Explore St. Joseph
Contact Us
Monday through Friday
9:00am – 4:00pm
411 East Second St.
Dayton, OH 45402
937-228-9272
St. Joseph
Ministries
Councils & Committees
Combined Parish and Finance Council
As part of the Beacons of Light initiative, the St. Gaspar Family of Parishes has established a combined Pastoral Council and a combined Finance Council, with each of the six parishes contributing two representatives to each council.
A key element of Beacons of Light is the creation of unified councils for each Family of Parishes. These councils offer guidance to pastors and parish staff, shaping ministry goals and evaluating progress based on the spiritual, social, and practical needs of the community. While pastoral councils typically include 6 to 14 members, the St. Gaspar Family’s model ensures equal representation from each parish, promoting collaboration and unity across the entire Family.
Members are generally selected through nominations and a period of prayerful discernment, serving staggered three-year terms to maintain continuity. The purpose of these combined councils is to foster shared leadership and build a stronger, mission-driven parish community that is well-equipped to serve and evangelize effectively.
Unified Parish Council Members
- PRECIOUS BLOOD: Becky Chestnut, Jenn Smith
- ST. RITA: Mike Boyd, Joyce Bachmann
- ST. PAUL: Kathy Wirrig, Mark Casdorph
- EMMANUEL: Mike Stoner, Tom Scarpelli
- HOLY TRINITY: Brad Thobe, Katrekia Gambrell (TT)
- ST. JOSEPH: Jeri Mechenbier, Gary Roeckner
Unified Finance Council Members
- PRECIOUS BLOOD: Marty Blasko, John Kettler
- ST. RITA: Sherry Boyd, Bob Wagner
- ST. PAUL: Bob Chodkowski, Missy Grant
- EMMANUEL: Mike Lee, Kevin Brown
- HOLY TRINITY: Amy Wiedeman, Tim Becker
- ST. JOSEPH: Ralph McEldowney, Rita Zimmerman
Liturgical Ministries
Altar Servers
Altar servers assist the priest during the liturgies. Their roles include preparing the Communion vessels prior to Mass, arranging the liturgical books, lighting candles, and properly cleaning and storing the vessels after Mass, assisting the celebrant with the distribution of Holy Communion, proclaiming the readings, and carrying the processional cross and sometimes incense and candles. They hold the proper liturgical book for the presider and perform other functions that enable the celebration to flow in a reverential manner.
Training is required and provided. Special training is provided for servers for funeral Masses. If you are interested, please contact the parish office at 937-228-9272.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Eucharistic ministers distribute the Body and Blood of Christ to fellow Catholics at Mass. This ministry is open to those who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Training is provided. If you are interested, please contact the parish office at 937-228-9272.
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the scripture at Mass. The ministry of the lector is of utmost importance to the life of the Church, for the lector proclaims God’s Living Word. Training is provided. If you are interested, please contact the parish office at 937-228-9272.
Ushers
Ushers greet and assist or direct parishioners and visitors attending Mass and liturgies. They also help members of the congregation who require special assistance. The ushers also take up the collection, recruit gift bearers to take up the gifts, direct the Communion procession when needed, and distribute liturgy aids. They are prepared to contact emergency assistance if anyone present should need it.
If you are interested, please contact the parish office at 937-228-9272.
Parish Ministries
Health Ministry
The Health Ministry is a combined effort of Holy Trinity and St. Joseph parishes. It is composed of parish members with a health care background or an interest in health. They carry out the healing mission of the church by promoting wellness through education and service. Others from the remaining family of parishes are welcome.
Respect Life Ministry
The St. Gaspar Respect Life Group endeavors through its activities to support a consistent ethic that promotes the dignity of all human life, created by God for His plan and purpose and thus sacred from conception to natural death. We hold quarterly meetings to determine joint activities for the year, as well as sharing events particular to each parish. While we have representation from all six parishes, we joyfully welcome parishioners to join our group as we strive to build a Culture of Life in our parishes and community. Contact Debbie Nieport (St. Rita of Cascia Catholic Church) at 937-829-4646.
Social Committee
The Social Committee organizes social gatherings to promote community by sharing a meal and fellowship together. They plan the parish picnic, potluck dinners, and monthly coffee and donuts.
The Social Committee welcomes new members! Please contact the parish office for more information.
Bereavement
Families may choose to utilize our Parish Center to host a meal following a funeral at St. Joseph. Help is needed to set up the center, meet the caterer, welcome the family and attendees, serve the food, and clean up after the meal. Please contact the parish office if you are interested in being on call for this parish ministry.
Church Cleaning Crew
The volunteer cleaning crew cleans and dusts the church on the second Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. You are welcome to drop in to help, or if you would like more information, please contact the parish office.
Church Vacuum Crew
We have dedicated groups and individuals who vacuum the church on a weekly and biweekly basis. If you are interested in joining this ministry, please call the parish office.
Weeders
The beautiful flower beds on our campus are kept tidy and clean by our group of volunteer weeders. Additional help is welcome! If you would like to join this ministry and be notified of the schedule, please contact the parish office.