Current Service Opportunities
St. Joseph's parishioners are involved in many forms of service--to our Church community, the local community, and beyond. If you are interested in getting involved in something new, read about current activities.
Service & Participation
As a parish community we are called to witness to the love of Jesus Christ in the world. As a child, teen, family, cluster of families, individual adult, small group, or candidate for Confirmation, there are many ways to participate in worship and to reach out in service to fellow parishioners, the local Penfield community, and those in need throughout Rochester and the world. This year, here are some of the activities we will be emphasizing as part of our parish mission of gratitude, discipleship, and hospitality, and programs with which we have a special relationship.
Bethany House
Bethany House is a Catholic Worker House of Hospitality serving homeless women and children and is in need of a full-time, live-in staff person. They offer room, board, health insurance, and a stipend plus, the opportunity to live out the philosophy of Catholic Worker. Please contact Donna Ecker or Ursula Arnold (454-4197) or
Anne Bell.
More to come on this expanding ministry!Hospitality at church Become a family of greeters or ushers—make everyone who enters the doors of St. Joseph’s know that they are welcome! To sign up for ministry of hospitality throughout the year, contact Nancy Veronesi at 586-8089 extension 124 or
send an email .
Front Office Help - We are looking for some additional help answering phones, writing Mass cards and other little projects that pop up daily. Please consider helping us in the parish office, especially if you have a Tuesday or Wednesday morning (9 to 11 or 12) or Wednesday afternoon (12 or 1 to 4) free during the week. Call the Office, 586-8089.
Liturgy of the Word for children Elementary school children hear the Word of God proclaimed from a special children’s lectionary with prayer and music prepared for their level of understanding. Children are blessed and sent forth to the Liturgy of the Word for Children at the 5:00 PM Mass on Saturdays, and 9 and 11:00 Masses on Sunday. If you are interested in becoming a catechist or youth assistant for the Children’s Liturgy, contact Eva Mascadri in the parish office. Training provided.
Penfield Ecumenical Food Shelf In addition to our parish monthly collection of cereal for the Penfield Ecumenical Food Shelf, there are always particular items in short supply at different times of the year, such as salad dressing or laundry detergent. Families and seniors in our local community need our assistance as a result of sudden job loss, living on disability, overwhelming medical hardships, etc. Get creative and run a food drive in your neighborhood for a particular item or consider adopting a shelf. Find out what item is most in need at the time of your drive. Contact Marie Cinti 377-6433.
Matthew’s Closet (at Corpus Christi, part of our sister community along with Mt. Carmel and St. Francis Xavier) Matthew’s Closet is a clothing ministry for the very poor of the City of Rochester. Donations of clothing items that can be provided free or charge to those in need, or sold t cover operating expenses to those who afford them, are always desperately needed. Most needed items include: plus size adult clothing, adult gloves, and bedding. If you are a family or group of families looking for a service project, get creative and run a clothing drive in your neighborhood! Adults who are available to commit to giving three hours per week, may also inquire about becoming a trained volunteer to help at this vital ministry. For more information, contact Karen Sweeney at: 232-5160.
Cameron Ministries Soup Kitchen On the last Saturday of each month, different groups of St. Joseph’s parishioners prepare and serve lunch for people in need of our assistance at this soup kitchen. Departing from St. Joseph’s at 9:20 AM, returning at 1:30 PM. For information on Saturdays in need of volunteers, contact Liz O’Toole at: 315-986-1883.
