Each winter (typically in early January) a collection of baby needs are donated by our parishioners, including clothes, blankets, quilts and non-perishables, just to name a few. Some blankets and quilts are handmade by the Piecemakers, the parish sewing group that meets weekly from September until May.
This long standing committee was established in the mid 1990’s to serve as the centerpiece for several outreach ministries. These include, but are not limited to the following:
Women's Choice Center
Each spring a Sunday Pancake Breakfast is organized and held in the parish hall as a fundraiser with the proceeds going to the Women’s Choice Center in the Quad-Cities.The Women’s Choice Center of the Quad-Cities specializes in providing women with free, confidential information to assist those in need to make an informed decision with confidence. This event is open to the entire community.
Clothing Drive
During October until Thanksgiving, donations are dropped off at church for local families in need. This includes coats, blankets, shoes, clothing, and hygiene products. There is no better time to clean your closets and gather up those items that can help those in need in our community.
St. Joseph Meal Site
The parish Faith Formation and Youth Group are active volunteers to the needs of St. Joseph. Their participation is scheduled in advance in conjunction with other area volunteers. Many parishioners have taken part in this outreach ministry. All members are welcome to participate.
On the first weekend of the month baskets are set up at the entrances of our church. Donations of food and money are collected for the Orion Food Pantry. The parish has a team of volunteers working with the other area churches in this need.
This group meets weekly (Monday) from September through May. They make beautiful rosaries that are for sale in the gathering area for parishioners to purchase for many occasions. They donate a large number of their homemade rosaries to Fr. Nimo and the African missionaries that have long served the parish as visiting priests and educators to our parish community. They also donate the rosaries for other needs such as prisons, nursing homes, whomever may be in need.
The parish library is located in the southeast corner of the gathering area. It is a beautiful room with stained glass windows. You may sit and read or checkout a book. There are also up to date DVDs. Donna Bagley is the Parish Librarian.