Social & Service Ministries

Altar and Rosary Society

The Altar and Rosary Society is open to all women of the parish. Meetings are held the 4 th Tuesday of the month March-Dec. These meetings begin with the recitation of the Rosary, followed by a business meeting and social. The members put in many hours throughout the year in various fundraisers and activities, such as hoagie and other food sales, and flower sales. They lead the Rosary before weekend Masses in May and October as well as after morning
Masses throughout the year. In November they organize an Advent Reflection on the Sunday before Thanksgiving open to all parishioners and visitors. They support the parish in altar and church cleaning, providing baptismal bibs, and baking for special events. The proceeds from fundraisers are donated to the parish and other local organizations. For further information you can contact Linda Hoffstetter, President, at hoffyphotos@aol.com.

Knights of Columbus, Saint John Vianney Council #14840

The Knights of Columbus is a worldwide catholic fraternal organization guided by the principles of charity, unity, and fraternity. The Knights works to overcome the hardships that people face in their parishes and communities through charitable fundraisers and other volunteer work. Membership in the Knights of Columbus is open to men 18 years of age or older who are practicing Catholics in union with the Holy See. This means that a member accepts the teaching authority of the Catholic Church on matters of faith and morals, aspires to live in accord with the precepts of the Catholic Church, and is in good standing in the Catholic Church. Meetings are the second Wednesday of the month (except July) at 7:00 PM in the Parish Center. Special events are run throughout the year. For more information, please contact Josh Wenner, Grand Knight, jwenner683@yahoo.com, or Dave Grubb, Membership Director, dgrubb12@hotmail.com.

St. Vincent de Paul Society

Saint Vincent de Paul Society of St. Joseph Church assists those in our parish and in our community who are in need of material assistance. The Saint Vincent de Paul fund is supported entirely through voluntary donations. Referrals considered may be made known by those in need, as well as by their families and friends. Upon receiving a referral, every effort is made to ensure anonymity. Needs considered may relate to shelter, fuel assistance, clothing, car repair, limited mortgage/rent assistance and gift cards for food items not available at Betty Lou’s Pantry. Please contact the rectory for assistance.

Catholic Charities -- Bringing Hope to Our Neighbors in Need
Catholic Charities, Diocese of Allentown provides compassionate, professional service, advocacy, and hope to individuals, families and communities, regardless of faith. We respond to the most urgent needs in our community—offering hope, healing, and dignity to those facing life’s greatest challenges.
Catholic Charities provides:
 Counseling and guidance for individuals and families
 Parenting and pregnancy support services
 Case management services to homeless and/or at risk veterans and their families
 Ombudsman advocacy for elderly residents in care facilities
 Assistance for those experiencing homelessness and hunger
Every act of kindness—whether it's sharing a meal, offering a listening ear, or extending a helping hand—makes a profound difference in someone’s life.
The Catholic Charities Community Café Kitchen
Located at 179 W. Chew Street in Allentown, the Community Café Kitchen welcomes anyone facing food insecurity. Nutritious meals are served with dignity from 12–1 PM every Friday, Saturday, and Monday.
Join Us in Serving Others -- Your time and compassion are needed. To volunteer or learn more about the services Catholic Charities offers, please contact us at catholiccharities@allentowndiocese.org or call 610-435-
1541.

Betty Lou's Pantry
Betty Lou’s Pantry is a non-profit organization of participating churches in the Southern Lehigh area committed to gathering and distributing food products from our Lord’s bounty to our neighbors in need.  Distributions are on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month from 9-11am, and St. Joseph Church is responsible for providing volunteers for several of these Saturdays each year. Sign ups for volunteering and food collections are communicated in the bulletin. 

For moreinformation, visit http://www.bettylouspantry.com.

Church Housekeepers

Our church was built in 1970 but has a look of newness about it as a result of the tireless efforts of men and women volunteers who have kept the building interior spotless throughout the years. Meeting after Mass on Saturday mornings, these unsung helpers quietly go about their work for the Lord’s House. Additional anonymous and faithful helpers are always greatly appreciated. For further information, please call the church office.

Parish Nursing

Parish nurses volunteer every third weekend to check blood pressures after the Saturday evening and Sunday Masses in the children’s playroom. There are cuffs for everyone—infant, child, L & XL adults and thigh (amputees). Healthy tips are occasionally submitted in the bulletin during the year. Equipment has been funded by the Altar & Rosary Society and Knights of Columbus. Nurses and other medical persons are invited to join our mission to offer services on a regular basis. For more information, contact Patricia A. Landis, BSN, RN at 610-965-2923.

Calvary Cemetery Upkeep Committee

The cemetery is maintained by the parishioners of St.
Joseph Church under the guidance of Father Buckley. Blue bins are on the right side of the cemetery for families to use to dispose of nonbiodegradable items as they remove them from their family gravesites. Three times a year, (the Saturday before Palm Sunday, the last Saturday of June, and the Saturday before Thanksgiving) a group gathers to clean off old dead arrangements and collect trash throughout the cemetery. For further information contact
Linda Hoffstetter at hoffyphotos@aol.com or 610-653-9542.