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The Advent Giving Tree brings our parish together every year to help bring the joyous Spirit of Christmas to families in need. We aid our sister parish, Saint Joseph's in Jersey City, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark, adolescent residents of the Covenant House in Newark, and the Several Sources Shelter in Ramsey.

Altar Servers perform a very important and much needed role of assisting in liturgical services of the church so that the priest can focus on leading everyone present through the Word, prayer and the Holy Sacrifice of the Eucharist of the Mass. Adult Servers are of college age and above, Teen Servers are of high school age and Youth Servers are any student of St. Joseph School or any CCD student, in grades 4 through 8, who have already received the sacrament of First Holy Communion.

Art & Environment Ministers assist in enhancing the appearance of the church including the worship space. They decorate for the different liturgical seasons, such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Ordinary Time. Members also care for the plants during the week and throughout the year to keep our worship space looking beautiful.

This program is designed to provide healing to those who have lost a loved one through death. It is a safe place where people can share their grief with others. The program lasts 8 weeks with sessions held in the Spring and Fall.

The parish sponsors a program of Bible Study based on the Great Adventure Bible as well as other Faith Formation Series from Ascension Press. Small groups of parishioners meet to view and discuss videos on our Catholic faith. New bible study groups form each September. In-person studies meet weekly for 90 minutes in the Parish Life Center or Retreat House. Daytime and evening meeting times are available.

Troop 142 is a parish based troop for boys in grades 6 through high school. Through the Boy Scouts, members experience a vigorous outdoor program and peer group leadership with the counsel of an adult Scoutmaster to achieve the BSA's objectives of developing character, citizenship and personal fitness.

The Catholic War veterans is a non-profit veterans organization dedicated to nourishing returning veterans in their love of country and their Catholic faith. We are dedicated to a program of united action to promote the wellbeing of all veterans. An applicant for membership must be a citizen of the United States of America, a practicing Catholic, and a former, retired, or active duty member of any of the branches of the United States Armed Forces.

Centering prayer is a method of silent prayer that prepares us to receive the gift of contemplative prayer, in which we receive God's presence within us, closer than breathing, closer than thinking, closer than consciousness itself. This method of prayer is both a relationship with God, a silent prayer, and is a movement beyond conversation with Christ to communion with Him.

The Music Ministry is made up of lay ministers to enhance the worship experience by leading the parish in sung prayer and giving glory to God. In addition to Sunday Mass, music is also an integral part of Weddings, Baptisms, Confirmations, First Communions, Funerals and the newly formed Youth Ministry. There is an Adult Choir, Children's Choir, as well as several talented instrumentalists, and Leaders of Song. The choir is open to adults (ages 18 & up) or Children (grades 3-8).

Cornerstone is a parish-sponsored 26-hour retreat that takes place in the Parish Retreat House located behind the church. There are talks, small group discussions, time for prayers and a chance to meet and congregate with wonderful people who are interested in growing in their relationship with the Lord and the Church. The retreat begins on Friday evening at 7pm and ends on Saturday evening at 9pm, following the celebration of Mass at 8pm.

Cub Scouts is the beginning of the Scouting experience for boys in grades 1 through 5. Dens meet after school. The Saint Joseph Cub Scout program is a fun and educational experience concerned with values. Besides providing a positive place where boys can enjoy safe, wholesome activities, Cub Scouting focuses on building character, improving physical fitness, teaching practical skills, and developing a spirit of community service.

Eucharistic Ministers serve the parish by assisting in the distribution of Holy Communion at Mass. They are called upon to distribute the consecrated host, the Body of Christ or the consecrated blood, the Blood of Christ to their fellow parishioners. Those who wish to serve in this ministry are required to attend a workshop and training session in the parish after which the candidates will be mandated for this ministry by the Archbishop of Newark.

Eva's Kitchen was founded by Msgr. Puma in 1982 to address homelessness and hunger. Located at 393 Main Street in Paterson, Eva's Kitchen serves 3 meals a day, every day of the year to those in need. St Joseph's volunteers help set up, serve lunch, and clean up once a month on a Tuesday.

St. Joseph's Young Adult Ministry, FUEL (Faithfully United in Eucharistic Life), embraces all members of the community ages 21-35 by FUELing and nurturing their relationship with God. Through Christian fellowship and understanding God's Word and teachings, young adults will have the opportunity to recognize each other's strengths, talents, and abilities to use them for God's purpose and good work for the future of our Church.

Together in our Faith Sharing Group, we recognize that God is the center of our lives and He is the One who provides the grace for our change. Together we study the teachings of the Church, explore the lives of the Saints and we share how we live as Catholics on our spiritual journeys. We meet every Tuesday at 7pm.

Saint Joseph's has two Food Drives each year providing food for the pantries at Ascension Church in New Milford, NJ and the Father English Food Pantry in Paterson, NJ.

The Girl Scouts at Saint Joseph are both parish and community based. Girls from grades K through 12 are welcome to join one of the many troops that meet after school to explore new adventures while learning how to serve their communities. This is a parent-volunteer based program.

Ministers greet people as they come together for Mass and other liturgical services. They recognize those gathering as their brothers and sisters in Christ. They also assist in the collection of the gifts, guide communion processions, and distribute bulletins and other periodicals.

Harrison House in Paramus is a safe and secure home for people living with HIV/AIDS. Our parish donates meals to Harrison House on the first Monday of each month.

Saint Joseph Council #3814 of the Knights of Columbus was founded in 1954. Our council hosts many activities throughout the year for the church, youth, family and our community.

Lay Ministers proclaim the scripture readings at Mass. They also announce the petitions of the Prayer of the Faithful or general intercessions. Training is provided.

The Legion of Mary, founded in Ireland in 1921 by Frank Duff, is the largest lay Catholic group in the world. Our parish group, called the Immaculate Conception Praesidium, meets weekly from 9:00 through 10:30 AM in the Jackson room of Mary's Chapel in the lower Church. Members grow in their faith through prayer and active cooperation in Mary's and the Church's work. They participate in the life of the parish through visitation of families, consolation of the sick, and activities that promote conversation and the preservation of the faith.

This ministry started as a small group of mothers to meet monthly and pray together. It has grown into a larger group where moms support and encourage one another while deepening their personal relationship with God. It is aimed to all mothers (expectant, new, experienced and grandmothers) with opportunities to grow in faith and friendship and to be consistently renewed in the love of Christ.

The role of the Parish Finance Council is to help the parish fulfill its mission. The Finance Council advises the Pastor concerning all financial matters, works to maintain the financial well-being of the parish, reviews major parish expenditures and suggests cost savings procedures, assists the parish accountant and pastor in preparing the budget and financial reports required by the Archdiocese and engages in long term financial planning.

The Fundraising Committee is a group of parishioners who gather together to plan and execute fundraising projects for the parish. The committee coordinates events and needs with the Parish Council and the Parish Finance Council. The money raised is used to maintain the buildings and programs of the parish.

The Saint Joseph Parish Pastoral Council helps the parish fulfill its mission of continually embracing, celebrating and sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ by: (1) evaluating parish programs, organizations and activities; (2) suggesting new programs and activities; (3) sharing responsibility for evaluating and enhancing the parish's financial health and development; and (4) offering wisdom and guidance to assist the pastor in his leadership role. Comprised of the pastor and eight members of the parish who are elected and serve for three-year terms.

The Prayer Shawl Ministry was formed as part of Saint Joseph Parish social interaction. We are a dedicated group of Lay Ministers who knit and crochet prayer shawls and lap robes which are subsequently blessed. The ministry then provides these items to those who are sick, suffering, or losing hope.

"Prayer Warriors" is a military family prayer group. We meet on the 3rd Thursday evening of each month in the Retreat House chapel. Let us gather together and lift up our active duty for military personnel in prayer and strength. Together let's bring our needs before the Lord and support each other in this challenging walk of faith.

Houses of Healing is a program that guides prisoners in taking stock of the life experiences that have propelled them into criminal activity while empowering them to take responsibility for their behavior. These broad tasks are approached in a variety of ways that include helping participants create meaningful narratives of their lives, working towards healing experiences of trauma and learning emotional regulation and meditation.

Recognizing that all human persons are our brothers and sisters, we promote respect and reverence for human life from conception to natural death. We pray the rosary for the voiceless unborn, for their parents and for those who work in the industry as part of the "40 days for Life" campaign, maintaining a prayerful presence outside a local abortuary.

The Sacristan is the lay minister responsible for making sure that all the sacred vessels needed during the Mass are appropriately set out before the start of our liturgical services. Veronica's Veil is a group of faithful parishioners who launder the altar linens used in the Mass.

Parish youth in grades 3 through 8 who are enrolled in our School or Religious Education are eligible to participate in basketball and cheerleading. The Track Team is open to students in grades K through 8. Our parish teams participate in the leagues run by The Archdiocese of Newark's Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

Saint Joseph Care Corner (SJCC), located in the basement of the Retreat House, provides "Helping Hands for Health and Home" to organizations who require essential household and personal care items not covered by food stamps. Items include: laundry detergent, paper towels, lunch bags, storage bags, paper napkins, shampoo, conditioner, diapers, etc.

Coffee hour is held on the first Sunday of the month after Mass. Come and share your faith and fellowship over a cup of coffee or tea along with some delicious treats. Each month one of our ministries will host the café at the Parish Retreat House behind the church.

The School Advisory Board provides assistance to the principal in achieving the mission of the school. Members serve the school by offering time and talent and to enable the school to fulfill its mission of education in the Catholic Church. Any person who is 18 years or older and who has shown a deep interest and commitment to Catholic education and who is willing to give time and energy for the advancement of Catholic education is eligible to become a member of the Board.

We invite all Catholic women to join us, as we follow the example of Saint Lydia to live a life of devotion to God and service to the Church. Our community has small group gatherings and events here at our parish, and at other locations that include days of reflection, workshops, and retreats. In our small group gatherings, we encourage each other through prayer, study, apostolate, sorority, and witness.

Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion meet the needs of those who cannot attend the Mass because of age, illness or infirmity in pastoral care visits and bringing the Blessed Sacrament. Our ministers bring Holy Communion not only to our homebound parishioners but also to Catholic patients and residents of Care One at Oradell Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

While God inspires all vocations, the programs and activities of a parish can invite and encourage individuals to be open to God's call. Our parish Vocation Ministry seeks to facilitate and assist ministries in every stage of parish life to support and promote vocations through prayer and activities that establish a vocations minded presence among both youths and adults within the parish.

Our youth ministry is committed to providing a loving, fun and faith-filled environment for all high school teenagers. Saint Joseph Youth Ministry invites all teens in grades 9-12 to TARGET: Teen Activity Religious Group Entertaining and Terrific. This teen group hosts bi-monthly meetings and events, such as trips, volunteer opportunities and fun and games while growing in our relationship with God. Meetings take place Thursday evenings from 7pm-9pm at the Parish Life Center on Grove Street.