St. Joseph Parish is a community dedicated to leading people to know and follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and committed to bringing the healing presence of Jesus, through his Holy Spirit into the world. The parish draws strength from its French heritage as well as from a growing diversity of nationalities and backgrounds.

Rooted in the Word of God…nourished and strengthened by the Sacraments…guided by the Holy Spirit…we, the people of St. Joseph Parish, are united in our desire to share wholeheartedly our faith, our gifts and our talents in building an ever stronger parish family, and to compassionately serve those who are among us.

CARRYING OUT THE MISSION

We commit ourselves to this mission by focusing our individual and collective gifts of Time, Talent and Resources to:

· develop a leadership style which fosters a spirit of collegiality between the parish community and the clergy of the parish.

· provide meaningful liturgical experiences that help connect our faith with our daily lives.

· promote greater lay participation in the life of the parish.

· provide for the ongoing formation of lay ministers.

· provide a quality program for the religious education and formation of the children and youth of St. Joseph Parish.

· provide adult formation and an understanding of the Church.

· encourage parishioner involvement in parish outreach and social justice programs.

· provide direct service to the poor through the establishment of a Parish Outreach Center.

· support a pastoral care program that will respond to the pastoral needs of the families, singles, elderly and materially poor of our parish.

· provide affordable elementary education with an emphasis on faith formation, traditional learning and service.

· develop a closer working relationship with area churches and the Old North End Community.

· encourage parish commitment and loyalty manifested both in financial support and personal presence at parish liturgies and other events.