January 20, 2016 // Uncategorized

St. Joseph extends a welcome to the Roanoke Community

Todays Catholic

St. Joseph Parish, located in the fast-growing hub of Roanoke in northeastern Huntington County, extends a hearty welcome to the community. This is evident by the parish ministries that extend beyond the church and pour out into the community.

Father Dale Bauman, pastor of St. Joseph Parish, is also pastor of St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, south of Columbia City, in nearby Whitley County. Both parishes are known for their full congregations and each is thriving.

St. Joseph opens its doors each Tuesday to those at the parish and area churches that enjoy knitting and crocheting. The group, Knit Chicks, does various knitting and crocheting projects, as well as quilting, for people in need in the community. Their hats, afghans, chemo hats, mittens and more are given to shelters that care for the homeless or those dealing with chemotherapy and the sick.

Yarn and material are donated, but the ladies raise funds each year at a silent auction where one can purchase a quilt. This quilt auction provides additional funding for needed supplies.

The parish opens its doors to seniors of the community every Thursday from mid-February through mid-November for the Senior Meals. Seniors of the community sign up for a Thursday lunchtime meal that includes “really good food,” according to Valerie Frantz, the parish secretary. The dinner includes meat, vegetable, mashed potatoes and “wonderful desserts,” prepared by the ladies of the parish. Seniors sign up ahead of time so the cooks have an idea how much food to prepare. And oftentimes, a meal will be sent to a sick or homebound senior.

Twice a year, the parish sponsors a St. Vincent de Paul Society truck pickup. Father Dale tells Today’s Catholic that the parishioners and the town fill the truck each time the drive is offered to the community.

The spirit of helping a neighbor in need is strong at St. Joseph. Last summer, when rains caused flooding in the town, members of the parish’s Men’s Club helped flood victims haul furniture and remove water-soaked carpets. Father Dale visited flood victims and offered assistance from the parish.

Other active ministries include the Rosary Sodality, the youth group and Knights of Columbus and their wives. The Knights gather three times a year and dine at a restaurant together.

The parish combines efforts with St. Catherine to offer the Three Kings Dinner, a Holy Week Seder meal, board game nights, ARISE, Together With Christ and coming soon the Why Catholic? initiative.

Meanwhile, Father Dale is immersed in the Huntington County community. He serves as chaplain for the Roanoke Fire Department, and helps with the Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters in Huntington. He is very involved in all aspects of the many meetings at both parishes.