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Ministries


There are many ministries at St. Joseph the Worker.  For more information please call the Parish Center at 818-341-6634.

 

Administration

 

Finance Council

 

Parishioners with financial backgrounds who advise the Pastor regarding the management of parish finances.

Pastoral Council

 

An organized advisory group to assist the Pastor in carrying out his role as Pastor. The Council assists the Pastor in developing the parish vision, identifying needs, prioritizing those needs and assessing the parish mission, goals, and use of resources.

Filipino Council

 

Coordinates and communicates the various functions and activities of the parish among the Filipino parishioners.  Brings to the parish the various Filipino religious practices that are deeply rooted among Filipinos.

 

Hispanic Council

 

Plans and coordinates the activities and cultural traditions of the Hispanic parishioners and provides outreach to the surrounding communities.

Vietnamese Council

 

Maintains and develops the Vietnamese cultural and traditional Catholic faith practices and to help a majority of parishioners who currently encounter a language barrier. Analyzes and prioritizes the needs of the Vietnamese in the parish. Advises the Vietnamese Associate priest.

Safeguard the Children

 

A committee of parishioners, in conjunction with   parents, civil authorities, educators, and community organizations, working together to provide education and training for children, youth, parents, ministers, educators, volunteers, and others in order  to make and maintain a safe environment for children and young people.

Money Counting

 

Counts offertory collection.  Volunteers selected by the Pastor.  Requires honesty and solid math skills.

FAITH FORMATION

 

Crecimientos

 

A weekly Spanish language adult education program to answer your questions about the Catholic faith. 

Bible Study

 

Meet with fellow parishioners to study, share, and pray the Scripture. Offered in English, Spanish and Vietnamese.

Semilla Del Reino

 

Literally, the seeds of the kingdom, this Spanish-language 17-week program sews the seed of faith in those seeking deeper understanding of the Catholic faith. It is designed for adults over 18 who have been baptized but not received the Sacrament of Confirmation or First Communion.

Baptism Preparation

 

Baptism is the beginning of the journey of faith for your child.  Through baptism, your child becomes part of our faith community in the Catholic Church. Also know as pre-baptism, these classes are designed to instruct and prepare parents and Godparents about their responsibilities and to enlighten them about the meaning of baptism.

Confirmation / Youth Ministry

 

A two year program that prepares the candidates for reception of the sacrament and to inspire in each candidate the desire to continue their own faith journey throughout their lives. Encourages community and develops a sense of belonging.

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation)

 

This is a process of welcoming, education, evangelizing, and conversion.  If you have not been baptized or are a non-Catholic or if you have been baptized but have not received the sacrament of First Communion you may seek Confirmation through the RCIA. Reception of the sacraments normally takes place at the Easter Vigil, the day before Easter.

St. Joseph the Worker School

 

St. Joseph the Worker is a fully accredited, Catholic parish school in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The parish serves its community through the school by providing a caring, educational environment in which each child is able to develop spiritually, academically, socially, and physically. In full cooperation with the family, the faculty and staff provide the students with a foundation for success in high school and for development into responsible adolescents and adults. By affirming and modeling the values Jesus lived and taught, the school community reflects the parish's Catholic identity.

Small Faith Communities

 

Groups of 5-15 parishioners who meet on a regular basis to discuss the Word of God, to share their faith, to bring fellowship, to live out Christian values and connect faith to everyday life, and to support the parish community and each other.   Groups usually meet monthly in homes.

Vacation Bible School

 

A Catholic summer camp experience for elementary and middle school children.

Religious Education Program

 

Teaches elementary and middle school children the basics of Catholic faith and prepares them for the Sacraments of First Penance and First Communion as well as post sacramental classes.

Nueva Generacion en Jesus Cristo

 

The Group of Young Adults, New Generation in Jesus Christ, is a Spanish-language ministry that invites the youth of the parish to learn more about their religion, get closer to God, and to make new friends as they participate in various activities like The Passion Play and La Pastorela, the traditional shepherd’s play.

WORSHIP

 

Altar Servers

Leo Costanzo

 

Assists the priests at al of the Daily and Sunday mass liturgies and at funerals, marriages, quinceaneras, First Communions, Confirmation, the Stations of the Cross during Lent and at masses on Holy Days of Obligation.  They serve in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Charismatic Prayer Group

 

The Prayer Groups in English and Spanish, are composed of members who have received a renewal in the Baptism and charisms of the Holy Spirit.  The main objective is evangelization which is accomplished through weekly gatherings, group sharing, and healing masses.  The gifts of the Holy Spirit are exercised in prayer and worship, healing prayer, word gifts of knowledge, prophecy, and inspired reflections.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word

 

The gospel adapted for children ages 5 to 11.  Children are gathered at the altar for a prayer and then go to a classroom to study the word.

Environment Committee

 

Provides ongoing decoration of the church as the liturgical year requires, such as Advent. Lent, Christmas, and Holy Week.

Eucharistic Ministry

 

Parishioners who distribute the Sacred Body and Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ at mass.  Each minister is trained and receives certification prior to receiving their commission by the Pastor before the parish community.

Infant Jesus of Prague Apostolic Group

 

Since 1984, this group holds an annual 9-hour novena devotional to the Infant Jesus of Prague, featuring a replica of the famous 17th century statue residing in Prague, Czechoslovakia.

Lectors

 

Publicly proclaim the Word of God at mass. Lectors are trained in the readings and gain deeper knowledge of and love for God.

Liturgy Committee

 

Evaluates, recommends, and assists with the planning of the liturgical activities of the parish. The group meets 8 times a year in order to foster increased participation on the part of the laity in all liturgical functions.

Mass Coordinators/Sacristans

 

Oversees all the liturgical ministers at mass including, lectors, Eucharistic ministers, altar servers, ushers, and musicians. They set up the sanctuary, organize communion stations, confirm lector and server assignments and other duties as needed to allow mass to be celebrated as prayerfully as possible.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

 

A devotional prayer group that gathers each Wednesday to pray before the exposed blessed sacrament and to our Mother Mary for blessings.

Simbang Gabi

 

9 days of masses celebrating the birth of Christ beginning each year on December 15 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels ending on December 23.  While the masses are generally in English, they may include Filipino Christmas traditions and prayers. The masses are rotated among various parishes in the San Fernando Valley.

Ushers and Greeters

 

Greets parishioners and visitors as they arrive at church.  Assists with seating, presentation of the gifts at mass, and distribution of communion.  Collects offertory and passes out bulletins after mass.

Wedding Coordinator

 

Assists with all aspects of the wedding ceremony including rehearsals and the physical aspects of the church. Offers suggestions on florists, photographers, and other service details.

Music Ministry

 

Good and appropriate music enhances the mass experience and contributes to the liturgy and spirituality. This ministry is for anyone who enjoys psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs and can sing or play an instrument. New members are always welcome. Choirs sing in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. Each of our masses offers different types of music.  There are also dance ministries including liturgical dance and ballet folklorico.

Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick

 

Ministers visit with and bring Holy Communion to home-bound parishioners and those in hospitals and nursing homes.

Rosary Group

 

Prays the rosary after each weekday mass in the church.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

 

Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is a means of focusing the heart and mind in prayer, with attention fixed on the mystery of the Eucharistic presence of Christ in church.

First Friday Adoration

 

The Blessed Sacrament is exposed for viewing the first First Friday of each month.

OUTREACH

 

ACCW

 

The Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women is a social ministry to meet and spend time with women of other parishes.  Its purpose is to promote among its members devotion to Christ and to His Church through the dedication to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The group meets 3 times a year.

Bereavement Ministry

 

Provides spiritual and emotional support to families following the death of a loved one. Ministers help with funeral arrangements, planning the liturgy, and funeral reception.

Catholic Daughters of America

 

The largest Catholic women’s group in the country, our local chapter meets monthly in the name of unity, charity, and service.  The Catholic Daughters show their hospitality each Sunday after the first two morning masses serving coffee and donuts.

Gift Shop

 

Raises money for the parish by selling religious merchandise in the vestibule of the church each Sunday and Wednesday morning.

Hospitality Committee

 

Organizes receptions, dinners, luncheons, simple refreshments, and the food and beverage component of a variety of parish events at the request of the Pastor and parish staff.

Literacy Group

 

Teaches English in order to promote reading and understanding for non-English speakers and the poor.

New Leaf Divorced and Separated

 

A support group that assists those who are divorced and separated to cope with the loss and the grief. The group meets twice a month.

St. Vincent de Paul Society

 

The local chapter feeds the needy of our parish and surrounding community through a food pantry and cash assistance. 

Warm Up America

 

Crochets blankets on a weekly basis for the poor. Meets every Monday except in the summer.

Women’s Journey

 

A women’s support group for women in the parish to share their thoughts and concerns. Meets twice a month from September to June.