Ministries and Apostolates

Altar Servers assist the priest during Mass and may be boys or girls who have made their First Communion.

For more information, please email your name, age and contact information to Ben Williams at altarservers@stjosephathens.com or use the Liturgical Inquiry Form.

En Espanol, contacto Rocio Avilia

This is a special group that often works in concert with the Art and Environment ministry.  Four teams alternate each week to collect and wash altar linens,and straighten and dust the sanctuary and the chapel.  A team will volunteer for three hours each month.  They do not vacuum, wash windows or do heavy cleaning.  Three times a year there is a workday and all members are invited to assist.

For more information on this ministry, please contact Chairperson, Mary Ambrose via our Liturgical Inquiry Form.

En espanol, contacto: Lidia Tejada

This group is responsible for the overall appearance of the sanctuary including coordination of the banners with the liturgical seasons and the placement of flowers and other items to make the sanctuary a more appealing and prayerful environment for worship. This is especially done during Holy Days, Easter Tridium,  Advent and Christmas.

If you are interested in helping with this ministry please contact, Edith Hollander via our  Liturgical Inquiry Form

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist the priest in the distribution of Communion during the Liturgy and in visits to those ill or homebound.

For the most comprehensive information about this ministry please read
How to Become an Extraordinary Minister

If you are interested in becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, please contact Paula Hein via our Liturgical Inquiry Form.

En espanol, contacto: Francisco Galdamez

This ministry ensures that we have flowers around the altar and in the sanctuary each week. These flowers are usually donated by parishioners in celebration of happy events or in memory of special loved ones. We also offer opportunities to donate for our annual Easter lilies and Christmas poinsettias.  Volunteers also water, care and replaced when necessary.

If you are interested in joining this ministry or donating flowers for use in the sanctuary, please contact Maria Candelario via our Liturgical Inquiry Form.

This ministry is responsible for the reading of the Word of God during liturgies, along with reciting prayers of the faithful and giving announcements or other directions as needed.  Training is held periodically throughout the year.

If you are interested in joining this ministry area, please contact Jeanne Das via our  Liturgical Inquiry Form.

En espanol, contacto: Amada Lopez

Additional information about the responsibilities of this ministry area can be found
in The Effective Lector.

Our Music Ministry is comprised of various choirs that serve at each of our Masses. For information on any of our choirs, contact us via our Liturgical Inquiry Form or individual coordinators.

5:30 PM Vigil Choir and 8:00 AM Choir

From the quartet that comprised this group in the early 2000s, this choir has grown considerably to its current ensemble of singers and instrumentalists and different members sing at the 5:30 PM Saturday, 8 AM Sunday Masses.  They provide a mix of traditional and contemporary music that are selected to enhances the understanding and appreciation of the biblical readings for the week. The choir is accompanied by the organ. Anyone with the slightest interest in music and strong enthusiasm to sing is invited to join this choir family! 

Those who sing at 8 AM practice on Mondays at 6 PM in Room 251.

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11:00 AM
Coordinator:  Mark Wenthe

The choir for the 11:00 AM Mass leads the congregation in singing and encourages all parishioners to participate. It does this through primarily traditional church music of composers from the classics to modern, from Gregorian chant to folk music, blending men’s and women’s voices in harmony or unison. The choir is accompanied by the organ. The choir is open to all. One does not have to have a trained singing voice or be able to read music. A love of singing is the only requirement.

They practice on Thursdays at 6 PM and also 9:30 am prior to mass.

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7:30 Spanish Vigil Choir 
Coordinator: Jorge Galdamez

This Spanish Choir combines music and instruments from Central and South American cultures for our 7:30 PM Saturday Mass in Spanish. It is accompanied by guitar, piano, and percussion instruments.

They practice on Saturday at 6 PM in Room 226.
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2:00 PM Spanish Choir
Coordinator: Vitelio Tejada

This choir provides music for our 2:00 PM Mass in Spanish. They practice on Sundays  at 12:30 PM in Room 226.
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Praise Band Choir
Coordinator: Hillary Davis

The Praise Band shares their ministry primarily in Christian contemporary music. The ensemble is comprised of members of high school juniors or seniors, UGA students and other members of the parish family. On any given Sunday, the 5:00 pm Eucharistic celebration may be supplemented with vocals, guitar, piano, and drums.

The Praise Band practices on Sunday at 4:30 PM. We are always open to new members with a heartfelt desire to make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
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Ushers and Greeters welcome and assist parishioners to find seating during Mass, take up the collections, find someone to bring up the offertory gifts, and distribute bulletins as parishioners leave.

If you are interested in becoming an Usher or Greeter, please contact Pegi Jones via our Liturgical Inquiry Form

En espanol, contacto: Victor Soto

When a loved one dies those who are left behind are often unable to cope with the tasks necessary to lay their loved one to rest, particularly if the death was unexpected. One of these tasks is the planning of the Funeral Mass including the selection of appropriate readings, ensuring a priest and altar servers are available, and coordinating the music for the liturgy.

If your family has experienced a death and you need to plan a funeral, please contact the Parish Office at 706-548-6223 

For more information, please contact Dee Elliott via our Spiritual Life Inquiry Form

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is both a prayer and a ministry.

As a prayer, we adore and glorify God, thanking him for the gift of his Son. Adoration is one way we come closer to God.

Monday 8:30 AM for Exposition until Benediction on Saturday 8 AM

As a ministry, we take time out of our busy day to be in the presence of our Lord with the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. Those called to this ministry as a Guardian are asked to commit an hour of their time and remain in the presence of our Lord.

Guardians are always present during the day when the Blessed Sacrament is exposed and we are always looking for those who may feel called to serve our Lord in this manner.

For more information about becoming a Guardian, please contact Joshua Aguilera via the Spiritual Life Inquiry Form 

En espanol, contacto: Alejandra Sanchez 

Women’s Bible Study:                                       

Women’s Bible Study meet Thursday mornings at 9 AM until 11 in the Youth Room. We will offer three sessions:

• Passionate Discipleship (9 Weeks from September 12,
• Ordering Your Priorities (8 weeks from January 9)
• Rooted and Radiant (6 weeks during Lent from March 6)

The cost is $37.50 for each session, which includes all course materials and childcare/school room.
Registration is required to participate.

Questions? Contact Chelsie Cheesborough via our Spiritual Life Inquiry Form.

Senior Womens Bible Study: St. Anne’s Way

Identifying with St. Anne, the grandmother of Jesus, this over 60 group of women meet on Wednesday mornings at 9:00 to 11:00 AM in the Youth Room from September to March. We select an area of study each year. Past studies include the Bible and the Virgin Mary, Symbolon 1 and 2, and shorter programs during Lent and Advent. Group 1 is filled, but we welcome others to join and form Group 2.
For more information contact us via our Spiritual Life Inquiry Form.

Men’s Group: Man Hour

All men over age 18 are welcome to join Man Hour, a year-round Catholic men’s program focusing on the role of men in their families and the church.
Meetings are held Wednesdays at 6:30 AM in the Parish Hall. Coffee and donuts served; no childcare is available.

For more information, please contact, Tom Ambrose via our Spiritual Life Inquiry Form.

Teen Bible Study: 

High School teens in grades 9-12, have a combined Bible Study and Youth Group. We meet on Tuesdays, 6-7:30 PM in the Youth Room.

For more information, please contact our Youth Formation Director, Justin Cardona via our Spiritual Life Inquiry Form.

Women’s Evening of Reflection

Women’s Evening of Reflection meets on the third Thursday, September – May, at 6:00 PM in the gym.

We start with a light dinner in the parish hall with a reflection given by a priest or deacon starting at 6:15. Afterward, all  are welcome to spend time in Adoration in the chapel after the talk.

Come join women (18 and over) as we strengthen our faith and relationships with each other.

For more information, contact Mary Taylor via our Spiritual Life Inquiry Form

Consecration through Mary
Using books and video material provided by Father Hugh Gillespie of the Company of Mary, this series follows the 33 day method laid out by St. Louis de Montfort (d. 1713) in his great work True Devotion.

Each day contains 2-3 short prayers, a scripture passage, an excerpt from de Montfort’s writings, and a question on which to meditate throughout the day. After the 33 days, on a Marian feast day, you may consecrate yourself totally to Jesus through Mary.

For more information, call the Parish Office or contact us via our Spiritual Life Inquiry Form 

The Sick and Homebound ministry is dedicated to assisting those members of our parish who are unable to participate fully in our parish life due to illness or another incapacity. This may include bringing the Holy Eucharist to these parishioners. Because of the highly vulnerable nature of those being ministered to, the Archdiocese requires volunteers in this ministry undergo special training as well as a background check.

If you are in need of a visit, please contact the Parish office:
706-548-6332

Disciples of Jesus and Mary
The Disciples of Jesus and Mary (DJM) is a spiritual formation program that offers all to grow spiritually and to work effectively in the world. It draws material from the Gospels, the teachings of the Church, and spiritual authors. The program, founded by Fr. Santan Pinto, S.O.L.T. offers how to discover your plan of life and helps us to recognize the way the Lord has been forming us throughout our entire life.
You can learn more about this program at disciplesofjesusandmary.org

For more information, please contact, Diana Werling via our Spiritual Life Inquiry Form.

From the very beginning, God ordained that Mary would play a significant role in salvation history: that of gathering God’s children to herself so as to lead them safely to her Son, to salvation. That is, she would enter our spiritual battle.

We have several opportunities to join others formally in this powerful prayer:

Saturdays 9:15-9:45 AM in the Mary Garden

Rosary for our Country, sponsored by our Religious Freedom Committee.

Contact: Marty Lendenham/Vivian Taylor

Sundays 7:30 AM-8:00 AM in the Chapel

Rosary for our Parish and Families, sponsored by M3WCB (“My Mother Mary Wears Combat Boots”)

Contact: Lisa Feng

Sundays 10:00 AM-10:45 AM in the Chapel

Dominican Style Rosary beginning with a 15 minute Informative Guide and Inspirational Discussion followed by recitation of the Rosary.

Contact: Kristine Mahaffey

Athens Catholic Radio is a ministry dedicated to reaching and serving our community through an encouraging, Christian community that learns and prays together.

The station broadcasts EWTN Radio programming in English and Spanish, delivering a schedule tailored to the needs of our unique community. Programs include EWTN live, EWTN Classics, Radio Catolica Mundail as well as several popular EWTN talk shows.

Athens Catholic Radio operates under the authority of an Advisory Board under the direction of St. Joseph Pastoral  Council.

You can find it on the dial at 105.7 FM.

Check out their website for programming schedules:
https://www.athenscatholicradio.com/

For more information, please contact George Sigalas via our Parish Life Inquiry Form.

The St. Joan of Arc Auxiliary 6514 of the Columbiettes is a growing organization of Catholic women focusing on using their talents and creativity to foster our charitable contributions as well as our spiritual growth.

We are affiliated with and work hand-in-hand with our brother Knights of Columbus.

The St. Joan of Arc Auxiliary was founded on April 12th, 2008.

Our meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm in room 255 at the Epps Bridge campus.

For more information, please contact Lin Morgan via our  Parish Life Inquiry Form.

The St Joseph Craft Guild is a group of volunteers who create craft items from materials they provide as well as donated.   The guild holds an annual sale and will also rent out stalls to other crafters to raise additional money for various charities.

If you are interested in donating materials or learning more about the group, please contact Dee Elliott via our  Parish Life Inquiry Form.

The following pictures were taken during one of our past Craft Guild Sales.

The Parish Gift Shop is open twice a month after the weekend Masses in the Parish Hall. We offer a wide selection of religious items, including statues, books, rosaries, bibles and more!  Cash, check and credit cards are accepted.

For more information, please contact Laura Onstott via our Parish Life Inquiry Form.

The Deacon William P. Lakin, Council 6514 of the Knights of Columbus is a growing organization of Catholic men focusing on using their talents and creativity to foster our charitable contributions as well as our spiritual growth.

We are affiliated with and work hand-in-hand with our sister Columbiettes.

The Council consists of members from St. Joseph Parish and the UGA Catholic Center. Members work closely with the Athens community, providing funds for various projects, and charities with members also being active participants in their parish and the local catholic schools.

Come join Knights of Columbus!

Learn more about our Chapter on our  Website

For more information, contact Al Fargione via our Parish Life Inquiry Form.

The Welcome Committee greets visitors and newly registered parishioners with a warm welcome and encouragement to become an active member of our parish. They also facilitate registrations after weekend Masses and hosts social events for new parishioners.

For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Betsy and Roger Edmonds via our  Parish Life Inquiry Form.

The Young at Heart Ministry was started here at St Joseph’s more than 35 years ago.  It is geared towards senior citizens and anyone else who is “young at heart”.

The group provides an opportunity to share faith, fun, and food on the first Friday of each month.  Beginning at 11 AM, we will recite a rosary and hear a spiritual talk in the gym. Then we gather for lunch in the Parish Hall.

Volunteers provide the food or arrange for catering. We celebrate monthly holidays, birthdays and other milestones, and we have drawings for door prizes.

For more information, please contact Betty-Anne Dye via our Parish Life Inquiry Form. 

The mission of Feasts 4 Families is to glorify God by increasing the anticipation of and enriching the celebration of Catholic feast days.

We will do this by hosting the same quarterly feast day celebrations every year and sending home feast day tradition resources monthly.

All are welcome to join us with your families for these fun events!

For more information, please contact Julia Seymour via our Parish Life Inquiry Form. 

FEST is Family Events with a Spiritual Theme. Taking place on Friday evenings throughout the year, these gatherings range from our annual “Love is in the Air” dinner event for adults to Trivia Nights. See all in our Photo Albums.  Stay tuned to our calendar and bulletin for news on coming events!

While we do not have the capability at St. Joseph to offer assistance with meal and shelter, below are a list of local organizations that do:

Day Shelter:

-Homeless Day Service Center 706-354-1154

-Sparrow’s Nest 706-247-2365 

Shelter, Men only:

-Bigger Vision Community Shelter 706-340-6062

-Salvation Army Homeless Shelter 706-543-5350

Shelter, Women and Children only:

-Athens Homeless Shelter 706-354-0423

Food:

-Food Served Daily:

9 AM and Noon at First Baptist

5 PM at Salvation Army

-The Ark Food Bank 706-548-8155

-Food Bank of NE Georgia 706-354-8191

-ACTS 770- 725-2330

Emergency Assistance: 

-GA Crisis Hotline 800-715-4224

-Suicide Hotline 800-784-2433

-Samaritan Counseling Athens 706-369-7911

-The Cottage (Sexual Assault) 877-363-1912

-Project Safe (Domestic Violence) 706-543-3331

-DFACS 706-227-7000

Financial Assistance

St. Joseph Charities 706-850-7777 

Medical Assistance: 

AIDS Athens 706-549-3730

Piedmont Athens Regional 706-475-7000

St. Mary’s Hospital 706-389-3427

Athens Pregnancy Center 678-753-3180

Family Promise of Athens (formerly Interfaith Hospitality Network) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide immediate shelter and guidance to homeless families in the Athens area. They are located at 393 W Hancock Ave, Athens, GA 30601 and depend on volunteers to carry out their mission.

Please see their website for more information on their mission.

For more information, or to volunteer through St. Joseph Church, please contact Jeanne Das via our Community Care Inquiry Form.

Respect Life Advocates is a pro-life organization at St. Joseph Parish formed to promote the Catholic Church’s teaching on the respect, care and protection of human life from conception to natural death. We participate in the annual 40 Days for Life campaign locally and in Atlanta both in Fall and Spring. Events include Prayer Vigils at the Lawrenceville Planned Parenthood and at the UGA Arch. We also support the Athens Pregnancy Center:678-753-3180

For more information, please contact Vivian Taylor via our Community Care Inquiry Form.

St. Joseph Charities is a ministry of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Athens Georgia.  We are funded entirely by the generosity of ou parishioners.  Our mission is to provide financial assistance for rental and utility emergencies for individuals in need.  We serve residents of Clarke, Oconee, Jackson, Madison, and Oglethorpe counties.

St. Joseph Charities is staffed by a group of dedicated and caring volunteers who work on a limited schedule. strictly by appointment only.  Interested individuals requesting assistance must contact us by phone on Tuesday and Wednesdays, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm: 706-850-7777. No walk-ins, please.

After the screening phone call, appointments are made for a personal interview. You will be directed what paperwork you should bring with you.

St. Joseph Charities also organizes two outreach programs annually.  Our Giving Tree program provides Christmas assistance to families in need and our Lenten Food Drive collects food to help support the local Food Bank.

For more information regarding St. Joseph Charities, or to inquire about becoming a volunteer or donating, please contact Lynn Evans via our Community Care Inquiry Form   or email us directly at SJCAthens@yahoo.com

“Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me.”

Office Location: 535 Hawthorne Avenue, Athens GA

Pregnant and parenting moms in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods.

As Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes need to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.” Everyone in the parish community should know where to refer a pregnant woman in need.

​While not trying to turn Catholic parishes into pregnancy centers, we can support local pregnancy centers where they exist, and we can also find and share other resources with pregnant and parenting women. We can provide mentoring and spiritual help as well.

The Walking with Moms in Need program is a nationwide initiative through the USCCB Pro-Life Committee, to develop educational, pastoral and action-oriented efforts for moms at any stage. St. Joseph has begun organizing its own local ministry to help those women locally in our Parish and community and support other local resources, such as St. Joseph Charities and Athens Area Diaper Bank.  And where there are few local resources, we can create our own, based on the gifts of the parish community!

Learn more from this introductory video

Please contact Julie Maher via our Community Care Inquiry Form   or email us directly at wmnathens@gmail.com

We are on Facebook!

The loss of a child through miscarriage or stillbirth is a deeply difficult experience for any parent.  Miscarriages are sadly common; 1 in 4 women have experienced a loss. You may feel scared or confused, angry or alone, deeply sad or resentful. Gianna’s Hope ministry is here to accompany you and your family through this time. We are a resource for parents made up of clergy and other parents who can offer peer support based on their own experiences of loss.

Ways we can help include:

• Providing peer support from other parents who’ve experienced similar loss.
• Give both emotional and spiritual support.
• Assistance arranging burial services, including selecting burial boxes.
• Arrange an annual memorial Mass and prayer vigil service.
• Selecting ceramic crosses as a memorial of the child.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone.

Who is Saint Gianna?

This ministry meets monthly on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm in the upstairs conference room (old Religious Ed Office)

For more information, please contact us at ghopeathens@gmail.com or (706) 389-0024 or submit a Community Care Inquiry Form.

Click here for more Resources.