Acting as representatives of St. Joseph Parish we bring support and comfort to those who are facing some of life’s most serious challenges. Sometimes we just say prayer with the person or offer a kind word. We try to remember that we are the Disciples of Christ extending His healing ministry. Ministers of Care are ordinary people called to minister to ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. 


Homebound & Hospitalized Ministry
The essence of this ministry is to listen and respond, to share prayer and sacrament, and to make present God's love and the Church's care to those in need.
Performing the vital role of taking the Holy Eucharist to members of the parish who are too ill or elderly to attend Mass regularly and offering prayer time, encouragement, and a friendly ear. In addition, they often pray with the homebound, encourage and listen to them, share parish and local news. Additional Homebound Ministers are always welcome.

The elderly are a treasured gift and presence in our Catholic faith community. They are your family members. They are our parishioners no longer able to get to Mass. They are neighbors you visit and watch out for. Sometimes, however, they are the lonely, without family near, whose only companions are television people. The elderly are not "receivers." They have much to teach and much to give. They are participators in life, at a different stage.

Do you know someone to include in our Homebound Ministry roster?
Could you inquire whether a church visitor would be welcomed?
Do you feel this is a parish involvement to which you are drawn?
Are you presently bringing communion to someone unable to attend church?

If you know of anyone who is homebound and may wish a communion visit, please speak with them first, then call the Parish Office.

The pastor is available to visit any parishioners who would like to receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in their home. Please call the Parish Office to set up a day and time.
 

Bereavement Ministry
Seasons of Hope, a bereavement support program, meet for a series of six weekly gatherings each fall and spring. Sessions help us explore mourning through Scripture, prayer, reflection activities, and faith sharing. The goal is to provide a faith community setting in which the words of Jesus speak the compassion of God. Seasons of Hope is centered on Jesus Christ and grounded in the healing wisdom, traditions, and practices of the Catholic Church. For those searching for hope, this group is a nurturing link to the Church, the Almighty, and other people of faith who are also mourning. Come and be comforted.

St. Joseph Parish will resume its bereavement program, Seasons of Hope, beginning Wednesday, September 13, 2017. The program requires a group of participants therefore we ask for registration by September 1. If you wonder whether this program is for you, please contact Sr. Joyce Schreiber (330-274-2253)

Funerals
The staff at St. Joseph's will assist you in every way in planning the funeral for your loved one. Our Funeral Planning Guide will help you choose appropriate readings and music, and a meeting with the pastor or a member of the staff will help you complete the liturgy planning process. You may also choose to have visitation at the church prior to the Mass. St. Joseph's Hughes Hall is available (schedule permitting) as a way of expressing our support in your time of sorrow.

Please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible after the death of your loved one so that we may help you during your time of sorrow. The standard procedure for a funeral at St. Joseph Church is that a funeral director work with parish staff to set up the details of the visitation, funeral Mass or liturgy, luncheon and interment. Normally the procedure is that, after news of death, the funeral home is contacted first. The funeral home will then contact the Parish Office to determine possible times and dates for a funeral Mass/Liturgy. The family will meet with the funeral director. Family members should then contact the Parish Office (330-274-2253) to arrange for a meeting with the priest or pastoral minister to help choose scripture readings, hymns, and other details of the funeral liturgy.

For more information, please visit our Funeral page.