Pastoral 
St. Joseph's Ministry of Care

Based on the healing ministry of Jesus, St. Joseph's Pastoral Care Ministry provides quality care to all individuals regardless of age, status, ethnic/racial origins, or creed.  We offer support in time of questioning, transition, illness or crisis.

Our Pastoral Care Ministry consists of a team that includes a Director, Regional Pastoral Ministers and trained volunteer pastoral ministers.  All trained volunteers provide effective, non-judgmental, confidential caring ministry.  We work closely with the Pastor.

During regular business hours, contact Sr. Marjorie at the Parish Office, 763-544-3352 or by email at mbischoff@stjosephparish.com.

The following individuals are asking for your prayers: Bev Devos www.caringbridge.org/visit/bevdevos Len Thiede www.caringbridge.org/visit/lenthiede

Pastoral Services Offered
Please refer to the bulletin or church calendar for more information and updates to these programs.

STEPHEN MINISTRY

Stephen Ministers

Stephen Ministers are parishioners trained to provide one to one support during searching, illness or crisis.  Stephen Ministers provide confidential in depth caring.  Please click HERE for an informational brochure or contact the parish office for more information.

Stephen Ministry Training will be starting January 8^th, 2010.  If persons are interested in the training they can call Sr. Marge at the Parish Office.  The video on PBS Web site gives a great overview of the Stephen Ministry Program.  See more information below.

To learn more about Stephen Ministries please click on the following link, www.stephenministries.org.

HOMEBOUND EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS

If you are homebound and would appreciate having communion brought to you, our homebound Communion Ministers would be available to bring the bread and Word to you.  Your sharing in the body of Christ is important to the faith community.

PRAYER SUPPORT

Parishioners who are ill and wish the prayer support of their community may call the pastoral office for that support.  Your name or (by permission) the name of your loved one will be added to the Prayers of the Faithful and listed in the bulletin.

Support for Returning Troops:  Click here for more information.

FIRST FRIDAY LITURGY AND LUNCHEON

Retired Seniors gather each first Friday of the month.  There is an informal gathering for individuals wishing to attend the 11AM liturgy and potluck luncheon.  Groups wishing to stay and play cards after the luncheon are welcome to do so.  There will be a special luncheon in March celebrating St. Patrick's Day.  Everyone is welcome, you do not need to be a retired senior to attend.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

Bus transportation for the homebound to the 11AM Sunday liturgy - Call the Pastoral Office.

Homebound bus transportation for First Friday February & luncheon - Call the Pastoral Office.

GRIEF GROUPS

A Grief Group can provide

    * Information about the grieving process
    * Caring and support from others who are also grieving
    * Sharing of memories and feelings in a confidential setting
    * For adults who have experienced the loss of loved ones

Individuals that are interested please contact the Parish Pastoral Office.

Our Grief Group begins Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009. This group will meet weekly from 7-8:30pm through March 2010. Registration is welcomed but not necessary.

HOSPITAL HOME VISITS

Please call the Parish Pastoral Office.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Prayer shawls have been used throughout the generations.  Our ancient Israeli ancestors used prayer shawls to help them pray and to remind them of God's constant presence.  Prayer shawls are given to individuals to remind them that God is with them every step of the way, everyday.

The gift of a Prayer Shawl can be given as...

Here is an example of a life that has been touched by the Prayer Shawl Ministries.  Click HERE.

An informal gathering of Prayer Shawl Ministers continually meets the third Wednesday of each month.  The meeting is held at the Parish Center in Meeting Room 3 at 7pm (signs are posted).  Individuals of all skill levels (beginners to the experts) who wish to knit or crochet prayer shawls are welcome.  Training is offered to individuals wish to learn how to knit or crochet.  To find out more about this ministry and see various patterns and examples of prayer shawls click the following link, www.shawlministry.com.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Ministry opportunities are available in all the areas.

Please feel free to call any time. After office hours emergencies, such as critical emergencies or death, call the Parish Office at 763-544-3352, a pastoral team member will get back to you as soon as possible.

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This page was last updated on 04/29/2010