Music Ministries

• 9:00 am Mass Choir

The 9:00am Choir continues to lead the music worship every Sunday morning at Mass. Under the direction of Choir Director Lyn Hibbitt and organist Ken Bates, its faithful choir members invite all parishioners and visitors to join and praise God in song!

• 10:30 am Mass Choir

The 10:30 Mass Choir is also referred to as the “Guitar Choir.” Under the direction of Jim Yip and Jessica Kapoor, the choir of over 30 members and instrumentalists lead the music. The choir sings contemporary hymns that help to encourage the congregation in worship of God through music at Mass. New members are always welcome!

• 12 noon Mass Choir

The Guardian Angel Children’s Choir sings every Sunday at the Noon Mass. Practices take place at 11:30am prior to Mass. Under the direction of Jessica Kapoor as Music Director,  this youth choir continues to lead the music at this Mass and all youth of the parish are welcome to join.

• Resurrection Choir

The Resurrection Choir sings at all funeral Masses upon request here at St. Joseph. This is a beautiful ministry that brings great comfort and peace to families. It also shows the family members of the deceased, that the entire parish mourns with them and lifts them in prayer as they grieve the loss of their loved one. Feel free to join!

Altar Servers

To serve God at the altar is a true privilege. The parish has many reverent and faithful altar servers that serve at Mass, funerals, weddings, and other special liturgical events. All youth of the parish are welcome to join once they have received Holy Communion (Grade 3 and up). Adults are encouraged to join as servers for funeral Masses.

Lectors

Proclaiming the word of God during masses is a critical component of the mass in order to share with all present the scheduled readings for the week. You can sign up for the mass you attend or express open availability for anything that fits your schedule. If you feel comfortable in front of groups and speaking loudly and clearly from the pulpit this ministry may be a good fit for you.

Eucharistic Ministers

Without the presence of the body and blood of Christ our mass would not be able to take place. Eucharistic ministers are needed to distribute communion to all present. These ministers are always needed and training will be provided when you sign up. Like other ministries at the mass, your requirements to serve are flexible and adaptable to your availability.

Ministers of Hospitality

In order to make the community of St. Joseph’s welcoming to all, Ministers of Hospitality (Ushers) are needed to welcome people in the church, help them find seats, assist with the offertory collection and directing people during communion. Open to all, this ministry is open to friendly and welcoming individuals who are willing to be the front doors of St. Joseph Church.

Alpha

The Alpha course is an evangelistic course which seeks to introduce the basics of the Christian faith through a series of talks and discussions. It is described by its organizers as “an opportunity to explore the meaning of life.”

Alpha is organised as a series of sessions over 10 weeks, including a day or weekend away. Each session starts with a meal, followed by a talk and then discussion in small groups. The talks aim to cover the basic beliefs of the Christian faith.

Join us here at St. Joseph as someone who may be curious, perhaps inquiring about God, or invited by a friend and feel free to bring a guest with you! Contact the parish office when the next Alpha session will begin!

For more information about Alpha, please click here.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)

The RCIA process – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults – is a Journey of Faith that assists those who wish to become baptized or received into the Church, to understand the Catholic faith and to enhance faith overall. The team is comprised of priests, and lay people to help explain the faith from a variety of different perspectives. The group meets weekly from the Fall through Easter and is a faith deepening and very enriching experience. The RCIA program is an adult based learning tool and there are no tests, exams, fees, or pressures. On Holy Saturday (the eve of Easter) those candidates who wish to receive the sacraments of the church, are baptized, confirmed, and receive Jesus in Holy Communion for the first time. It really is indeed – an amazing journey of faith!

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation for Children)

The RCIC process – Rite of Christian Initiation of Children – is a Journey of Faith that assists children who wish to become baptized or received into the Church, to understand the Catholic Faith and to enhance overall faith. The Parish Catechist – Samantha Pellegrino – works closely with Fr. Rico and the priests to prepare the children to receive the sacraments. This is held weekly from the Fall through Easter. It is also especially used for families who send their children to public, private, or home schooling.

God Talk Bible Study

The parish Bible Study – led by Fr. Rico – called ‘God Talk’ – allows each person to delve deeper in the Word of God from both the Old Testament and New Testament. The scriptures are read, studied in their original context, and applied to daily life. God Talk takes place on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm, following the Tuesday evening Mass. Anyone can join and one need not have a firm grounding in scripture scholarship to participate.

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

For one week each summer the youth of our parish gather to learn, laugh, and explore God’s love at our high energy, fun packed VBS.

Lead by the young at heart, the children learn about God through prayer, scripture, games, and small group activities.

Join us as we make new friends and unforgettable memories!

St. Vincent de Paul Society

The St Vincent de Paul Society, founded in 1833, began in our parish in 1959. The mission is to help the poor and disadvantaged in our community. We also partner with SVDP societies in poor nations. Currently, we have partnered with Ste. Therese conference in Jeremie, Haiti. Members also reach out to homebound parishioners -though this ministry is currently on hold due to the pandemic. This group is inspired by God’s command to care for those most in need and focused on tangible social justice initiatives.

How are we supported? The poor box in the vestibule is our main means of support.

How to donate? A cheque made out to St. Joseph-St. Vincent de Paul can be dropped off in the poor box or in the Sunday collection.  Tax receipts are issued in January.  This year, the SVDP collection will be held on the weekend of October 9/10.  Please use a separate envelope with your name and address or use the envelope provided with your boxed set.  You can also e-transfer your donation to myparishgift@gmail.com with SVDP in the memo box.

A desire to help, empathy for others and the ability to listen is the Vincentian outlook.  We meet once a month.

For further information, contact Jackie at jdanyliw4@gmail.com or 289-260-6375.

Development & Peace Committee

The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, a democratic movement for international solidarity, supports partners in the Global South in the pursuit of alternatives to unjust social, political, and economic structures. It educates the Canadian population about the causes of impoverishment of peoples and mobilizes actions for change.

In the struggle for human dignity, Development and Peace associates with social change groups in the North and South. It supports women in their search for social and economic justice.

Development and Peace, the official development organization of the Canadian Catholic Church, is inspired by the values of the Gospel, particularly “the preferential option for the poor.”

Our local parish committee brings these needs to the local parish and helps us to raise funds, awareness and prayer for our brothers and sisters all over the world.

Knights of Columbus- Our Lady of the Lake Council 4917

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal benevolent society based upon the principles of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The goal of the Knights of Columbus is to enhance the corporal and spiritual needs of our families, our parish, our community, and our diocese. The parish council is extremely active in the parish and community at large. All men of the parish are encouraged to become Knights. The Knights are always seeking good Catholic men who want to be better Catholic men. Vivat Jesus!

Catholic Women’s League (CWL)

The Catholic Women’s League (CWL) membership in the parish is over 140 women of faith. All women are encouraged to come out and make friends, get involved and experience faith, fun and fulfillment by being an active CWL member.

Meeting are held every second month from September to June and some type of social or spiritual event takes place in the alternating months. A few of the annual events that are hosted by the CWL include: the Communion Breakfast, Spring Plant Sale, Potluck Dinner, Poinsettia Sale, and a Christmas social. There are many opportunities for spiritual growth through conferences, retreats, and conventions. The parish CWL is also connected to regional and diocesan events. All women are welcome to join. For further information, contact Joanne Vander Laan at 905 570 4479 or vanderlaanj@hotmail.com

Divorced and Separated Healing Ministry

The Diocesan Separated & Divorced Healing Ministry Support Group meets every second and fourth Monday of the month (except holidays) from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre, 7020 Stanley Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario.

For our pamphlet, information, and registration call 905-356-4113 or 905-684-0154, or email separatedanddivorced@saintcd.com 

Pre-registration is required. Meetings will be held both in person at Mount Carmel and virtually via Zoom platform.  Use the contact information provided to pre-register. Click here for the current schedule

Ruth’s Sisters (currently paused)

Ruth’s Sisters is a group dedicated to supporting one another in life’s journey as widows.

We are not alone. The group meetings, which take place on the last Sunday of each month, provide a safe place to come for understanding, friendship and finding joy in our lives.

We come together through faith
Stay together through circumstances
Cope together through sharing
Are together through caring

Moms & Tots (Catholic Moms Group)

The St. Joseph’s Moms & Tots group meets monthly for a time of fellowship and prayer. You are invited to join as we teach our kids about the faith through age appropriate songs and activities, while fostering fellowship as fellow moms. All mothers and young children are welcome.

You can reach Jess Mills and Sarah Petrina at sjrc.moms.grimsby@gmail.com for more information.

Perogies

For over 25 years, a dedicated group of parishioners have been gathering several times a year to make 300-400 dozen perogies as a fund raiser for St. Joseph’s. This is not only an opportunity to raise funds, but also to build community. Members gather to work together, laugh, break bread, and raise funds through the sale of delicious perogies to support evangelization projects. The Motto of the group is – “We Don’t Bite, But We Do Pinch”

Little Spirits – Ages 3-6

Little Spirits Ministry brings Jesus to the hearts of our 3-6-year-old children year-round during the entire Sunday 10:30am Mass. Through craft, discussion, singing and prayer, our precious children are engaged in experiencing God’s awesome love for us!

Children’s Liturgy – Ages 7-10

The Children’s Liturgy Ministry runs during the 10:30am Mass every Sunday. Children from Grade 2 and up experience the Sunday scripture readings and have an opportunity to discuss and ask questions during the Liturgy of the Word. Teaching is done at an age appropriate level. The young people then return to Mass at the Offertory.

Edge (New!) – Ages 11-14

Edge is a Catholic middle school youth ministry program. It provides a safe, fun place for youth to find solid Catholic community, to get answers to their questions about faith, and, most importantly, to experience Jesus in a profound and personal way.

LifeTeen (New) – Ages 15-18

LifeTeen is a Catholic high school youth ministry program. Further developing in faith and friendship and discussing current issues within the church, this program is about developing yourself to face the future as leaders in the church and the world as we lead people closer to Christ.

Homebound Ministry

The ministry to the homebound is a service to those in our community who are not able to join us do to infirmity or illness. It began as a program of St. Vincent de Paul and gathered member from the parish at large. Visitation may be social or religious – by leading a communion service or spending some time together enjoying fellowship. This ministry also includes visits those in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

Church Maintenance and Gardens

Sitting on over 2 acres of property, it takes a lot of time and energy to keep our grounds looking beautiful. If you have a green thumb or if you are available to dedicate some time to maintaining our grounds – especially during the warmer months – then please let us know.

If you are handy and are willing to share some of your gifts and time to help around the church building, please reach out. Keeping the indoor space respectable and beautified makes our house of worship truly a home. There are many tasks to be done around the church at different times of the year!

Special Events

As our community grows, so too does the amount of fundraisers, programs and events at the church. From purse bingos to appreciation dinners, from parade floats to games afternoons, we are constantly looking for volunteers that can help make these events a success. Help can include: setup, take down, advertising and ticket sales, event facilitation and much more. With varied time commitments, this could be a great way to get your foot in the door to serving the community of St. Joseph’s Grimsby.

Caring for Children

With the number of young families in the parish continuing to rise, we have heard more and more that the need for child care for parents is extremely high. This service becomes even more valuable when we are running events out of the church. Whether you are young or young at heart, if you are interested and able to volunteer some time watching children during our events we would love to hear from you!