African Parishioners of Saint Joseph (APOSJ)

Ministry Lead: Dr. Chinonso Akano | chinonsoakano@yahoo.com | (646) 552-5425

The APOSJ is for fun-filled fellowship and networking sessions. Our ministry is a culturally diverse family. APOSJ’s flagship programs include hosting our annual colorful and fun-filled family-oriented Pentecost Sunday celebration for all parishioners, monthly meetings, African story-telling events, bowling, picnics and providing support in all areas of the church. Membership is open to all parishioners of the church especially those of African descent and this includes everybody interested in being a part of our diverse and inclusive family.

Adult Formation

Ministry Lead: Laura Fenton | lfenton@saintjosephcc.org | (770) 422-5633 ext. 53

We offer a variety of training, certification, and formation classes. The curriculum of specialty classes adjusts to meet the needs of our community. Check the bulletin for schedules and announcements. Classes include Christian Initiation and Adult Sacramental Preparation, Scripture Study, Church Study, Parenting, Catholic Book Club, and more.

Adoration

Ministry Lead: Frank Devereux | bfdyer@icloud.com | (404) 933-5163

Spend an intimate hour with the Lord. Some individuals commit for an hour a week, while others simply provide their email address to be notified when substitute volunteers are needed.

 Altar Guild

Ministry Lead: Mary Beth Lipe | kmblipe@gmail.com

A group of parishioners who are responsible for washing and ironing corporals, purificators, and finger towels in the church and chapel. Instructions provided. Commitment once every three months! We are in need of a new leader for this ministry.

 Altar Servers and St. Peter's Nets

Ministry Lead: Karen Holton | thkbh@att.net | (678) 428-1503

Young women and men in fourth grade and up, who are baptized and have received their First Communion are trained to assist the presider and deacon during Mass and liturgical events. The training sessions occur each fall and newly-trained servers are added to the roster beginning in January.

Basketball League

Ministry Lead: Andrew Tresham | atresham@saintjosephcc.org | 770-422-5633 ext. 58

Ministry Lead: John Moore | john.titan@icloud.com | (404) 824-0542

Our Youth Basketball Program participates in the Catholic Metro League of Atlanta (CMLA). The program focuses on the development of basketball skills, team participation, and sportsmanship. Children in grades three to eight are welcome to join the parish program. The season runs from early October through early February, with an average of nine or ten games played on the weekends throughout the season starting in November. Practice times are assigned during the week and are held in the school gym. For our younger children in grades K-two, the Lil’ Cougars program is a developmental program teaching the fundamentals of basketball. This short program runs during the winter, normally on Saturdays.

Becoming Catholic – RCIA Sponsors

Ministry Lead: Laura Fenton (Adults) | lfenton@saintjosephcc.org | (770) 422-5633 ext. 53

Ministry Lead: Kendra Lockhart (Children) | klockhart@saintjosephcc.org | (770) 422-5633 ext. 52

The RCIA process (for adults) and the RCIC process (for children) provide formation, spiritual guidance and community. Every “inquirer” is seeking a place of belonging. That is where the “sponsor” comes in. A RCIA/RCIC sponsor is a friend who journeys with the inquirer. Training is provided.

Boy Scouts

Ministry Lead: Ed Mahan , Scoutmaster | mahanep@gmail.com

Ministry Lead: Alex Casajuana, Charter Org. Rep. | alex.casajuana@gmail.com

Saint Joseph Church is proud to charter Troop 287 as part of our Community Life Ministry! Boys and girls who are rising 6th graders through age 18 can join anytime during the year. We welcome families of all religious faiths into a well-structured program with dedicated leaders. Participants will experience a wide range of activities that promote leadership opportunities, exposure to multiple career options and charater development that is consistent with the BSA program. Troop meetings are typically Monday evenings in Marist Hall at 7:00 PM. Volunteer opportunities are always available.

Care for Creation

Ministry Lead: Diane LaRoss | dflaross@gmail.com | (770)426-0995

As a part of the Archdiocesan Laudato Si' Initiative guided by Pope Francis' encyclical, Care for Our Common Home, our Care for Creation Ministry promotes stewardship of the amazing gifts God has given us and our parish family.

We are working to reduce energy and water consumption and waste at St. Joseph's and to implement a parish-wide recycling program.

Church Cleaning

Ministry Lead: Mary Jo Halcik | maryjohalcik@gmail.com | (770)426-0995

Join us Thursday mornings to vacuum, wash windows and doors, and perform all the other housekeeping tasks that keep our church looking clean and inviting.

Church Flowers & Environment

Ministry Lead: Edda Grant | eddagrant@gmail.com | (770) 656-9452

This group provides altar flowers for the church, two chapels, and Our Lady of Guadalupe. We also maintain all indoor plants in the church and chapels. We need volunteers to help make floral arrangements, water plants, and decorate for Christmas and Easter.

Cub Scouts

Ministry Lead: John Williams, Cubmaster | Johnwil1@msn.com | (678) 485-9384

Ministry Lead: Alex Casajuana, Charter Org. Rep. | alex.casajuana@gmail.com

Saint Joseph Church is proud to charter Pack 287 as part of our Community Life Ministry! Boys and girls in kindergarten - fifth grade can join anytime during the year. We welcome families of all religious faiths into a well-structured program with dedicated leaders. Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program that provides encouragement to “Do Your Best” and promotes family values, life skills, and teamwork. Volunteer opportunities are always available.

Confirmation

Ministry Lead: Joseph Carter (9th graders) | jcarter@saintjosephcc.org | (770) 422-5633 ext. 56

The teens of Saint Joseph prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation within the Life Teen Program. Our program focuses on helping teens develop a relationship with Christ by teaching them the Catholic faith. If you are knowledgeable about the faith and would like to share in this special year of preparation with the teens, please contact Jospeh. The need is always great for this Sacramental prep year.

Disability Ministry/Fun Night!

Ministry Lead: Charlie Mullaney | sjccdisabilities@gmail.com

FUN NIGHT! is an evening of fun and socialization for children and adults with disabilities. By gathering volunteers with children and adults with disabilities, it builds community by having the opportunity to participate in fellowship. It also provides an opportunity for respite for parents and/or caregivers. FUN NIGHT! is open to any child or adult with a disability, regardless of religious affiliation.

EDGE Core

Ministry Lead: Contact Summer Brown | sbrown@saintjosephcc.org | (770) 422-5633 ext. 55

EDGE is the youth program for those in grades 6, 7, and 8 and seeks to provide an opportunity for youth to come together with their peers in an environment that is safe, fun, faith-filled, and catered to their particular time of life. The program begins each Sunday 1 ½ hours before the start of the evening Life Teen Mass at 5:30 PM. The youth gather for activities, games, talks, fellowship and prayer. From these Sunday nights will flow service projects, retreats, socials, and day trips away. The EDGE CORE is the group of adults who lead this ministry under the guidance of Joseph Carter. There are lots of ways to help out on a regular basis or even just for one-time events. If you feel called to work with youth in middle school in the area of faith formation, please consider joining our team!

Embark Children's Ministry

Ministry Lead: Kendra Lockhart | klockhart@saintjosephcc.org | (770) 422-5633 ext. 52

A part of the Faith Formation Office, we provide religious education and experiences for children from age three through fifth grade. We also assist parents with Sacramental preparation. Embark is held weekdays and on weekends. Visit our website for more information.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion [Mass]

Ministry Lead: Pat DeJarnett | psdej@att.net

The Extraordinary Minister is a layperson commissioned by the Archbishop to assist in the distribution of Holy Communion during the Liturgy as well as to serve the homebound, hospital patients, and the elderly. Attendance at a training workshop sanctioned by the Archdiocese is mandatory prior to participation in this ministry. The candidate for commissioning must fulfill the following canonical requirements: Be at least 16 years old and have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. If applicable, they must have a valid Catholic marriage. The commitment time for this ministry is two to three weekends per month.

Extraordinary Ministries of Holy Communion [Outside of Mass]

Ministry Lead: Pat DeJarnett | psdej@att.net

We bring the Eucharist to a large number of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, Kennestone Hospital, and to those who are confined and unable to attend Mass. Please contact Pat if you know of someone who could benefit from this ministry, or if you might be interested in becoming an extraordinary minister.

Girl Scouts & Brownies

Ministry Lead: Nora Wintrow | sjcstroop22108@gmail.com

The Girl Scouting program builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Saint Joseph’s Girl Scouting provides girls ages five – seventeen with a wide variety of service and leadership opportunities and life-long friendships. Saint Joseph has one of the strongest Girl Scout programs in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Adult volunteers are always welcome.

Girls' Volleyball League

Ministry Lead: Andrew Tresham | atresham@saintjosephcc.org | 770-422-5633 ext. 58

Ministry Lead: Courtney Kopsie | courtney.cooper05@gmail.com

The Saint Joseph Girls’ Volleyball Program participates in the Catholic Metro Volleyball League (CMVL). The program focuses on the development of basic volleyball skills, which include sportsmanship and collaborative teamwork. Girls in grades five - eight are welcome to join the parish program. The season runs from August through October, with games played on Saturday mornings. Practice for volleyball begins in the summer and is held in the school gym. For our younger girls and boys in grades K-four, the Lil’ Cougars volleyball is a developmental program which teaches the fundamentals of Volleyball in a fun and skill-focused environment. This short program runs during the spring, normally on Sunday.

Grounds Keeping

Ministry Lead: Mike Pfister | fpfister@comcast.net | (470)423-9840

The Grounds Keeping ministry completes projects on the church grounds including mowing, weeding, trimming, leaf removal, maintenance of shrubs and flower beds and other jobs that help maintain our grounds and gardens. The group meets on Saturday mornings to complete these projects, but volunteers who are not available on Saturdays work on a designated area of grounds during other times more convenient to them. Time Commitment: Typically two hours on Saturday mornings. No weekly commitment is necessary. We appreciate help when it is available.

Habitat for Humanity

Ministry Lead: Bart Henderson | bart3henderson@gmail.com

Saint Joseph parish is part of the Catholic coalition supporting Habitat for Humanity. These houses are sold to low-income families at no profit, with zero-interest mortgages. Announcements will be posted in the bulletin and in the church.

Hospitality - Caring and Sharing

Ministry Lead: Sharon Austin | skaustin1951@yahoo.com

The Caring and Sharing ministry supports the Parish by assisting with projects designated by the pastor. Also, the ministry shows support to families of deceased parishioners by preparing food, offering prayer, or attending the Funeral.

Infant Baptism Program Facilitators

Ministry Lead: Laura Fenton | lfenton@saintjosephcc.org | (770) 422-5633 ext. 53

couples with small children are needed to help facilitate this ministry. The facilitators share their faith and offer helpful suggestions to new, often overwhelmed parents. They help parents and godparents make first connections into the Church. In addition, they assist the parents and godparents in learning what will take place at their child's baptism. Training is provided. Facilitators must be "Safe Environment" compliant.

Knights of Columbus

Ministry Lead: Maurice Romano | roma1818@att.net

A Catholic Family Fraternal Service Organization. Knights are men, 18 years and older, who are committed to making their community a better place, while supporting their church.

For more information please click here.

Lectors

Ministry Lead: Katy Crowson | katycrowson@gmail.com

Volunteers perform a vital role during the Mass by proclaiming the Word of God. They also serve as Commentators, assist in making announcements and proclaiming the Intercessions. Training is required. Lectors spend time becoming familiar with the readings prior to their scheduled service date. This varies from person to person. Workshops lasting two to three hours are held annually.

Life Teen Core

Ministry Lead: Joseph Carter (9th graders) | jcarter@saintjosephcc.org | (770) 422-5633 ext. 50

Life Teen provides teens with experiences in which they can have fun learning about their faith and uncover the richness of all that is awesome about the Catholic Church. The Life Teen Core Team is the most integral portion of our ministry. The Core Team is a group of adults who genuinely care about young people, their relationships with God, and their knowledge of the Church. We provide training and instruction for our Team. If you feel called to help teenagers grow in their faith, please call Joseph. The need is always great for this ministry. 

Living Our Faith/Catholic Social Teaching

Ministry Lead: Rebecca Koller | rkoller09@gmail.com 

Ministry Lead: Mark Harding | hardingm@mindspring.com

Pope Francis writes: “Even if many are now involved in lay ministries, this involvement is not reflected in a greater penetration of Christian values in the social, political and economic sectors. It often remains tied to tasks within the Church, without a real commitment to applying the Gospel to the transformation of society.” 

Mission Team to Guatemala

Ministry Lead for Building Team: Patrick O'Neill | thelake6@gmail.com

Ministry Lead for Medical Team: Michael Browne  mebrowne902@gmail.com

Our Catholic faith is universal. It is not bound to race, culture, language or country. In this it is a great hope for humanity, seeking to defend basic human dignity and the transcendent dimension of the human person. Each year, we bring a Building Team and a Medical Team to our sister parish, Our Lady of the Assumption in Guatemala.

Music Ministries

Ministry Lead: John Luegering | jluegering@saintjosephcc.org | (770) 422-5633 ext.62

Saint Joseph has a comprehensive music program enabling all parishioners who are called to the music ministry to place their gifts in the service of the Church. People of all ages with musical ability are invited to be part of this vital ministry. Please contact the Music Director, John Luegering, if you are interested in joining this diverse program.
 

Must Breakfast Ministry

Ministry Lead: Toby Miller | druetoby@bellsouth.net | (404) 229-9414

Volunteers from St. Joseph Church provide and cook food and serve breakfast at MUST Ministries on the first three Wednesdays and the second Tuesday of each month. Each breakfast team includes a captain, three team members, and one food only provider. The captain and team members meet at the MUST Elizabeth Street shelter at 5:30 AM to cook breakfast and serving is done before 7:00 AM. Volunteers sign up for their preferred MUST breakfast each month using a Flocknote invitation generated by the coordinator.

Parishwide Events

Ministry Lead: Susan Droege | jaegerwolfman@gmail.com | (770) 856-8600

We welcome volunteers in all areas from planning to implementation of events. Any and all talents are welcome.

Parish Soccer

Ministry Lead: Andrew Tresham | atresham@saintjosephcc.org

Our parish is in the process of developing a youth soccer program. We are in need of coaches, team parents, and people to help with set up and logistics.

Prayer Warriors

Ministry Lead: Rebecca Koller | prayerwarriors@saintjosephcc.org

Prayer Warriors receive a weekly prayer list through email. They commit to pray for prayer requests submitted to the parish office.

Prison Ministry

Ministry Lead: Deacon Norm Keller | deaconnorm@yahoo.com | (985) 974-9174 or (678) 594-6597

A Catholic presence is maintained every week at the Cobb County Jail. Please let Deacon Norm know of any requests for a Catholic Chaplain at Cobb County Jail. Pray for all inmates and victims, their families, and prison employees.Pray for the abolishment of the death penalty.

New and gently used Catholic Bibles and reading materials greatly appreciated (Rosary Beads are no longer allowed at the jail).

Refugee Family Connections

Ministry Lead: Jennifer Squire | jdsquire@gmail.com

This ministry assesses needs of the refugee families supported by Saint Joseph. Volunteers are needed to support refugee families with life skills, and to help find needed resources.

Rosary (virtually on Zoom)

Ministry Lead: Deacon Frank Devereux | bfdyer@icloud.com

Pray the rosary weekly with other parishioners on Zoom.

Sacristans

Ministry Lead: Art Renteria | renteria1948@gmail.com | (678) 354-1088

Volunteers set up the Chapel, or Church, for daily Masses at 8:00 AM and noon. This includes preparing the readings, prayers, credence table, selecting lectors, extraordinary ministers and assisting the Priest. Training is provided.

Seasons of Hope
Ministry Lead: Kim Knight | KimKnight1228@gmail.com

Seasons of Hope offers steady, compassionate companionship to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one — not just in the early weeks, but through the months and years that follow. In a safe, welcoming space, participants are invited to share memories of their loved ones and express their feelings alongside others who understand the journey.

Starting September 3rd, the group meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month from 7:00–8:00 PM in the Scout Room.

Getting to the Scout Room: Park in the lot between the lower school and church buildings. Enter the double doors near the St. Joseph statue and flagpole, turn right, and go to the 3rd door on the left.

Senior Social

Ministry Lead: Kathy Bearden | kathy@kbearden.com 

Join us the third Friday of each month for the noon Mass, followed by a luncheon in the Music Room. Volunteers are welcome to join in singing, socializing, serving, and cleanup as we enjoy fellowship.

Separated/Divorced Support Group

Ministry Lead: Durland McCaslin durland.mccaslin@lmco.com (770) 795-7981

This group offers emotional and spiritual support for those who are going through the hurtful time of losing partners, or who may have already experienced separation or divorce. This group meets weekly on Tuesdays at 7PM in the Scout Room, please contact Durland for more information.

Seven Sisters Apostolate 

Seven Sisters Apostolate members offer to pray before the Blessed Sacrament for one hour, one day every week, for the sole intention of one of our priests at St. Joseph. It is a worldwide apostolate to ensure our priests are covered in Holy Hours every day of the week. For more information, please visit the website: seven sistersapostolate.org., or contact Mary Beth Lipe kmblipe@gmail.com.

Small Church Community Facilitators

Ministry Lead: Laura Fenton | lfenton@saintjosephcc.org | (770) 422-5633 ext. 53

Home-based groups of 8-15 people gather weekly to reflect upon and study books of the Bible and the Lectionary readings. The emphasis is prayer, scripture, faith sharing, and service. Facilitators are needed to host a group in their home or on campus. Training is provided. During the pandemic, this ministry is not active but will resume when it is safe to do so.

Society of Martha and Mary
Ministry Lead: Betsy Van Etten | marthaandmary@saintjosephcc.org

Volunteers work to grow spiritually by proving companionship and meals to people over a short period of time.

St. Joseph Catholic School

Principal: Ms. Jenny Rittgers| jrittgers@stjosephschool.org | (770) 428-3328

Our volunteers put in over 6,000 hours each year helping our school. We appreciate all their hard work and dedication. The work of our wonderful volunteers allows us to keep our tuition costs to a minimum. Many hands equal light work! We host two landscaping days to plant and trim bushes, mulch gardens and spruce up the campus. In addition, each summer we paint different rooms to keep our school clean and bright. If you are willing to help, call the school office. No experience necessary—just come with a smile and we’ll give you a cup of coffee and put you to work! Volunteers must be VIRTUS approved.

St. Vincent de Paul Society

Ministry Lead: Patty Moran | pattysvdp25@gmail.com | (770) 425-5158

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a Catholic organization of lay people who seek, in a spirit of justice and charity, to help those who are marginalized. Our Caseworkers monitor our helpline and provide assistance to our neighbors in need. 

We also manage and staff our Food Pantry located in the PMC. And our volunteers help staff the SVdP Thrift Store in Marietta. Our volunteers serve as cooks and servers for the Extension Residential Treatment Center and for special events in the Parish.

We are always seeking volunteers for these rewarding ministries, and we provide training for those who join us.

Ushers

Ministry Lead: Larry Burke | lawrenceburke@msn.com

Our Ushers are often the first to meet and greet parishioners and visitors at Mass each weekend, and are therefore an important part of making everyone feel welcomed and valued at Saint Joseph. Ushers welcome and seat parishioners, provide information for those seeking assistance, and help as needed during the Liturgy. The time commitment is one hour weekly. Ushers occasionally serve at other events.

Vacation Bible School

Ministry Lead: Ministry Lead: Kendra Lockhart | klockhart@saintjosephcc.org | (770) 422-5633 ext. 52

VBS is an amazing, high-energy week of faith and fun in June. Adult and teen volunteers are needed as groupleaders, station facilitators, and nurserycoordinators.

Walking With Moms in Need

Ministry Lead: Megan Tuck | walkingwithmoms@saintjosephcc.org

An initiative to accompany local pregnant and parenting women in difficult circumstances.

Welcoming Ministry

Ministry Lead: Joel Raeber | joelraeber@comcast.net| (770) 778-4516

Our Welcome Desk in the rear of the Narthex is open before and after each Mass on the weekends. Volunteers provide parish information regarding all Sacraments and Ministries. While we mainly serve new parishioners, we also answer general questions. Volunteers also help organize social gatherings to welcome new parishioners.

Widows/Widowers Social Group

Ministry Lead: Donna Krache | donnakrache@gmail.com

A support group for widows and widowers. This group meets monthly. Our activities and times vary, so please contact Donna for more information.

Women of Saint Joseph (WOSJ)

Ministry Lead: Kathy Bearden | kathy@kbearden.com| (678) 640-7108

All women of the Parish are welcome to events and gatherings. We meet periodically throughout the year for social, spiritual, and educational fun. We also support a variety of parish projects on an as needed basis. Our group has an annual Christmas retreat and luncheon celebration the first Saturday in December. Please watch the bulletin for meeting details and be sure to sign up for our email news and announcements by sending your name and email to: cgibbs@bellsouth.net.