski at [email protected]   

PARISH APPRECIATION DINNER
A yearly banquet is usually held at the Rose Center to thank all those who have served the parish. Contact Parish Office to assist in planning and preparation.

PARISH OFFICE RECEPTIONIST
Adult volunteers greet guests and answer phones. Contact the parish off at 269-983-1575, ext. 10.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL   
The Parish Pastoral Council investigates and proposes solutions on pastoral matters. Members are Mary Baker, Tom Gazella, Joe Giannola, Marty Golob, Gretchen Klyczek, Jim Krafft, Michael Mason, Ann Ollis, Carol Reigle, Karen Riley, Michelle Rumsa, Glenn Winter, and Fr. Robert Creagan.

PARISH PICNIC
A fun day of food, games, and fellowship is usually held on Lake Michigan Catholic Elementary School grounds and facility. Contact Parish Office to assist in planning and preparation.

PRAYER NETWORK
Members of the Prayer Network serve as intercessors for our parish community.  For more information, contact the parish office.

READINESS CENTER
The Readiness Center, located at 347 Catalpa St., P.O. Box 1352, Benton Harbor, MI 49022, provides educational opportunities for low-income parents and their pre-school children as well as after-school support for school-aged children. Contact Sr. Paulita or Sr. Sharon at 269-926-4084.

READINESS CENTER - BREAD
This is a weekly ministry delivering donated food items to the Readiness Center. Contact parish office at 269-983-1575.

ST. FIACRE'S FARM
Named for the patron saint of gardening, St. Fiacres’s Farm is a ten-acre garden at St. Joseph South in which families and individuals can gather for fellowship and gardening. Contact Margaret Hogeboom at 269-429-4351.

ST. JOSEPH PARISH SCOUT TROOP 624   SCOUT TROOP 624 WEBSITE
Troop 624 is sponsored by St. Joseph Catholic Church of St. Joseph, Michigan. The troop meets every Tuesday evening from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM in the Lake Michigan Catholic Elementary School multi-purpose room.   Contact:  Kurt Armstrong, Committee Chairman,  at 269-429-2510. Troop 624

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY  ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY WEBPAGE
St. Vincent de Paul Society seeks to find Christ in the poor and needy through service to them.  One can assist this group in a number of ways.  Contact Wanda Killips, President, at  982-3478.

SOUP KITCHEN VOLUNTEERS
Soup Kitchen Volunteers help out at the soup kitchen in Benton Harbor twelve times a year.  Volunteers help prepare and distribute food as well as clean up afterward.  Contacts: Parish Office

YOUTH MINISTRY
If you or your child are interested in participating in a youth group, being a parent volunteer, or chaperoning or supplying refreshments for possible functions, please contact the parish office at 983-1575, ext. 17.