By June Smith
St. Joseph’s Catholic Community Church
To meet the spiritual needs of St. Joseph’s Catholic Community, Pastor Wayne Dawson and Associate Pastor Justin Bianchi and their many active ministry groups are using innovative ways to connect with their parishioners.
With the help of the office staff the church’s presence remains visible with a website, a Facebook page, YouTube, and radio, and the ability to view Livestream Masses.
Ministries
There are 60 ministries at St. Joseph’s, 35 of which are active.
Jolene Smith, Pastoral Coordinator and longtime parishioner of 25 years says, “I am impressed and touched at the way our ministry groups are showing up for others during this time of Pandemic. Some meet outside of the church, socially-distanced, taking advantage of the beauty of the lush grounds, and others meet virtually on Zoom. The St. Vincent de Paul Society Pantry continues its food distribution each week and both Fr. Wayne and Fr. Justin disperse funds from The Giving Tree year-round for those in need. Groceries generously donated by parishioners continue to fill food collection bins in the church foyer.”
Contributions are especially appreciated at this time.
Crystal De Lapp, the church bookkeeper, says that online giving has gone up since the beginning of the pandemic and each week people drop their envelopes in the church mailbox.
Sherry Cassedy and Nick Adams conduct Friday “Reflections from the Inside”
She is among the many staff persons who wear several hats. Along with Aaron Fernandes, she heads up technical support for volunteers and parishioners such as emails, zoom scheduling, electronic donations, website issues and live-stream, audio.
Socorro Wallace, Father Wayne’s executive assistant handles many duties, including Father Wayne’s appointments, weddings, or planning a loved one’s funeral.
Tammy Garcia plans and schedules all things liturgical and oversees the COVID-19 sanitization crew, as well as many other duties.
On his Wednesday morning online “Coffee Reflections with Fr. Wayne,” he shares his insight and personal experiences on the gospel of the day, along with a mega-sized cup of coffee.
A Friday morning offering, “Reflections from the Inside,” features parishioners Nick Adams and Sherry Cassedy, chairs of the parish Adult Formation Committee. The two offer their impressions of the upcoming Sunday gospel and often feature a guest from one of the church ministries.
Fr. Dawson leads State of the Parish addresses with updates on events, ministries, and finances.
On Feb. 6, he announced the U.S. Supreme Court lifting California’s ban on indoor services, and in-person worship began the next day with all COVID-19 safety protocols in place.
For those who watch the live-stream at 9 a.m. Mass, communion is offered afterward in front of the church between 10 and 10:30 a.m.
Year of St. Joseph
Holy Father Pope Francis has declared 2021 the Year of St. Joseph.
In recognition of this special year, a 33-day Novena from Feb. 15 to March 19 is taking place, including a virtual retreat on March 15,16, and 17.
Talks by Fr. Wayne, Fr. Justin, and Fr. Gary will be held each evening at 7 p.m. Parishioners are asked to recite the Novena prayer daily and encouraged to ask for an intention for someone other than themselves as the beneficiary. According to church traditions, when certain conditions are met during the novena an Indulgence will be granted.
Fr. Dawson says, “I am asking the entire parish to pray the Novena daily for the renewal of the parish and to ask God to deliver our community, the nation, and the world for an end of the coronavirus pandemic. If you are just learning about this now, it is not too late to join in.”
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St. Joseph’s Catholic Community is at 435 Monterey Ave., Capitola. For information, call 831-475-8211 or visit the website at https://saint-josephs.church/