African Parishioners of Saint Joseph (APOSJ)

Ministry Lead: Dr. Chinonso Akano | chinonsoakano@yahoo.com | (646) 552-5425

The APOSJ is for fun-filled fellowship and networking sessions. Our ministry is a culturally diverse family. APOSJ’s flagship programs include hosting our annual colorful and fun-filled family-oriented Pentecost Sunday celebration for all parishioners, monthly meetings, African story-telling events, bowling, picnics and providing support in all areas of the church. Membership is open to all parishioners of the church especially those of African descent and this includes everybody interested in being a part of our diverse and inclusive family.

Basketball League

Ministry Lead: John Moore | john.titan@icloud.com | (404) 824-0542

Our Youth Basketball Program participates in the Catholic Metro League of Atlanta (CMLA). The program focuses on the development of basketball skills, team participation, and sportsmanship. Children in grades three to eight are welcome to join the parish program. The season runs from early October through early February, with an average of nine or ten games played on the weekends throughout the season starting in November. Practice times are assigned during the week and are held in the school gym. For our younger children in grades K-two, the Lil’ Cougars program is a developmental program teaching the fundamentals of basketball. This short program runs during the winter, normally on Saturdays.

Boy Scouts

Ministry Lead: Chase Crowson, Scoutmaster | chasecrowson@gmail.com| (404) 822-7964

Ministry Lead: Chuck Niswonger, Charter Org. Rep. | chuck.niswonger@gmail.com | (770) 309-0444

Saint Joseph Church is proud to charter Troop 287 as part of our Community Life Ministry! Boys and girls who are rising 6th graders through age 18 can join anytime during the year. We welcome families of all religious faiths into a well-structured program with dedicated leaders. Participants will experience a wide range of activities that promote leadership opportunities, exposure to multiple career options and charater development that is consistent with the BSA program. Troop meetings are typically Monday evenings in Marist Hall at 7:00 PM. Volunteer opportunities are always available.

Care for Creation

Ministry Lead: Diane LaRoss | dflaross@gmail.com | (770)426-0995

As a part of the Archdiocesan Laudato Si' Initiative guided by Pope Francis' encyclical, Care for Our Common Home, our Care for Creation Ministry promotes stewardship of the amazing gifts God has given us and our parish family.

We are working to reduce energy and water consumption and waste at St. Joseph's and to implement a parish-wide recycling program.

Church Cleaning

Ministry Lead: Mary Jo Halcik | maryjohalcik@gmail.com | (770)426-0995

Join us Thursday mornings to vacuum, wash windows and doors, and perform all the other housekeeping tasks that keep our church looking clean and inviting.

Cub Scouts

Ministry Lead: John Williams, Cubmaster | Johnwil1@msn.com | (678) 485-9384

Ministry Lead: Chuck Niswonger, Charter Org. Rep. | Chuck.niswonger@gmail.com | (770) 309-0444

Saint Joseph Church is proud to charter Pack 287 as part of our Community Life Ministry! Boys and girls in kindergarten - fifth grade can join anytime during the year. We welcome families of all religious faiths into a well-structured program with dedicated leaders. Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program that provides encouragement to “Do Your Best” and promotes family values, life skills, and teamwork. Volunteer opportunities are always available.

Girl Scouts & Brownies

Ministry Lead: Ruth Weaver | rmeidlinger@earthlink.net | 404-386-3634

The Girl Scouting program builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Saint Joseph’s Girl Scouting provides girls ages five – seventeen with a wide variety of service and leadership opportunities and life-long friendships. Saint Joseph has one of the strongest Girl Scout programs in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Adult volunteers are always welcome.

Girls' Volleyball League

Ministry Lead: Kari Brannan | katelynmom79@gmail.com

The Saint Joseph Girls’ Volleyball Program participates in the Catholic Metro Volleyball League (CMVL). The program focuses on the development of basic volleyball skills, which include sportsmanship and collaborative teamwork. Girls in grades five - eight are welcome to join the parish program. The season runs from August through October, with games played on Saturday mornings. Practice for volleyball begins in the summer and is held in the school gym. For our younger girls and boys in grades K-four, the Lil’ Cougars volleyball is a developmental program which teaches the fundamentals of Volleyball in a fun and skill-focused environment. This short program runs during the spring, normally on Sunday.

Grounds Keeping

Ministry Lead: Mike Pfister | fpfister@comcast.net | (470)423-9840

The Grounds Keeping ministry completes projects on the church grounds including mowing, weeding, trimming, leaf removal, maintenance of shrubs and flower beds and other jobs that help maintain our grounds and gardens. The group meets on Saturday mornings to complete these projects, but volunteers who are not available on Saturdays work on a designated area of grounds during other times more convenient to them. Time Commitment: Typically two hours on Saturday mornings. No weekly commitment is necessary. We appreciate help when it is available.

Hospitality - Caring and Sharing

Ministry Lead: Sharon Austin | skaustin1951@yahoo.com

The Caring and Sharing ministry supports the Parish by assisting with projects designated by the pastor. Also, the ministry shows support to families of deceased parishioners by preparing food, offering prayer, or attending the Funeral.

Parishwide Events

Ministry Lead: Susan Droege | jaegerwolfman@gmail.com | (770) 856-8600

We welcome volunteers in all areas from planning to implementation of events. Any and all talents are welcome.

Welcoming Ministry

Ministry Lead: Joel Raeber | joelraeber@comcast.net| (770) 778-4516

Our Welcome Desk in the rear of the Narthex is open before and after each Mass on the weekends. Volunteers provide parish information regarding all Sacraments and Ministries. While we mainly serve new parishioners, we also answer general questions. Volunteers also help organize social gatherings to welcome new parishioners.

Women of Saint Joseph (WOSJ)

Ministry Lead: Kathy Bearden | kathy@kbearden.com| (678) 640-7108

All women of the Parish are welcome to events and gatherings. We meet periodically throughout the year for social, spiritual, and educational fun. We also support a variety of parish projects on an as needed basis. Our group has an annual Christmas retreat and luncheon celebration the first Saturday in December. Please watch the bulletin for meeting details and be sure to sign up for our email news and announcements by sending your name and email to: cgibbs@bellsouth.net.