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LITURGICAL MINISTRIES Altar Servers
Students in the fifth through eighth grade are invited to participate in the
parish community by signing up to assist at the liturgies as altar
servers. Being an altar server offers students opportunities to grow in
faith and love of God through sharing their gifts with the parish.
These young women and men give example to all who worship at Altar
Society
St. Joseph Altar Society is open to all in the parish who wish to assist in
maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of our liturgical vessels and
vestments. This ministry exists side-by-side with the Care and Cleaning
Ministry and complements its service. Arts
and Environment
During the liturgical year, the Church unfolds the whole mystery of Christ,
from his Incarnation and Birth through his Passion, Death, Resurrection and
Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The tradition
of decorating or not decorating the church for liturgical seasons and feasts
heightens the awareness of the festive, solemn, or penitential nature of
these seasons. Human minds and hearts are stimulated by the sounds,
sights and fragrances of liturgical seasons, which combine to create
powerful, lasting impressions of the rich and abundant graces unique to each. Care
and Cleaning
The members of our Care and Cleaning Ministry help to keep our Basilica clean
and beautiful at all times. They help to prepare a warm and inviting
environment for all who gather for community worship. Ministers donate
an hour of their time one Saturday a month. Please consider being part of
this vital and satisfying ministry. It is truly a work of faith and love. Eucharistic
Ministers
Are you looking for a real connection with your fellow parishioners?
Ministers of the Eucharist serve the assembly by distributing the Body
and Blood of Christ. Sharing of the Eucharist is the heart of the Mass
for all baptized Catholics. We are committed to reaffirming our parish
community’s faith in the real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist as we
celebrate the whole person of Jesus Christ. Lectors
I believe that
Allen Brings, author of “Reflections on the Art of Lectoring” said it
best: “We who are given the task of proclaiming the Word of God at Mass
must be able to shed our own skins and assume the masks of Peter, Paul, Abraham,
and, whenever necessary, even the Lord God, as when Ezekiel and others write
‘Thus says the Lord God!’” Ministers
of Hospitality
(formally called
Ushers and Greeters)
Ministers of Hospitality are a special breed: welcoming, warm,
always ready to help or to answer questions. They are the first
people that worshippers meet when they arrive for our weekend liturgies
and are the ones who send them on their way with a smile at the end of Music Ministries Basilica Choir
It’s been said that those who raise their voice in song in praise of God pray
twice. That’s certainly true of our highly regarded Basilica Choir, which
leads the assembly in song at the 9:30am Mass every Sunday from
mid-September through June. They also perform a special concert
at Christmastime and an Americana Concert around the July 4th
holiday each year. While being able to read music is not a requirement
for choir members, it helps to have some knowledge of the mechanics of
reading a score. The music ranges from Classical to Baroque to American
and African Spirituals, traditional Catholic music and even some Hebrew
music. 7
pm Spirit Ensemble
Music Ministry leads the assembly in song. In tune with the needs of the
assembly, it is unparalleled in its ability to arouse the singing voice of
the faith community and to empower people to live their lives in the service
of the Gospel. Music moves the soul and opens our eyes to God’s
abundance. Interested in lending your voice and/or your instruments? Please contact Michael Chinnavaso at mchinnavaso@gmail.com. Children’s
Choir The Children’s Choir engages the young people of our community (2nd through 6th grades) in the celebration of liturgy and the joy of music. Children rehearse weekly on Thursday afternoons during the school year from 4:15—5pm, and sing during the 9:30am Sunday Mass every 6 to 8 weeks, and at occasional parish events. Adults help with rehearsals and performances. For more information you may contact Sue Spiersch at 510-522-8431 or e-mail her at Alamedakid@sbcglobal.net. Devotion and Prayer All
God’s Children Charismatic Prayer Group All
God’s Children Charismatic Prayer Group is a scripture-based Intercessory
Community that meets to praise, worship and honor our God and to build up the
Body of Christ, opening ourselves to the transforming power of the Holy
Spirit. Under the Spirit’s guidance we share the love we receive. Bible
Study
St. Joseph Community currently offers two daytime on-site Bible Study groups:
Tuesday morning is a women’s group focusing on the scripture readings for the
coming Sunday; Thursday morning is for men and women, providing a combination
of prayer, personal study, and group sharing. Both gather at 10:00am in the If you are interested in a Bible Study group that meets at another time, contact Anne Marie Fourré in the Faith Formation office at 510-995-9409. Legion of Mary
The Legion of Mary is an international association of Catholics who work for
their own sanctification and the sanctification of all with the sanction of
the Church and under the powerful leadership of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
Mediatrix of all Graces. There are Active and Auxiliary members. The
Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
Do you desire
a better understanding of God’s everlasting love for you? Do you
sometimes wonder whether you are following your desire or God’s and need a
method to discern God’s call? Would you like a new method for prayer and
reflection? If so, the Ignatian Exercises may be for you.
Taize
Prayer Around the Cross Visit the website at www.taizeontheisland.co.ccFaith Formation Children’s Faith
Formation (CFF)
Our Children’s Faith Formation Team (Catechists and helpers) shares the Good
News with the children of our community through classes, prayer and worship.
We work with children from pre-kindergarten (age 4) through 8th
grade who do not attend Catholic school, assisting their parents and
guardians in sharing the basic beliefs and traditions of our faith. This
includes the two-year sacramental preparation program for First
Reconciliation and First Eucharist, and preparation for Baptism for older
children (working in conjunction with the Rite of Christian Initiation for
Adults). Classes are held weekly during the school year (excluding
holidays), usually on Sunday mornings or a weeknight. Registration
forms are available HERE ,in the
Parish Office or by contacting Anne Marie Fourré. If you are interested in becoming a Catechist, Aide or Monitor, please contact Anne Marie Fourré, Director of Faith Formation 510-995-9409 or you can e-mail her at afourre@sjbalameda.org. Children’s Liturgy
of the Word (CLW)
This ministry allows the children of our community (kindergarten through 5th
grade) to celebrate the first part of the Mass at their level. On
Sunday mornings during the 9:30am Mass, the children gather with a team of adults
who share the Gospel story with them in ways they can understand, using
music, storytelling, and crafts. They then return to their parents in
church to celebrate the rest of the Mass with the broader parish community.
Infant Baptismal Preparation
The Infant Baptismal Preparation Program ministers to parents who request
that their children be baptized at St. Joseph Basilica. The Baptismal
team interviews parents and welcomes them into
the parish community. We strive to support parents in their most
important endeavor, initiating their children into the faith. Parents
are asked to attend one two-hour class and the communal Baptism.
Baptismal Team Members facilitate communal baptism six times a year. The
class and the Baptism take place over two consecutive Sunday
afternoons. The Baptism Team also meets twice a
year for review and retreat. If you have
two Sundays a year, that you
can give to our parishioners who request baptism for their children, then
please think bout joining us in this very important ministry. To
become involved, please contact Eric
Bertelsen, 510-995-9404. Marriage
Preparation
Marriage preparation at St. Joseph Community assists the engaged couple in
evaluating their readiness to live the married life which, between two
baptized persons, is a sacrament. The primary effort is to help the
couple better understand themselves and each other, as well as their
commitment to living their vocation in and for the community of the Church. Rite
of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
This process aids adults in becoming full members of the Catholic
Church. It is not a “class” but a spiritual journey of conversion, starting with an informal inquiry
period followed by introduction to church teachings and tradition through
scripture and liturgy. This process is for those who are seeking Baptism
as well as those baptized in another Christian
tradition who wish to become Catholic. Catholics who have never
received First Eucharist or Confirmation are also welcome. A variation
exists for youth and older children who have not been baptized. ·
Sponsors are needed who are confirmed, practicing
Catholics. They must be friendly, open, able to listen, and willing to
share their faith stories. Attendance at special liturgies is required,
as well as the ability and resolve to connect regularly with their candidate. ·
Volunteers are also needed to welcome and share their faith
experience (short-term attendance at weekly sessions - either Sunday mornings
or weeknights) or to provide hospitality (refreshments and a smile. · Catechists help with teaching and Breaking Open the Word (exploring Sunday scripture), generally on Sunday mornings. Ability to work with either adults or children is helpful and attendance at occasional training or meetings is required. If you are interested in either learning more about becoming Catholic or about sharing your faith with others, contact Anne Marie Fourré, Director of Faith Formation at 510-995-9409 or afourre@sjbalameda.org. Special Religious Education (SPRED )
SPRED is a one-on-one program in the parishes of the Alameda Deanery ( SERVICE AND OUTREACH Alameda Food Bank
“Lord, where did we see you hungry and feed you?” “At the Alameda Food
Bank.” This volunteer non-profit collects and distributes donated food
to supplement the diets of over 500 families resident in Bronze Coast Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Are you prepared for the Big One? Want to help your neighbors when it hits?
The St Joseph Parish Center parking lot is the central meeting place for the
Bronze Coast Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), and is where team
members and other involved personnel looking to lend a hand will meet up in
the event of a disaster affecting the neighborhood bordered by Grand Street
to Willow Street, and Lincoln Avenue to the lagoon. Angel Giving Project
The Angel Giving Project is an Advent Ministry that enables parishioners to
anonymously provide Christmas gifts to needy Seniors, adults and children in
the Alameda/Oakland community. Collection Ministers
This ministry might
not seem like a ministry, but it is! Each Sunday, during the 9:30 and
11:30 Masses, ministers are needed to count and prepare our collections for
banking. These men and women offer their services to help lighten the
load of the parish staff and to insure the accuracy and safekeeping of Sunday
collections. Homeless/Shelter
Services This
Ministry is an excellent opportunity to help our sisters and brothers pull
through some of the hardest times of their lives, and for us to share the
gifts we’ve been freely given. Ministry
of Little Things
Little things add up. Being attentive to little things results in
projects moving along peacefully and in good order. This ministry was
established to provide help in the parish for those many little things that
crop up daily and that are not the responsibility of a specific
ministry. Some examples of ways to share your gifts and talents are:
preparing parish mailings, working on special photocopy projects, typing,
word processing, baking, cooking, helping with social events, etc. It
provides the opportunity to serve the community for those who do not have the
time or the inclination to be involved in an on-going ministry. Many of
the “little things” are one-time-only or short-term projects. Ministry To
Seniors/Visitors to the Sick
These two ministries of St. Joseph Community have recently merged to become
two "arms" of one ministry. This ministry gives
community members the opportunity to be ministers of laughter and joy, of
concern and compassion, of hospitality and recognition. Ministry to the Unemployed and
the Underemployed
Do you hear the call to embrace the opportunity to be the ears, eyes and
hands of Christ to those in need? If so, this ministry is for
you! We are living in difficult times. There is high unemployment
and underemployment. Many of our community members are in need of
emotional support and need a safe place to vent their pain. Quilters
St. Joseph Quilters are women who gather in the Parish Center on the second
Tuesday of each month to create beautiful, warm covers out of almost
nothing! Time, patience, care and much love goes into each stitch and
those who receive the handmade articles are blessed doubly by the warmth and
the love sewn into them. Rectory Assistants
Making a welcoming space for community members and others who come to the
rectory is a vital ministry. You are the first voice a caller hears,
the first face a visitor sees. By being yourself and sharing yourself
and your gift of hospitality with all, you can be an invaluable asset to the
work of God here at The St. Joseph Garden Club was formed by a group of
women who loved gardening and saw that the
gardens of the parish plant needed attention. They formed the Garden
Club for the purpose of beautifying the grounds and were the driving force
behind building a gathering space for the parish community. Currently
they help to maintain and plant certain areas of the parish gardens.
The Garden Club members sponsor the very popular annual “Gardens Galore”
garden tour each May. Proceeds from the garden tours have allowed them
to establish Tuition-Assistance Funds in both of our schools and donate funds
to the parish each year. Monthly meetings are held, on the second
Tuesday of the month in the Rectory Dining Room at 7pm. For more information about
the Garden Club activities you can contact Mary Ann Montandon, 510-865-1760 or
Kitty Long at 510-522-4973 Give the gift of immediate and personal assistance to
those in need, drawing upon the resources of the community and the St.
Vincent DePaul Society’s organization. Make a difference in the St. Joseph
Community. Make our parish a welcoming place for all of its
people. Live the message of Matthew 25. Sunday Coffee Social This ministry is one of hospitality and welcome. Ministers provide the opportunity for community members to gather and share the gift of each other after Sunday morning Masses. Either in the Gathering Space, or in the Learning Center, coffee and donuts provide the forum for sharing and conversation, which help to build community among us. Responsibilities include making the coffee, picking up the donuts, setting up before the 7:30am Mass and putting everything away after the 11:30am Mass. Please contact Eric Bertelsen, 995-9404, for information about how you can be a part of this active ministry.
Young
Ladies’ Institute - YLI
YLI is an organization of Catholic women dedicated to the Christian
principles of charity and love. Founded in Youth / Young Adults Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry works within the parish to provide community
prayer and fun events for teenagers. We seek to foster the faith life of
our youth and provide them with social, spiritual and service
opportunities. Ministering with youth is a great gift - they are
fun to be around and teach adults new things as well. Being part of the
Youth Ministry is a wonderful learning and teaching experience.
It passes on our faith in new ways to the young Church of today and tomorrow. We prepare teens for the Sacrament of Confirmation, have a Youth Mass each month, and provide teens with opportunities for retreats, community service, peer leadership development and small group experiences. Each of these ministry areas has opportunities to get involved and volunteer with our youth, including volunteering to help with retreats, facilitating small groups, cooking or volunteering with office tasks.
Young Adults of
Young adults (18 to 35),
married or single, have a unique opportunity to serve Christ and the
Church. We combine the energy of youth with greater experience and
independence. We celebrate our faith together through fellowship and social
activities, service to others, and spiritual development. A Steering
Committee helps plan, organize and publicize events. For more information
on how you can be a part of this life-giving ministry, please
Contact our Youth Minister Sarelle
McCoard at 510-326-2390 or email her at youthministry2009@gmail.com Young At Heart
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