From wherever we stand in the church, our attention is drawn to the focal area of the liturgical action and to the three pieces of furniture we find there: the presider's chair, the ambo, and the altar. Formerly this area was called the sanctuary, but when "sanctuary is used we must be careful not to imply that this is the only holy area in the building, for indeed the entire church, the entire assembly area, is a holy place.

In the front of the assembly area we find a very special seat for the one presiding and leading the assembly. This seating is arranged so that the presiding and functioning ministers are "clearly part of the assembly, yet conveniently situated for the exercise of their respective offices". A second seat is available for the deacon or other presiders.

Cantors, choir, and instrumentalists are all an important and enhancing part of the sacred liturgy. The Ministry of Music provides music during weekend Masses, holy days, weddings, funerals and Reconciliation services.

Also in this focus area we see a reading stand, the ambo from which we proclaim the Word of God and upon which is placed the lectionary, the book of readings from Sacred Scripture. Preaching can be done from the ambo, the chair or elsewhere.

The altar is the holy table upon which we celebrate the Lord's Supper. It functions as both altar of sacrifice and banquet table for the Eucharist, and is both "a memorial of Christ's death and resurrection" and "a paschal banquet.

When the Eucharist is celebrated the table is covered with an altar cloth or table cloth. On the altar is placed the bread and wine for Mass. The bread is on a bread plate or paten (from patella, meaning "platter," "plate") and the wine is poured into a chalice (from calix, the Latin word for "cup" or "goblet").

We will also find in our worship space reminders of Jesus' great sacrifice for us. St. Joseph's is blessed to have a beautiful Crucifix  (from Latin cruci fixus meaning "(one) fixed to a cross") has a prominent place behind the altar (added March 11, 2017). Obtained from the warehouse of Henninger’s in Cleveland (authorized agent for the disposition of items from closed parishes in the Cleveland, Youngstown, Toledo and Steubenville Dioceses), the Crucifix came from St. Hedwig Church in Toledo and was a gift to the parish from an anonymous donor. The Crucifix emphasizes Jesus' sacrifice — his death by crucifixion, which Christians believe brought about the redemption of mankind.

Our Processional Cross also shows Jesus dying on the cross and is used in processions (sometimes preceded by incense and flanked or followed with candles). The cross is brought up to the altar by an altar server who has been chosen to serve as crucifer.


The Eucharist is kept in the tabernacle in a designated space near the altar. The purpose of this reservation is to bring communion to the sick and to be the object of private devotion. A red votive candle serves Catholics as the sign that the consecrated bread is present there.

Stations of the Cross
Across the west wall of the church you will find the Way of the Cross, pictures (numbered from 1 to 14) of incidents in the last journey of Jesus from Pilate's house, where he was condemned to death, to his entombment. The faithful go to each of the stations and meditate on an event of the passion typically during the season of Lent.

Reconciliation Chapel
In the corner of the church near the Marian statue is the confessional. The faithful have the choice between speaking face-to-face with the priest or the anonymity provided by the confessional screen. St. Joseph Parish also participates in communal penance services within the Portage County deanery during Advent and Lent.

Risen Christ Image
As you leave the worship space you'll see the Risen Christ piece showing Jesus after he rose from the dead. Originally behind the altar since 1983, the piece was moved to the wall above the exit in March of 2017. Worshippers are encouraged to "Go to the entire world and preach my Good News in all creation"  (Matthew 10:5,6). To find out the history of this beautiful sculpture by Sister Evangeline Doyle, OP, click here. 

The school building, which is attached to the church, has 11 rooms use for classes, meetings and other activities, kitchen and a social hall for parish and community activities, all-purpose room, conference room, administrative offices, restrooms, and service areas. Currently, the space is used for our PSR program, parish group meetings, events and activities, meetings and activities for Scout troops, AA meetings, and various community events and other rentals.

St. Joseph Catholic School (1962-2010) closed at end of the 2009-2010 school year due to declining enrollment. For a look at this legacy of quality Catholic education, please visit St. Joseph School history page.





The school building itself has two floors with public restrooms, 11 rooms, and several storage areas. 





Although SJS closed in June, 2010, it still gets plenty of use.

As you enter the building you'll see the All-Purpose Room off to the left and the Religious Education Office to the right. The All-Purpose Room is used for meetings, a PSR classroom, prayer groups, Day Chapel during winter months, and our Altar of Repose during Holy Week. In the past it has been used as a teacher's lounge and school music room among other things.
The main hallway leads to Hughes Hall and the kitchen area. There is access to the church space from this hallway as well.









Hughes Hall is available for rentals pending schedule availability. The space has a 250 person capacity and kitchen facilities. Used for parish & community functions and rentals, the kitchen area has a large 3-bay refrigerator, commercial stove with 2 ovens, commercial dishwasher, sinks, coffee machine, microwave, warming tables, and plenty of counter space and storage areas. There is also another room with a large upright freezer, ice machine and pantry & storage areas. Each individual/group who wishes to rent the Hall will be reviewed on an individual basis. Please contact the Parish Office (330-274-2253) for complete details.