Pastoral Care
Pastoral Care is simply our way as a parish of trying to respond to people in need as Jesus did as a Good Shepherd. Members of the parish community are called in baptism to serve one another and the wider community. Christ said that if we visited the sick, ministered to those in prison or helped the “anawim” (the little ones), that we did it to him. Thus we encourage people to always call us if there is any way that we can together assist those in need. Our community believes strongly in caring for each other, especially during difficult times. Please contact Deacon Greg Clodi for more information, to volunteer or to request services at 815-939-3573 ext. 103.
List of Services
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EmergenciesList Item 1
Always call the office at 815-939-3573 to reach a priest in an emergency. Please leave a message, but continue trying to reach us if needed.
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Pastoral Visits
Pastoral Visits: To schedule a visit from our care ministers, call 815-939-3573 ext. 103. Transportation to church services is provided with sufficient notice.
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Communion to the Homebound
St. Joseph Parish has a ministry to those who are homebound or in nursing homes. Eucharistic Ministers or Care Ministers visit the homes of our parishioners and bring them Communion on a regular basis. If you or a loved one in the parish cannot attend Mass regularly, please call the parish office, 815-939-3573, or Deacon Leon Fritz, 815-932-6909
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Parish Nursing Ministry
These nurses work together with the parish in the ongoing conversion of the faith community toward health and healing. The Parish Nurse Ministry needs volunteers from all healthcare fields. If you feel that you have been called to serve, you would like to speak with the parish nurse for services, call 815-939-3573 ext. 307 (leave message).
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Funeral Planning
Ministers will work with any family preparing for a funeral. Call the office before the death if possible. After scheduling arrangements are made, our pastoral associate, Deacon Greg Clodi, coordinates the service, and makes himself available to pray with the family, answer questions, and plan the funeral liturgy. We also offer a printed program with the order of service.
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Council of Catholic Women
All women of the parish are members of the CCW. In September there is a special collection (dues) for CCW. All women of the parish are welcome to attend CCW meetings at 7 p.m. every third Tuesday of the month at the Parish Hall
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Mass of Anointing Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
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Holy Name
Holy Name does many renovation projects at the parish and provides financial assistance for various programs and ministries. In an effort to raise funds, the group hosts various fundraisers throughout the year. Holy Name meets the first Sunday of the month after 8:30 a.m. Mass. All men are invited. For more details, call 815-939-2935.
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Knights of Columbus
Among their many activities, the Knights of St. Joseph Parish participate annually in the Tootsie Roll Drive to raise money for those with developmental disabilities and hold fundraising events to benefit the parish and other causes. The Knights will work with whatever time you have available. For more information, sluehrs@sbcglobal.net.
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Blood Drives
Our parish hosts regular Blood Drives as a way of following Christ’s mandate to heal the sick. There is much technology in our world, but scientists have yet to develop a method for synthesizing blood. It’s up to us to share this most precious gift. Sign-in for our next Blood Drive on our homepage.
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Food Collection
Parishioners donate food at the back of church before Mass. Donations are picked up on Mondays and transported to the Center of Hope in Kankakee. This organization offers help as qualifying clients can choose 10-12 items weekly from its shelves. For every 1,000 pounds donated, the Knights match with $100 for the Center of Hope. Please be generous.
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Mobile Food Pantry Write a description for this list item and include information that will interest site visitors. For example, you may want to describe a team member's experience, what makes a product special, or a unique service that you offer.
