Formation Commission
Mission
Faith formation at Saint Joseph Catholic Community aims at enriching what has already begun in the home. The Formation Commission helps all parishioners understand that the entire Parish community has the responsibility for promoting the teaching mission of the Church. The Commission is responsible for the religious formation of all parishioners. It is the liaison between the Parish Pastoral Council and those persons or bodies within the parish structure responsible for the various aspects of total parish religious education.
Baptism Preparation Team
We would like to invite couples with children (small or grown) AND single adults to help re-activate the Baptismal Preparation team. We will initially meet 2-3 times for set–up, training and planning. Some of the items in this ministry are:
- Initial interviews with parent(s)
- Hospitality for Prep sessions
- Leading a session
- Godparent orientation
- Scheduling
- Other as needed
Marriage Preparation Team
A new ministry for SJCC! Our pastor is the lead catechist for marriage preparation, however he is looking to have a team set-up under the DRE’s guidance to assist him in the preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony.
An organizational meeting will take place in September. Some areas that we might include in this ministry are:
- Initial interview with couple
- Hospitality for prep sessions
- Couple inventory discussions
- Family planning
- Co-habitation
- Re-marriage
- Blessing/Validation
- Other as needed
Campus Ministry
St. Joseph's serves as "home base" for a valuable ministry on the campuses of Alabama A&M and the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). We offer a variety of services, including regular meetings on campus, rides to church on Sundays, and special events such as retreats, social service opportunities, and leadership training opportunities.
For more information on how St. Joseph's works with college students from A&M and UAH and other area colleges, contact one of the following campus ministers. Social meetings, prayer sessions and Mass are held throughout the school year on campus.
A & M: Hanson Howard 859-4640
Sheila Gilbreath 650-0252
UAH: Kevin Sutton 881-1931
Maureen Chemsak 830-4610
Catechist/Catechist Aide
The catechist or catechist aides helps children and youth learn about the Catholic faith and about the liturgical elements of Catholic worship. This person should be fully initiated and a Catholic in good standing. He or she should be a practicing Catholic who is active in the life of the parish. We do train our catechists and aides. Some of the responsibilities include:
- Teaching or attending meetings for 30-35 Sundays during the year
- Some basic training in teaching methods and classroom management
- Attending diocesan catechist workshops
- Teaching the approved curriculum
- Lesson planning (simple form)
- Helping the DRE and other catechists in parish wide RE events
*Background check and youth protection required
Sunday Morning Assistants
This team helps the DRE in a variety of ways on the busy Sunday mornings. Some duties may include:
- delivery / collection of items to classes
- Xeroxing for catechists
- Hall monitoring
- Occasional hospitality set up
- Help with Advent and Lenten activities
- Emergency substitute
- Other as needed
*Background check and youth protection required
RCIA Team Member
There are a variety of ministries that serve the RCIA. Here are a few:
- Hospitality minister - provides snacks and beverages, set up and clean up for the RCIA classes, retreats and other functions. Works with other team members with a budget.
- Sponsor coordinator - Provides training and assistance to members wanting to serve as sponsors for the RCIA catechumens and candidates. Training for this ministry is provided. One year term.
- Catechist - Part of a team of catechists working a particular period of the RCIA. Must be familiar with current church teachings. Ongoing formation for this ministry is provided.
- Prayer minister - Prepares and leads the prayer services for every RCIA session, retreats and special services. Coordinates these with the DRE. Should be familiar with a variety of prayer experiences.
Adult Faith Formation Minister
Part of a team of ministers who meet on a regular basis to discuss, plan and implement a program for adults in our parish. Some of the tasks that the ministers help with are:
- Publicity - for parish and diocese
- Catechist - On some occasions ministers lead sessions, or a series
- Office work - preparation of flyers, help with phone calls, copying, surveys, etc.
- Assist the DRE in setting up and environment for a particular evening or special activities.
- Retreat minister- Help with planning and implementation of retreats for adult groups.
Vacation Bible School
There are a number of tasks that are greatly needed in order to put on a wonderful VBS. We have our VBS in the summer, for five days, and the preparation ahead of time is essential for the success of the program. Here are some areas where you can help:
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First Sacraments Team
This team helps plan, implement, evaluate and enhance the preparation for First Reconciliation and First Communion during the year. The team will meet 4-6 times a year. The ministers are asked to attend the special times when all the children and parents (from both parish and school) meet for instruction and review. You can help with the adults or with the children. Some of the tasks are:
- Coordinate calendar with DRE
- Help children review basic prayers and rituals associated with the sacraments
- Assist the parents in techniques, procedures and other needs
- Assist the team in planning the retreats and liturgical celebrations of said sacraments
*Background check and youth protection required
Youth Ministry
The Trinity Youth Club (grades 9-12) is a program designed to provide opportunities for teens to develop a closer relationship with GOD, each other, and the world around them, through spiritual, social, educational, and service events. Through real life experiences, teens have the opportunity to feel a part of their church community and society as a whole, and to know they can make a difference. Some activities include: Retreats, Mission Trips, Praise Band, Service Projects, Stations of the Cross, Social Events, Fundraisers. Information about these activities can be found in the church bulletin or on a calendar place in the vestibule of the church. If you would like more information, contact Linda Pohuski, Youth Minister @ 256-534-8459.
Young Adult Ministry
YAM is an organization designed to bring young adults together for spiritual fellowship.
Activities are planned and executed by its’ members ages 18 to 35 years of age. We are currently trying to build membership. Future activities include Bible Study, Mass, Retreats, Mission Trips, Service Projects, Road Trips. Plans are being made for a Summer Mission Trip to the New Orleans area July of 2010. If you are interested in continuing your spiritual journey, meeting new friends or reconnecting with old friends, call Ester @ 256-534-8459.