In order to assist parishioners in identifying areas of interest, we have listed a variety of activities/ministries under the following headings:
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
We invite you to contact the appropriate persons to express interest or additional ideas to enrich our parish services and ministries.
St. Joseph Catholic Church
607 University Drive
Starkville, Mississippi
(662) 323-2257
Fr. John Bohn, Pastor
St. Joseph Parish: A Profile, 2000
Starkville, Mississippi
Written for the Planning Committee by Bob Wolverton
The new millennium, with its high hopes and expectations, fits this Parish like a glove. The Parish is best described by one word, dynamic. We are dynamic in three major ways: our people, our facilities, our programs.
Our People: multi-cultural, diverse, a blend of young (University and High School) and old, growing at about a 5% rate each year, gifted and talented, involved and optimistic, and very much God and Church centered.
Our Facilities: with our new Church and Parish Hall completed, we are ready to meet the many challenges and demands we could not meet earlier. Our Church accommodates twice the number of worshipers as before, and our Parish Hall is a multi-purpose facility, equipped with a state-of-the-art kitchen and flexible space which can accommodate groups of varying sizes, from classes to parish dinners. Our Church has become a setting of choice for musical concerts and community celebrations, all of which enhance our visibility and acceptance in the community.
Our Programs: internal and external programs abound within and for our Parish, and within and for our community. Our challenge is that there is so much more we could be doing for both audiences, if we had the leadership to marshal our parishioners and assist them in the many opportunities available, such as ministering to the teenagers, the senior citizens, the jail bound, those in elder-care homes, adult singles, and those in grief. our parishioners use their talents so well in many existing programs, such as the liturgies, the music, C.C.D., R.C.I.A, and the work of the Parish and Finance Councils and their sub-groups. If we could employ one or two people, our impact, particularly within the community, would reach new heights. It could begin to enjoy the same success we now have in our youth ministry, where vibrant leadership has led to greater participation, quantitatively and qualitatively.
This, then, is what we are….a growing, dynamic, essentially young Parish, filled with idealism and possibilities. Our influence is most positive, as is our outlook for the future. Our goal is to become even more effective as agents for God and His kingdom!
Worship: Community Liturgies and Services
Mass Schedule*
Sunday 9:00am
11:30am
*** 5:30pm
Daily 7:00am Tuesday
*** 5:30pm Wednesday
7:00am Thursday
7:00am Friday
Sacrament of Reconciliation*
Individual Confessions
Saturday 3:00pm or by appointment
Reconciliation Services- usually scheduled once during Advent and once during
Lenten seasons (please check bulletin for specific information)
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Tuesday 8:00 A.M. (24 hours until Wednesday 8:00 A.M.)
Pro-Life Rosary
Friday 12:15pm. Please contact Brian or Barbara Engelland @ 338-9037 for more information
Stations of the Cross*
Friday evenings During Lent (followed by a meal)
* Please check bulletin for further information
Worship: Ministries Supporting Worship Services
Liturgy Committee:
Meets as a steering committee to plan liturgies to enhance the parish’s worship services and to correspond with the liturgical year. For more information, please contact Father John Bohn @ 323-2257
Ushers/Greeters:
Training sessions are provided as needed, usually each Fall. If you would like to add your name for the next training session, please contact Jeff Artigues @ 323-2257.
Lectors/Commentators:
Training sessions are provided as needed, usually each Fall. If you would like to add your name for the next training session, please contact Jeff Artigues @ 323-2257.
Eucharistic Ministers:
Training sessions are provided as needed, usually each Fall. If you would like to add your name for the next training session, please contact Jeff Artigues @ 323-2257.
Altar Servers:
Training sessions are provided as needed, usually each Fall. If you would like to add your name for the next training session, please contact Jeff Artigues @ 323-2257.
Choir Members:
To join the 9:00am Mass choir, please contact Rose Sisson @ 324-5679.
To join the 11:30am Mass choir, please contact Tom Hannigan @ 324-6064.
To join the 5:30pm Mass choir, please contact The Church @ 323-2257.
Altar Care:
Volunteers are needed to assist in clean up of the church area on a rotating basis. For more information, please contact Kathie Parker @ 323-3895.
Altar Decorations:
To donate flowers in honor of special occasions, please call the church office. To help in the artistic creations of the floral and altar arrangements, please contact Jennifer Simmons @ 324-2277. For further information, please contact Gerry Orgler @ 323-2257.
Prayer Chain:
If you are interested in being contacted to pray for others’ needs, you may call Dawn McGinley @ 615-0353.
Administration and Finance
In each parish, a Parish Finance Council is to be established by the pastor and the parishioners. Although the Parish Finance Council is a separate entity from the Parish Pastoral Council, one member of the finance council serves on the Parish Pastoral Council for a term of one year. The Parish Finance Council member updates the pastoral council on the financial standing of the parish. This member also seeks advice from the council on particular issues of the parish. In addition to the parish finances, the Parish Finance Council is also responsible for the hiring of parish staff, supervision of stewardship for the parish, as well as general upkeep and maintenance of the church property. If anyone is interested in learning more about this position or how you can share your talents, please contact the church office @ 323-2257.
Office of Campus and Youth Ministry
(Pastoral council representative is Fran Lavelle @ 323-2257)
St. Joseph is staffed with a full-time Campus Minister, Fran Lavelle, who works with our college students.
The Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) meets on Wednesday's in the Parish Hall for LIFT, a Teen Prayer Group. The CYO participates in various activities including the annual CYO convention held in Jackson in January, service projects, Fall Faith Fest and other events. The Jr. CYO meets Wednesday's at 7:00 in the Parish Hall. The CYO and Jr. CYO help support the youth of St. Joseph as they grow in their faith and continue their walk with the Lord.
The Catholic Student Association (CSA) is a recognized organization on campus at Mississippi State University. The CSA provides a critical connection for the Catholic students at MSU with fellow Catholics. They gather together weekly to pray and play! Events include: Student Mass at 5:30pm on Sunday night, Tuesday night dinner at 7:00pm in the Parish Hall, rosary groups, intramural sports, service programs, and much more!
Other opportunities for spiritual growth and good fun include: retreats (both Fall and Spring semesters), a mission trips each spring break, a mission trip over winter break, and other service and spiritual opportunities.
If you are interested in any of the campus programs at St. Joseph, please contact Fran @ 323-2257 or falavelle@hotmail.com. For High School activities contact Jeff Artigues @ 323-2257 or officejeff@hotmail.com
Faith Enrichment
CCD: Religious Education is offered for Kindergarten through 12th grade students at St. Joseph during the regular school semester. Class times are Sunday morning from 10:15am until 11:15am, except for holidays. Gerry Orgler is the Director of Religious Education. Please sign up in the church office, or contact Gerry @ 323-2257 for additional information.
Adult Education: Continuing adult education is offered periodically throughout the year. Call the Church office @ 323-2257 for additional information.
RCIA: The Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is an initiation process designed for those preparing to join the church. The preparation classes begin in the Fall semester and include initiation at the Easter Vigil service. Please contact the church office @ 323-2257 or Ray and Kathy West @ 494-7190 if you are interested in being a candidate/catechumen or a sponsor in this program.
RCIC: The Rites of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) is designed to prepare young children to join the church. Please contact the church office @ 323-2257 for information regarding this program.
Marriage Preparation: Classes are offered during the Fall and Spring semesters. Please call the church office @323-2257 for additional information.
Baptismal Preparation: Please call the church office @ 323-2257 to schedule an appointment and get more information.
Natural Family Planning: For classes or information, please call Karen McFadyen @ 320-9504.
Parish Organizations
Knights of Columbus (KOC)- is a Catholic men’s service organization
with over 2 million members and 10,000 councils dedicated to doing God’s work on earth. The Father John P. Egan
Council serves St. Joseph parish and includes over 50 members.
These men called Knights uphold the society’s four ideals of charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism through a variety of activities at the parish, community, state, and national levels. Knights actively support St. Joseph parish through hundreds of hours of volunteer service as needs arise. They lend a helping hand for the sick and disabled, provide charitable donations, and assist with blood donation programs. They are staunchly pro-life and are major supporters of the Bishop’s Pro-Life Education Campaign. They also provide special support and programs for family life and for character building in young people.
The Knights are united as Catholic men of good will. They have a special devotion to the Blessed Mother, sponsor prayer hours, pray the rosary, and provide financial support and education to foster religious vocations. As a fraternal organization, the council sponsors a variety of social activities, dances, and parties for members, their spouses, and families throughout the year. They provide financial security for members’ dependents with insurance, annuity and scholarship programs. Finally, the Knights support patriotism by promoting responsible citizenship and volunteer service and civic events.
The Knights of Columbus meet regularly on the second Thursday of each month in the Parish Center. To learn more about membership, please contact Richard Sowers, Grand Knight @ 323-9584.
Catholic Student Association (CSA) - see Office of Campus and Youth Ministry
Catholic Youth Organization (CYO)- grades 9-12 - see Office of Campus and Youth Ministry
Young Adults (Graduate) - see Office of Campus and Youth Ministry
Junior CYO- grades 7-8 - see Office of Campus and Youth Ministry
Witness
Social Community Outreach:
Helping Hands- is an Inter-Faith organization supported by many local churches that provides outreach coordination to those in need. Helping Hands assists with getting people back on their feet so they can get permanent housing. They provide food and assist with the paperwork necessary to get people the financial assistance that they need. Please call 323-1173 for additional information.
Habitat for Humanity-is a Christian organization that helps low income individuals who live in substandard housing. This group builds houses for those that have good credit, but don’t have enough income to qualify for a regular bank loan. Contact Habitat for Humanity @324-7008 for additional information.
Publicity: Each member of St. Joseph receives a copy of Mississippi Catholic. Information from St. Joseph is included in this newspaper periodically. A Church directory is also available for all new members of St. Joseph.
Hospitality: It is our goal that each new member or family at St. Joseph will be welcomed by our welcoming committee. Denise Kidd @ 324-3859 and Elaine White @ 338-9341 will call and/or visit newcomers to the parish.
Vocations: The Catholic church is in dire need of people interested in the vocations. St. Joseph has formed a committee that will specifically address the needs in this area and suggest ways that our parish can support regular vocation advocacy programs. If you are interested in becoming involved in this movement, please contact Yvonne Thaxton @ 325-8431.
Evangelization: The RCIA period of inquiry (first several weeks of the program) is an opportunity for those who are unchurched or those who have fallen away from the Catholic Church to learn more about our Faith or reconnect with the church. Call Ray and Kathy West @ 494-7190 or Fr. John Bohn @ 323-2257 for more information.
Parish Life
Youth Activities:
Children's Church- is provided each Sunday for the 9:00am Mass. Contact Gerry Orgler at 323-2257 for additional information.
Parish Celebrations:
St. Joseph Day- In March, A St. Joseph altar is erected and Mass is held, followed by a meal.
First Holy Communion- In April, First graders hold a reception for the second graders receiving the sacrament of First Communion.
RCIA Easter Vigil- A reception is held after the Saturday Easter Vigil Service for the new initiates of our Parish.
Confirmation- Every other year, 9th and 10th graders parents’ hold a reception for the 11th and 12th graders following the Confirmation Service (in May).
Parish Picnic- Lunch and family activities are planned by the Knights of Columbus and other parish groups (in the Summer).
Family Life Activities:
Renewal of Wedding Vows- Around Valentine’s Day a Mass is held to renew wedding vows. It is followed by a dinner party.
Thanksgiving Dinner- A family dinner is planned during the Thanksgiving season.
The Giving Tree- Each Christmas, St. Joseph adopts families who are in need. Parishioners can select a tag from the giving tree that indicates which item is needed. The gifts are distributed to the needy families the week of Christmas.
Parish Outreach:
Meals for funerals-call the church office @ 323-2257 to volunteer to prepare food.
To Accommodate Special Needs/Requests...
Physically Challenged: A wheelchair is available for those who might have difficulty walking. Please ask ushers/greeters for assistance. Handicapped parking is also available.
Hearing Impaired: A specially wired section of the church has been designated for those with hearing difficulties. A person may utilize his or her own hearing aides or request specific hearing amplifiers. Please ask ushers/greeters for more information.
Visually Impaired: Large print missalettes are available. Please ask Ushers for assistance.
Transportation and Visiting Shut-ins: Contact Barbara Engelland @ 338-9037 or Jeff Artigues @ 323-2257 .
For Visitors of other Christian Denominations: We welcome you as brothers and sisters in Christ to worship with us. We share the one Lord and one Baptism. You are welcome to join in all our prayers and hymns; however, please understand that the Catholic Church does not have Open Communion. Communion for us is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation into the church. At communion time, we encourage you to invite Jesus to come into your heart (spiritual communion). If you would like to come forward for a blessing, please cross your arms as you approach the priest or Eucharistic Minister. Thank you for your understanding.
Communion : For hospitalized or homebound parishioners who desire communion, please contact Fr. John Bohn or Jeff Artigues at the church office @ 323-2257 (emergency # 323-9149).
Masses in Neighboring Towns: Saturday Vigil Mass times for neighboring towns are listed in the weekly bulletin.
Parish Library: It is located in the Lounge of the Parish Center. Books and tapes are available for your use.
Weddings: Please contact Fr. John Bohn or Gerry Orgler in the church office @ 323-2257 for information and guidelines regarding wedding arrangements and/or use of the Parish Hall.
Babysitting: In addition to the "Cry Room" located in the rear of the church, babysitting is occasionally available in the Parish Center during the 9:00am Mass. Babysitting is often available for other parish sponsored events and activities. For further information, please contact the church office .
Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Mission Statement:
Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person to person service to the needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul.As a reflection of the whole family of God, members, who are known as Vincentians, are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group and economic level. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic Rule.
Organized locally, Vincentians witness God's love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served, because in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.
Essential Elements of the Sociaty:
Element I: Spirituality
Element II: Faith Community
To bring together men and women of good will and to assist them by mutual example and true friendship in drawing nearer to the Divine Model by fulfilling His essential precept; the love of God in the person of others.
Element III: Service
To establish a personal contact between its members and those who suffer and to bring to the latter the most efficacious and charitable aid possible.
Core Values of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul:
Holiness of LifeMission Areas:
Food Pantry-Free food will be distributed on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 9 to 11am at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church Parish Hall (607 University Dr.) to needy families. New families should bring Social Security cards for all in the household and proof of income. After registration, food may be picked up once a month. Quarterly certification of need is required.Home Visitation-Society of St. Vincent de Paul devotes itself to the visiting of poor and/or lonely people and families in their own homes. Groceries are provided. This program is primarily directed at the elderly and the infirm.
For further information, please contact Mark Lilly at 662-323-7794 or marknkaren@juno.com.