Parishioners of St. Joseph the Worker are invited to become actively involved members of our community by volunteering their time in service of their parish. In the Catholic Church, many volunteer opportunities are also in ministry roles, which are to be of a particular service of the baptised to God through the Holy Church. We are obligated to consider these volunteer roles under the guidance of the universal Catholic church through Canon Law and specific pastoral norms and guidelines of our Archdiocese. Below is a brief description of our volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in participating in any of these ministries, and would like more information, please contact the parish office for further assistance. Please note that, depending on the age of the volunteer and the ministry selected, our Archdiocese may require the volunteer to complete a criminal record check and a child abuse registry check. You can find more information about the Archdiocesan Safe Environment Policy here.
Altar Servers: Children and young people who have celebrated their First Reconciliation and received their First Communion are invited to participate in Mass by serving at the altar. Altar servers assist the priest at the altar when celebrating Mass. The purpose of this ministry is to help the servers to fully appreciate the mystery of the Mass and to help deepen their love for their church. Altar servers help the priest and their fellow parishioners by carrying special objects and completing special tasks during Mass. Volunteers choose their Mass of preference and are then scheduled to serve a few times per month at their preferred Mass.
Catechists or Catechism Assistants: Our ongoing parish catechism program runs from October to May, and is held from 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Children (Kindergarten to Gr. 6) learn about God, pray, serve and develop their own spirituality at their cognitive levels. Catechists and Catechism Assistants assistants are needed to help educate the children of our parish in the ways of our faith. To learn more about our Catechism program, click here.
Collection Counter: The collection counters are assigned and meet once per week (Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday) to count the collection that was taken up on the weekend and prepare the monies to be deposited at our bank. Collection counters complete this task in teams of two under the supervision of a parish staff member, following Archdiocesan policies. The frequency of commitment depends on the schedule and number of volunteers registered.
Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist (Eucharistic Minister): Participants in this ministry must be 16 years of age and have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. The role of an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion is to assist the priest in serving communion during the celebration of Mass, bringing the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ to the People of God. This is a ministry of witnessing to faith in the real presence of Christ in the action of sharing in the Eucharistic meal of Christ’s sacrifice. Volunteers choose their Mass of preference and are then scheduled to serve a few times per month at their preferred Mass.
Finance Committee member: The Finance Council serves as a fiscal advisory body for the Parish. They assists our Pastor with ways to meet financial challenges, with funding strategies designed to enhance the well-being of the parish.
Hospitality Minister (Greeter): The role of the Greeter is to welcome all people who gather for Mass. The role of a Greeter is simple, but important to the experience of the community. Greeters arrive 20 minutes before Mass is scheduled to begin, and then position themselves at one of our doors to welcome parishioners. Greeters are required to welcome parishioners as they enter our building, hand out the parish bulletin, assist with taking the collection during Mass and be able to answer simple questions about our building for newcomers. Following Mass, they can help by collecting lost items and remove garbage from the church. Volunteers choose their Mass of preference and are then scheduled to serve a few times per month at their preferred Mass.
Lector (Reader): Lectors are the people responsible for reading excerpts of scripture and the prayers of the faithful aloud at Mass and other liturgical services. It is recommended that Readers prepare themselves by reviewing their assigned readings before the mass begins. Volunteers choose their Mass of preference and are then scheduled to read a few times per month at their preferred Mass. This ministry requires skill in public reading, knowledge of the liturgy and an understanding and love of the scriptures.
Music Minister: Music ministers include choir members, cantors and instrumentalists. The role of our Music Ministry is to enhance the Mass or service by creating music that will ensure a full, conscious, and active participation in the liturgical celebration. At the Masses, musicians play music selected to accompany the liturgical theme. Musicians and the choir also participate in practice time before the Mass or services, either on their own or with others.
Parish Pastoral Council Member: The Parish Pastoral Council serves as an advisory group for our Pastor. They prayerfully reflect upon and provide leadership, direction and encouragement for the apostolic and spiritual development of our church and all parishioners.
Donation Drivers: During the seasons of Advent and Lent, our parish community often holds donation drives for those in need. In the past we have collected donations for the Animal Food Bank, the Christmas Cheer Board, Manitoba Discovery Toys Advisors, Mama Bear Clan, the Transcona Food Bank and more. When these donations drives have concluded, we are in need of people to help pack up the donations and deliver them to their final destination.
Fellowship Assistant: Occasionally the parish hosts fellowship in our Parish Hall following Mass. This is a time where we gather together, and share food and the company of our fellow parishioners. Those who help during Fellowship are responsible for setting up the tables, preparing some light snacks and drinks, cleaning dishes, and cleaning up the Parish Hall following the event. A safe food handling certificate is an asset, but not required.
Environment Minister: There are a few roles that involve caring for the space and environment inside and outside. Volunteers assist with careful placement of items in the sanctuary area working with our pastor and/or other staff members to create and transform the worship space appropriately for the liturgical seasons. This ministry involves some lifting and cooperation with a team, a knowledge of liturgy is an asset, but not required. There are also environment ministry members who assist in caring for the outdoor environment as needed seasonally.