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Ministries

Altar Servers

These young people assist the parish community in the serving of our Sundays Liturgy.

Altar Servers needed  for all Masses.  Grade 3 and UP. If you are interested and can help please call the office and leave your name and number or speak to Fr. Slawek.

Children's Liturgy

The St. Joseph’s children’s liturgy program offers an age-appropriate religious experience for children from kindergarten to grade 2. The program runs from September to June and is offered at the 9 a.m. Sunday mass, which is the family mass. At the beginning of the mass the children are invited to join their own age group in rooms attached to the church. They remain in their groups until the end of the homily, or for approx. 20 minutes. During that time, they cover the message of that Sunday’s readings in a format and at a level that is appropriate for their age group. The children’s liturgy program is based on the efforts of volunteers who help out on a rotational basis once every six weeks. For more information, please contact the office at (905)432-2300.

Children of the Eucharist

This program runs from September to June at the 9:00 a.m. Mass each Sunday... If your child is interested in being a bell ringer they have to be in (JK, SK, Gr. 1), to be an offertory presenter (Gr. 2) or a daughter of Mary. Girls from Gr. 3—Gr. 8, please call the parish office at 905-432-2300.

Choir

Talented musicians and vocalists aid in making our Eucharistic celebrations even more special. If you would like to contribute your voice, or other musical talents to one of our choirs, please contact the Parish Office at (905) 432-2300 and leave your name and number and the choir leader will get back to you.

Eucharistic Minister

They have the honour of assisting the Priest in the distribution of Holy Communion. There is a need for more members of this important ministry. Regular participation in Sunday Liturgy is necessary. Volunteers NEEDED Eucharistic Minister needed for all Masses If you are interested and can help please call the office and leave your name and number or speak to Fr. Slawek.

Hospitality

Greeting someone as they enter the church is a most important ministry. It helps us to recognize one another and become a close community, personalizing the coming together of the Body at the Eucharist.
Ministers of Hospitality greet worshipers at Sunday Masses, they help people as they come into the church by escorting them to a seat, answering questions, guiding collection baskets and distributing bulletins after Masses. After a while they will be able to pick out new faces and then they can make an extra effort to make other people feel welcome. They also try to involve parishioners in bringing up the gifts at the offering and at times, they do so themselves. For more information, please contact the office at (905)432-2300. Volunteers NEEDED Ushers needed for all Masses. If you are interested and can help please call the office and leave your name and number or speak to Fr. Slawek.

Lectors

Lectors in St. Joseph’s Parish are required to assist the Celebrant by reading the Word of God at all week-end Masses and on Holidays of Obligation such as Easter and at Christmas. Volunteers NEEDED Lector needed for all Masses. If you are interested and can help please call the office and leave your name and number or speak to Fr. Slawek.

Library

Our Church library is open fifteen minutes before and fifteen minutes after the 5:00 p.m., 9:00a.m., 11:00a.m. weekend Masses. The library has a good selection of books and videos for adults and children that can be borrowed for two weeks.  Feel free to come and browse.  Donation of religious books, children books and videos that are in good condition would be appreciated. Volunteers are needed.  This is a great way for students to do their community service.

Parish Nurse & Health Cabinet

The parish nurse is a registered nurse with specialized knowledge who is called to minister and is affirmed by a faith community to promote health, healing and wholeness.
The health cabinet is a group of parishioners from our congregation who are advocates for the Parish Nurse Ministry and work wit the parish nurse and the congregation to bring a holistic approach to people's lives. They meet monthly to plan and implement health and healing programs.
Resources:

Prayer Group

To discover more of God's unconditional love and the whole purpose of our lives, the study of the Bible is both an interesting and exciting means of inquiry. The knowledge and understanding gained as the Word of God is studied. Is unique and can dramatically change our lives. They meet Saturday evening from 3:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. in the Parish Centre.
St. Augustine's Prayer to the Holy Spirit
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Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.
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RCIA

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is for adults ages 16 and up who are interested in investigating the Catholic faith.
Call the Parish Office to register and schedule your personal interview before October, 2008. RCIA sessions for 2008-9 will begin Wednesday October 15, 2008. Sessions are every Wednesday evening 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. and end shortly after the Easter Vigil ( March or April). All sessions are mandatory in order to be baptized or to be confirmed at the Easter Vigil.

Prayer for Guidance Father, help me on my search to know you, the one true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. May your Holy Spirit show me what to believe, what to do, and how best to live my life. Amen.

Questions and Answers
If you have any questions regarding RCIA please email them to office@saintjw.com or through the contact form from our website. The question and response will be posted here.

Sacramental Preparation

Marriage:

Courses are usually given in the Winter, starting in January and February. These dates could vary with the demand for Marriage Preparation in the Parish. Schedule of Talks:
  • 1. Focus & Readiness for Marriage
  • 2. Communication
  • 3. Spousal Love
  • 4. Sexuality
  • 5. Natural Family Planning
  • 6. Finance
  • 7. Humanae Vitae (Human Life)
  • 8. Sacrament of Marriage

MARRIAGE PREPARATION CLASS

The dates for our pre-marriage courses are now set, January 24/25, 2009 for couples not living together and the weekend of February 28/March 1, 2009 for couples living together. If you are planning a marriage in the next 12 months and want to take your course here, please call the parish office and sign up so we can send you a registration form.

First Communion:

To provide parents and students from Public School of our parish information on events relating to their preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion.

Confirmation:

To provide parents and students from Public Secondary School of our parish with information on events relating to their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Seniors' Group

St. Joseph the Worker Seniors Group began in September 1995. We are a group of ladies and gents, 55 and up, who come together to socialize and enjoy one another's company. We gather in the Parish Centre on Wednesday afternoons from September to June.
What's Offered? We offer Line Dancing, Euchre, Bridge, Wizard Darts, Crafts and friendship. Activities throughout the year include activities such as a Bazaar, Pot Luck Luncheons, Roast Beef Luncheon, Bus to Rama, Anointing Masses and a Mini Retreat. We keep everyone posted on our activities through our Parish Bulletin. Ours is a friendly, supportive, fun-filled group who welcome you warmly. Bring along a friend or neighbour too. (There is no membership fee.)
For all other Seniors events in Oshawa visit Oshawa Events

Youth Group

These are a dynamic group of young people ranging from grade 8 - grade 12. The St. Joseph's Youth Group is always on the go, organizing and hosting a variety of spiritual and social activities, including trips to Wonderland, dances, an annual retreat and active participation in World Youth Day activities. For more information, please call the parish office at 905-432-2300 and leave a message for organizer Debbie Scott to call you back. Frequent Questions:
Q:When do the youth group meet?
A: Most Tuesday evenings, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., check the bulletin or call Debbie Scott.
Q: Where does the group meet?
A: Parish Hall - 1100 Mary Street North, Oshawa.
Q: Why do they meet?
A: You are not alone in your journey. Our faith can help comfort, guide and reassure us when were stuck with the "winds of change."
Q: What is the purpose of the Youth Group?
A: To provide a spiritually warm and caring environment where youth can gather, express their views, join in activities, participate in community service and experience spiritual growth in a positive and safe environment.
Resources

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