ADULT EDUCATION
Our Baptismal call is to a lifelong spiritual journey and continual development of our faith. Growing in holiness and discipleship involves a willingness to continue to learn throughout one's whole life about the faith and how to live it. St. Joseph's offers adult education in conjunction with the Faith Formation Office. There are a series of mini-courses, seminars, retreats, mornings and evenings of reflection, Bible and book studies planned for the 2009-2010 year. Many opportunities to grow in knowledge and faith are available.
Contact:863 - 682 - 0555 x 245, Janet Scarcia, jscarcia@stjosephlakeland.org
Alumni Association
Organized in 1997, the St. Joseph's Academy Alumni Association provides an opportunity for persons who have attended St. Joseph's Academy to associate and communicate together, perpetuate, renew and make new friendships, to promote common objectives for the benefit of St. Joseph's Academy, to solicit endowments and annual gifts, and to maintain a rapport between the academy administration, the parish, the general public and the alumni of the Academy. Alumni are encouraged to sign up via the academy's website at www.stjoelakeland.org to keep up to date with the happenings of St. Joseph's Academy.
Contact: 863 - 683 - 7952, Cindy Pilka
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Catechists
Catechists echo the Good News, the Word of God. They are a very special group of people who are passionate about their faith and are "called" to teach. Catechists are moved by the Holy spirit to evangelize, to be living witnesses. Catechists are not experts and instruction/support is provided through the Diocese of Orlando as well as here at St. Joseph's Parish. Whether you enjoy working with children, teens or adults, please consider joining this essential and most rewarding ministry.
Contact:863 - 687-8873 x 240, Cathy Lausell,religious.education@stjosephlakeland.org
Cub Scouts
At St. Joseph's Parish we have several dens of Boy Scouts. We are part of Pack #737 with Lakeland Christian School and have Tiger Cubs, Wolf Cubs, Bear Cubs and Webelos! The individual dens meet different days and times, but all Cub packs lead these young boys to a future with Boy Scouts. Tiger Cubs are boys in Grade One, Wolf Cubs are in Grade Two, Bear Cubs are in Grade Three, and Webelos are Grades Four and Five. Any boy is welcome to join whether from St. Joseph's or not! The boys learn about service to community through fun and games, service activities and crafts. Patches and pins are also earned through their service projects. Please call if you have a boy who is interested in a great time!
Contact :Jim Orfield at Corfield@Yahoo.com
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Emmaus Retreats
These are parish-based retreats where parishioners experience God's unconditional love and deepen their faith through community-building, witness talks, worship and prayer. They are offered on weekends in the Fall and Spring for both men and women.
Contact: 863 - 644 - 5074, Tony & Betty Kelly , 863 - 648 - 2446, Chuck & MaryEllen Henry
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Faith and Light
Faith and Light was born of a pilgrimage to Lourdes in 1971. It was intended to help mentally challenged people find their rightful place at the heart of the Church. So that the pilgrimage might not just be a one-time event, participating members had to be from a community of mentally challenged persons and their parents and friends, particularly young people. In a Faith and Light community, between ten and thirty people come together at least once a month. Approximately one-third of the community are mentally challenged people, one-third are parents (as well as brothers and sisters), and one-third are friends. All age groups (children, teens, and adults) are welcome. At community gatherings there is time for prayer, for spending time in sharing (perhaps in small groups), and time for celebration together. Meetings are held on the 3rd Saturdays of every month at Church of the Resurrection's Fr. Sheedy Building. During the month, members stay in touch with each other on an informal basis.
Contact:863 - 682 - 7878, Dee Miller
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The Office of Religious Education at St. Joseph's offers a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of all members of our parish. The most familiar program is our Religious Education program for elementary aged children. Ninety minute classes are held once a week for children in pre-kindergarten (age 4) through eighth grade. The Pre-K youngsters as well as 1st and 2nd grade students meet on Sunday mornings from 8:45 am until 10:15 am in the school classrooms. A variety of adultoriented studies are also held on Sundays from 9:00 am to 10:00 am in the Pastoral Center Conference room. Religious education courses for grades three through eight are held on Wednesday evenings. On Wednesdays we begin in the church (with parents, guardians, caregivers) at 6:15 pm until 6:30 pm.Then students attend class from 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm. There is time for fellowship in the Parish Hall on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings prior to classes. Faith Formation is an ongoing lifelong process and we hope to provide for your spiritual journey.
Contact:863 - 687-8873 x 240 ,Cathy Lausell , religious.education@stjosephlakeland.org
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M.O.M.S. – Ministry of Mothers Sharing
MOMS is an opportunity for mothers and grandmothers of all ages to come together in a small group setting in order to share, listen, and grow in faith together. The program creates awareness of the inner sacred self while at the same time teaching new ways to inspire, encourage and affirm each other. Through the process of personal and spiritual growth, women have the opportunity to clarify their values, claim their own giftedness, and bring these strengths to their family relationships, and to the Christian community .
Contact: 863 - 666 - 1479, Shelley Winebarger
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Parent-Teacher Organization
The goal of the PTO is to further facilitate warm relationships and communication between home and school and to assist the St. Joseph's Academy in some fundraising efforts, which directly benefit the children. All parents are invited to join and participate in the wide range of activities and programs offered throughout the academy year.
Contact:863 - 619 - 2429, Colleen Hiers,cwhitfl696@aol.com
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Parish/School Annual Picnic
Every Fall, we plan a time full of fun and relaxation! Young and old come for a day of games, food, fellowship and much more! Keep an eye on the bulletin announcements where you will find this information or call the Parish Office.
Contact:863 - 682 - 0555
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Retrouvaille (Retro-vi)
A program designed to help heal and renew troubled marriages. Retrouvaille, a world-wide organization, was originated in Canada in the 1970's. The word "retrouvaille" simply means rediscovery. Our program offers you the chance to rediscover yourself, your spouse, and a loving relationship in your marriage.
Contact:407 - 246 - 4865, Diocese of Orlando Family Life Office
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R.C.I.A.-Rite Of Christian Initiation Of Adults
The RCIA is the process by which a person becomes a member of the Roman Catholic Church or if already a member having been Baptized a Catholic, needs to enter into the Full-Communion of the Church (needing to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Eucharist).
Anyone interested in this process needs to be able to attend a weekly session as well as take part in special Rites as we move from one stage to the next. The Rites take place at a Sunday Liturgy during the seasons of Advent and Lent, for the most part. If you wish to become a member of the "RCIA Team" serving as a Sponsor, Facilitator, Catechist or Welcomer, and work closer with those wishing to become Catholic or enter into the Full-membership of the Church, it is necessary to be a practicing Catholic, as well as a committed person who is willing and able to walk on a JOURNEY of FAITH alongside someone who needs support, guidance and example pertaining to the Catholic Church faith, teaching and practices.
Contact:863 - 682 - 0555, Sister Jean Rene,pastoral.ministry@stjosephlakeland.org
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SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Baptism
Infants
We celebrate the sacrament of Baptism most weekends, except for high seasons and Lent. Baptism takes place after either the 4pm Mass on Saturday, or after the 12 noon Mass on Sunday. In this sacrament of initiation and welcome, we ask parents and Godparents to attend a pre-baptism class as part of a discernment process before Baptism. Parents must be registered members of St. Joseph's Parish. One sponsor for the child (Godparent) must be a practicing, confirmed Catholic, over 16 years of age and if married, must be married in the Catholic Church. Both must be Christian. If you have questions about Baptism, please call.
Contact:863 - 682 - 0555 x 245, Janet Scarcia
Children over the age of 7
Unbaptized children of catechetical age and the age of reason (age 7) will be prepared to be welcomed into the Church over a school year period. Classes will be held during the Parish Sacramental Preparation times. Check the bulletin for the schedule of these sessions.
Contact:863-682-0555, x 240 & 245, Cathy Lausell & Janet Scarcia,
First Reconciliation
All baptized parish children (school and Faith Formation) in grade two and above will be prepared for this sacrament in the Parish Sacramental Preparation Sessions. Check the bulletin for the schedule of these sessions.
Contact:863 - 682 - 0555 x 240, Cathy Lausell, religious.education@stjosephlakeland.org
First Communion
All baptized parish children (school and Faith Formation) in grade two and above will be prepared for this sacrament in the Parish Sacramental Preparation Sessions. Check the bulletin for the schedule of these sessions.
Contact: 863 - 682-0555 x240, Cathy Lausell, religious.education@stjosephlakeland.org
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation and a completion of Baptism. Confirmation sessions for Youth are for those students who are at least ninth graders in high school or home school. Attendance at six monthly sessions beginning in January, three parent/sponsor/student sessions, a Day of Reflection and practices are the agenda. In addition, spiritual and service opportunities are offered.
At St. Joseph's Church the Sacrament of Confirmation is usually received in the Fall when the Bishop visits our area.
Contact: 863 - 682-0555 x 240, Cathy Lausell, religious.education@stjosephlakeland.org
Marriage Preparation
Engaged couples need to call the Parish Office for an appointment with a priest at least 4 months prior to anticipated wedding date. No date can be set until after this meeting. Couples are expected to meet several times with the priest, a mentoring couple and to attend Engaged Encounter.
Contact: 863-682-0555 x 205 & 210, Cary Gomez or Christina Coffey, parish.administration@stjoephlakeland.org
Annulments
As a result of the Diocesan Synod, the Most Reverend Thomas Wenski, Bishop of Orlando, hired Sister Joyce Rohlik, BVM as Regional Advocate for Annulments in the Polk County Area. Sister Joyce has introduced annulment petitions for all our parishes. She has an office at Resurrection parish. Anyone in need of her services is encouraged to avail themselves of this service. It is hoped that this process will bring healing to the lives of many through the ministry of the Marriage Tribunal.
Contact:863-646-3556, X101, Sister Joyce Rohlik, BVM
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Saint Joseph's Academy
St. Joseph's Academy is the school ministry of our parish. Since 1938, the academy has educated many generations in our Catholic faith with high academic standards. St. Joseph's Academy serves students from preschool through 8th grade.
St. Joseph's Academy moved to a new location at 310 McDonald Street in the Lake Morton Historic District. The 2009/2010 school year began in this facility. This new location provides the opportunity to develop partnerships within the community, teaching students that community involvement is important.
St. Joseph's Academy will focus on individualized population where instruction is focused on the individual to ensure that all learners progress, the school will be equipped with the latest technology and will also expand the media, arts, music and sports programs.
The academy was able to move to this new location through the Alive In Christ capital campaign.
Each year, Catholic Schools Week is celebrated during the last week of January. The academy comes together with the parish and community to celebrate the achievements and benefits of Catholic Schools.
To learn more about St. Joseph's Academy, please visit the academy's website at www.stjoelakeland.org.
Contact:863 - 686 - 6415, Lana Swartzwelder
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Santa Fe Catholic High School
Santa Fe Catholic High School has a distinguished history of excellence in educating and nurturing young people. Our curriculum is designed to be challenging for students on all levels and includes honors, advanced placement, the Summa Cum Laude Program, and dual enrollment opportunities. While our emphasis is on academics, we recognize that our students need to grow in body and spirit as well as mind. To that end, we provide a number of extracurricular activities including a comprehensive athletic program and a variety of student clubs and organizations. Santa Fe is accredited by the Commission on Secondary and Middle Schools, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Santa Fe is located at 3110 Highway 92 East, Lakeland, Florida 33801.
Contact: 863 - 665 - 4188, Ms. Gwen Cote
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Vacation Bible School
What summer is complete without Vacation Bible School?
For one week each summer, we have a great session of VBS complete with fun, games, snacks, music, drama and much, much more. Watch the bulletin for more details in the beginning of the summer. We are always looking for fun adults (parents, grandparents etc.) to be involved! Please call to volunteer for this FUN week of faith!
Contact:863 - 682-0555 x 240, Cathy Lausell, religious.education@stjosephlakeland.org
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Youth Ministry
St. Joseph's Youth Program is a Eucharist-based ministry that assists our young people in their faith journey. This gathering of the children in Grades 6 through 12, teaches Catholic traditions and prayers through spiritual and service based opportunities.
The youth of St. Joseph's Parish are ambassadors for Christ to our church and our community. Our motto is J.O.Y. True joy is serving Jesus first, Others second and then You.
Contact: 863 - 682 - 0555 x 240, Cathy Lausell, religious.education@stjosephlakeland.org
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