Ministries and Aposolates
Our love of others is a fruit of our faith and confidence in God’s love for us. At St. Joseph Catholic Church we have more than 35 ministries and apostolates by which we serve.
Liturgical Ministries
The most important thing we do at St. Joseph is gather together in Sunday Liturgy, where we share the Eucharist and become the Body of Christ. Many faithful hands bring the liturgy to life—Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers, Ushers, Lectors, Greeters, and our Music Ministry. If you feel called to serve, we invite you to join us.
Altar Severs
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.
En Espanol, contact Rocio Avila
Altar Society
Four teams rotate weekly to care for our sacred spaces—collecting and washing altar linens, and tidying the sanctuary and chapel. Each team serves about three hours per month. Three times a year, all members gather for a larger workday.
For more information, contact Mary Ambrose via our Liturgical Inquiry Form.
En español, contacto: Lidia Tejada
Arts & Environment
This ministry enhances the beauty of our sanctuary throughout the liturgical year—coordinating banners, flowers, and seasonal décor to create a more prayerful worship environment. Their work is especially visible during Holy Days, the Easter Triduum, Advent, and Christmas.
To learn more, contact Edith Hollander via our Liturgical Inquiry Form.
Extraordinary Ministers
Extraordinary Ministers assist the priest in distributing Communion during Mass and bring the Eucharist to those who are ill or homebound.
To learn more, read How to Become an Extraordinary Minister. If you feel called to serve, contact Paula Hein via our Liturgical Inquiry Form.
En español, contacto: Wilfredo
Flower Donations
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 Daniela Arroyo via our Liturgical Inquiry Form.
Lectors
Lectors proclaim the Word of God during liturgies, lead the Prayers of the Faithful, and offer announcements as needed. Training is held throughout the year.
To learn more, see The Effective Lector. If you feel called to serve, contact Jeanne Das via our Liturgical Inquiry Form.
En español, contacto: Amada Lopez
Music & Choirs
Our Music Ministry is comprised of various choirs that serve at each of our Masses. If you feel called to share your voice, we welcome you—no formal training required, just a love of singing and a desire to praise God. For information on any of our choirs, contact us via our Liturgical Inquiry Form or the individual coordinators below.
5:30 PM Vigil & 8:00 AM Choir
This ensemble of singers and instrumentalists provides a blend of traditional and contemporary music, accompanied by organ. Practice is Mondays at 6 PM in Room 251.
Contact: Katie Drybrough – katiedrybrough@gmail.com
11:00 AM Choir
This choir leads the congregation in traditional church music—from Gregorian chant to folk—blending voices in harmony and unison, accompanied by organ. Practice is Thursdays at 6 PM and Sundays at 9:30 AM before Mass.
Contact: Mark Wenthe – wenthem@gmail.com
7:30 PM Spanish Vigil Choir
This choir brings the rich musical traditions of Central and South America to our Saturday evening Spanish Mass, accompanied by guitar, piano, and percussion.
Contact: Jorge Galdamez – 706-818-3669
2:00 PM Spanish Choir
This choir provides music for our Sunday afternoon Spanish Mass.
Contact: Vitelio Tejada – evelynpa@att.net
5:00 PM Praise Band
The Praise Band shares contemporary Christian music with vocals, guitar, piano, and drums. Open to high school juniors and seniors, UGA students, and parishioners. Practice is Sundays at 4:30 PM.
Contact: Hillary Davis
Ushers & Greeters
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
Funeral Planning
When a loved one passes, the tasks of planning a funeral can feel overwhelming—especially in moments of unexpected loss. Our Funeral Ministry walks alongside grieving families to help plan the Funeral Mass, including selecting readings, coordinating with the priest and altar servers, and arranging music for the liturgy.
If your family has experienced a loss, please contact the Parish Office at 706-548-6223. For more information, contact Dee Elliott via our Spiritual Life Inquiry Form.
Spiritual Opportunities
Rooted in faith and called to grow, our ministries invite every parishioner to deepen their relationship with God and live out that love in service to others.
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is both a prayer and a ministry — a sacred opportunity to slow down and rest in the presence of our Lord. Exposition takes place Monday at 8:30 AM through Benediction on Saturday at 8 AM. Guardians are asked to commit one hour and remain with the Blessed Sacrament during their time of service. If you feel called to serve in this ministry, please contact Joshua Aguilera via the Spiritual Life Inquiry Form.
En español, contacto: Alejandra Sanchez
Bible Study Groups
Women’s Bible Study
Join us Thursday mornings from 9–11 AM in the Youth Room for three sessions throughout the year:
Passionate Discipleship — 9 weeks beginning September 12
Ordering Your Priorities — 8 weeks beginning January 9
Rooted and Radiant — 6 weeks during Lent beginning March 6
Each session is $37.50 and includes all course materials and childcare. Registration is required. Contact Chelsie Cheesborough via the Spiritual Life Inquiry Form.
Senior Women’s Bible Study: St. Anne’s Way
Inspired by St. Anne, grandmother of Jesus, this group welcomes women 60 and over on Wednesday mornings from 9–11 AM in the Youth Room, September through March. A new area of study is selected each year. Group 1 is currently full — we warmly invite others to join and help form Group 2. Contact us via the Spiritual Life Inquiry Form.
Men’s Group: Man Hour
All men 18 and older are welcome to this year-round Catholic men’s program exploring the role of men in family and faith. Meetings are held Wednesdays at 6:30 AM in the Parish Hall. Coffee and donuts provided. Contact Tom Ambrose via the Spiritual Life Inquiry Form.
Teen Bible Study
High school students in grades 9–12 are invited to a combined Bible Study and Youth Group every Tuesday from 6–7:30 PM in the Youth Room. Contact Youth Formation Director Justin Cardona via the Spiritual Life Inquiry Form.
Women's Evening of Reflection
Join us on the third Thursday of each month, September through May, for an evening of faith, fellowship, and renewal. Doors open at 6 PM in the gym with a light dinner, followed by a reflection from a priest or deacon at 6:15 PM. Afterward, all are welcome to continue in prayer during Adoration in the chapel.
All women 18 and over are warmly invited. Contact Mary Taylor via the Spiritual Life Inquiry Form.
Consecration to Mary
Following the 33-day method of St. Louis de Montfort, this series guides participants toward a total consecration to Jesus through Mary — one of the most powerful devotional traditions in the Catholic faith. Using materials from Father Hugh Gillespie of the Company of Mary, each day includes brief prayers, a scripture passage, an excerpt from de Montfort’s True Devotion, and a meditation question. At the close of the 33 days, participants are invited to make their consecration on a Marian feast day.
For more information, contact us via the Spiritual Life Inquiry Form or call the Parish Office.
Sick & Homebound
This ministry lovingly serves parishioners who are unable to participate in parish life due to illness or incapacity, including bringing the Holy Eucharist directly to them.
Due to the vulnerable nature of those served, all volunteers are required to complete special training and a background check through the Archdiocese.
If you or someone you know would benefit from a visit, please contact the Parish Office at 706-548-6332.
Disciples of Jesus & Mary
Founded by Fr. Santan Pinto, S.O.L.T., the Disciples of Jesus and Mary is a spiritual formation program designed to help you grow closer to God and live more effectively in the world.
Drawing from the Gospels, Church teaching, and trusted spiritual authors, DJM guides participants in discovering their personal plan of life and recognizing how the Lord has been at work throughout their journey.
Learn more at disciplesofjesusandmary.org or contact Diana Werling via the Spiritual Life Inquiry Form.
Rosary Opportunities
The Rosary
From the very beginning, God ordained that Mary would play a special role in our salvation — gathering God’s children to herself and leading them safely to her Son. The Rosary is one of the most powerful ways we join her in that mission.
We invite you to pray with us:
Saturdays 9:15–9:45 AM | Mary Garden
Rosary for our Country, sponsored by our Religious Freedom Committee.
Contact: Marty Lendenham / Vivian Taylor
Sundays 7:30–8:00 AM | Chapel
Rosary for our Parish and Families, sponsored by M3WCB (My Mother Mary Wears Combat Boots).
Contact: Lisa Feng
Sundays 10:00–10:45 AM | Chapel
Dominican Style Rosary, beginning with a 15-minute guided reflection and inspirational discussion followed by the full Rosary.
Contact: Kristine Mahaffey
Parish Life Organizations
Parish Life organizations bring our community together through fellowship, service, and faith — offering something for everyone to get involved, grow deeper in community, and live out the Gospel together.
Athens Catholic Radio
Tune in to 105.7 FM for faith-filled programming that encourages, informs, and unites our local Catholic community. Athens Catholic Radio broadcasts EWTN Radio programming in both English and Spanish, featuring EWTN Live, EWTN Classics, Radio Católica Mundial, and a variety of beloved EWTN talk shows — all curated to serve the unique needs of our community. The station operates under the guidance of an Advisory Board and the direction of St. Joseph Pastoral Council.
Visit athenscatholicradio.com for full programming schedules or contact George Sigalas via the Parish Life Inquiry Form.
Columbiettes
The St. Joan of Arc Auxiliary is a growing community of Catholic women who bring their talents and creativity to charitable service and spiritual growth. Working alongside our brother Knights of Columbus, we are united in faith and dedicated to making a difference in our parish and beyond.
Founded on April 12, 2008, we meet on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM in Room 255 at the Epps Bridge campus.
For more information, contact Lin Morgan via the Parish Life Inquiry Form.
Craft Guild
The St. Joseph Craft Guild is a creative and generous group of volunteers who handcraft items from donated and self-provided materials to raise money for charitable causes. Each year, the Guild hosts an annual sale and welcomes other crafters to rent stalls — all in the spirit of giving back.
Whether you’d like to donate materials or get involved, contact Dee Elliott via the Parish Life Inquiry Form.
Gift Shop
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.
Knights of Columbus
Knights of Columbus — Deacon William P. Lakin Council 6514
The Knights of Columbus is a growing brotherhood of Catholic men committed to faith, charity, and service. Working alongside our sister Columbiettes, our council draws members from St. Joseph Parish and the UGA Catholic Center, united in using their talents to support our parish, local schools, and the broader Athens community.
From funding charitable projects to active involvement in parish life, our members live out their faith through action.
Ready to join? Learn more on our Website or the Parish Life Inquiry Form.
Welcome Committee
The Welcome Committee is the friendly first face of St. Joseph Parish — greeting visitors and newly registered parishioners with warmth and an open invitation to make this community their home. From facilitating registrations after weekend Masses to hosting social events for new members, they ensure no one feels like a stranger for long.
To get involved or learn more, contact Betsy and Roger Edmonds via the Parish Life Inquiry Form.
Young at Heart
For more than 35 years, the Young at Heart Ministry has been bringing together senior parishioners — and anyone else who is young at heart — for a monthly gathering of faith, friendship, and good food. On the first Friday of each month beginning at 11 AM, we come together in the gym for the Rosary and a spiritual talk, followed by lunch in the Parish Hall. We celebrate monthly holidays, birthdays, milestones, and even draw for door prizes — because every gathering is worth celebrating.
For more information, contact Betty-Anne Dye via the Parish Life Inquiry Form.
Feasts 4 Families
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.
Friday FEST
FEST brings our parish family together throughout the year for fun, faith-filled Friday evening gatherings. From our beloved “Love is in the Air” dinner event for adults to lively Trivia Nights, there’s something for everyone.
Community Care
Rooted in the belief that every human being — from conception to natural death — is created in the image of God and worthy of dignity, our apostolates work to address poverty, hunger, homelessness, imprisonment, immigration, and more, advocating for the least among us and partnering with local organizations like Habitat for Humanity.
For Spanish Ministry contacts, please visit the Pastoral Hispano section. For guidance from the Archdiocese, see the Bishops of Atlanta on Justice and Peace.
Local Assistance
While St. Joseph is unable to provide direct meal or shelter assistance, we encourage those in need to reach out to the following local organizations.
🏠 Shelter & Housing
Bigger Vision Community Shelter — 706-340-6062
Salvation Army Homeless Shelter — 706-543-5350
Athens Homeless Shelter — 706-354-0423
Homeless Day Service Center — 706-354-1154
Sparrow’s Nest — 706-247-2365
🍽️ Food Assistance
First Baptist — 9 AM & Noon daily
Salvation Army — 5 PM daily
The Ark Food Bank — 706-548-8155
Food Bank of NE Georgia — 706-354-8191
ACTS — 770-725-2330
🚨 Emergency & Crisis
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
💊 Medical
AIDS Athens — 706-549-3730
Piedmont Athens Regional — 706-475-7000
St. Mary’s Hospital — 706-389-3427
Athens Pregnancy Center — 678-753-3180
💰 Financial
St. Joseph Charities — 706-850-7777
Family Promise of Athens
Formerly known as Interfaith Hospitality Network, Family Promise of Athens is a nonprofit dedicated to providing immediate shelter and support to homeless families in the Athens area. Located at 393 W. Hancock Ave, their mission depends on the generosity of volunteers to make a lasting difference.
Learn more at their website or contact Jeanne Das via the Community Care Inquiry Form to volunteer through St. Joseph Parish.
Religious Freedom
The Religious Freedom Committee of St. Joseph Parish is dedicated to guarding and protecting the religious liberties we cherish as citizens of the United States. As a non-partisan group, we keep our parish informed of threats to religious freedom and recommend meaningful ways to respond — wherever those threats may arise.
We invite all parishioners to join us in prayer for our country every Saturday at 9:30 AM in the Mary Garden (weather permitting).
For more information, contact Marty Lendenham via the Community Care Inquiry Form.
Respect Life
Respect Life Advocates is a pro-life ministry of St. Joseph Parish committed to upholding the Catholic Church’s teaching on the dignity and protection of every human life — from conception to natural death. We participate in the annual 40 Days for Life campaign each fall and spring, both locally and in Atlanta, with prayer vigils at the Lawrenceville Planned Parenthood and the UGA Arch. We also proudly support the Athens Pregnancy Center at 678-753-3180.
For more information, contact Vivian Taylor via the Community Care Inquiry Form.
St. Joseph Charities
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
Walking with Moms in Need
Pregnant and parenting mothers in need are in our parishes and our neighborhoods — and as Pope Francis reminds us, our parishes are called to be “islands of mercy in the midst of a sea of indifference.” Part of a nationwide initiative through the USCCB Pro-Life Committee, Walking with Moms in Need focuses on educational, pastoral, and action-oriented support for mothers at every stage. At St. Joseph, we are building a local ministry to walk alongside women in our parish and community — connecting them with resources like St. Joseph Charities and the Athens Area Diaper Bank, offering mentoring and spiritual support, and creating new resources where gaps exist.
Watch our introductory video to learn more.
Contact Julie Maher via the Community Care Inquiry Form or email wmnathens@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook!
Gianna's Hope Ministry
The loss of a child through miscarriage or stillbirth is one of the most painful experiences a parent can face. Sadly, it is also far too common — 1 in 4 women have experienced this kind of loss. You may feel scared, angry, confused, deeply sad, or utterly alone. Gianna’s Hope is here to walk with you.
Made up of clergy and parents who have experienced loss themselves, our ministry offers compassionate peer support, emotional and spiritual guidance, and practical assistance — including help arranging burial services, selecting burial boxes, and choosing ceramic crosses as a memorial for your child. We also host an annual memorial Mass and prayer vigil.
You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Learn more about Who Saint Gianna Is and find additional Resources on our page.
We meet on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in the upstairs conference room.
Contact us at ghopeathens@gmail.com, (706) 389-0024, or submit a Community Care Inquiry Form.
