Vocation Life Committee

The mission of the Vocation Life Committee is to help parishioners recognize and embrace the ways in which God may be calling them to use their gifts and talents to serve the parish, and build community for the life of the world which includes the Universal Church. 

From the August 18, 2024 Bulletin... 

News from the Vocation Life Committee!


Today the St Joseph community spotlights the mission of Suzy and Gary Knowski’s time, talent and commitment to beautifying the church grounds. Their constant attention to making the outside of our church as heart-warming and inviting as the inside of the church. 

  High School sweethearts, Suzy and Gary have been together for 58 years of their life.  They grew up at St. Joe’s and we’re married here.  They moved away for several years and when they returned to care for her ailing mother, Suzy stated “it felt like coming home”.  

 Their mission began with renewing the roses which began with Barb & Gary Schmidt. This then grew to their all-consuming passion of using their God given talents to grow and tend to the appearance of the church grounds.

 Gary shared a story of how Suzy cannot walk away from a weed. He says that when they take their walks Suzy will stop remove all the weeds in their path!  

 Suzy was quick to share all the praise by pointing out that their helpers include Linda Schmidt, David and Jill Cooper, Bobby Fanale and Lori Midden, to mention a few. Gary and Suzy expressed their gratitude for all those who pitch in and help in any way they can.

 St. Joseph’s church and parish members would like to express their thanks to two very giving and hard-working parishioners for sharing their time and talents.  We are truly blessed by their generosity!  

 There are many missions within the church.  If anyone has a talent they want to participate in or a mission they are being called to, please call the church office and they will be put in touch with the person or persons that can help them fulfill their ministry.      Thank you! 

From the August 18, 2024 Bulletin... 

News from the Vocation Life Committee!

 In April, at the request of Bishop Paprocki, Fr. Manny invited four parishioners to attend a “Parishioner Workshop on Vocations,” to be held on May 4, 2024 at the Evermode Institute. At the time, Bishop Paprocki described the workshop as an “unknown event” with an “uncertain parish ministry” attached to it. The meeting was sponsored by the Diocese and the Diocesan Vocation Office. It was the Bishop’s hope that this workshop would help to generate new energy and renew the life of each parish. 

Jane Schmidt, Laura Neale, Sr. Mary Ellen and Penny Cooper (pictured) and Rita Havrilka (not pictured)  accepted Fr. Manny’s invitation and attended the workshop. The workshop consisted of motivational speakers, prayer, reflection and discussion regarding the ministries and activities of parish life. At the conclusion of the workshop, those who attended were invited to return to their respective parishes and form a “Vocation Life Committee.” The mission of this committee is to help parishioners recognize and embrace the ways in which God may be calling them to use their gifts and talents to serve the parish, and build community for the life of the world which includes the Universal Church.
On Wednesday, August 7, the committee met with Fr. Manny to reflect on how the committee can fulfill its mission. The first question to be addressed was “what exactly is a vocation?” According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1, 358, 1700), a vocation is the calling or destiny we have in this life and hereafter. God created each person and blessed her / him with unique gifts and talents to be used to build God’s Kingdom, which is a state of love, unity and peace in this lifetime and the next. The committee will reflect further on its mission and provide further information in the near future.

 In the meantime, we invite you to reflect on these questions: What are the unique gifts and talents God has given YOU? In what ways may God be calling YOU to use these gifts and talents to serve others?

 Stay tuned!