One of our newest ministries, the Diaper Closet, is a source of diapers, wipes, and other baby items for those in need.  Parishioners and friends are most generous in providing us with baby formula and baby food, as well as soap and toiletries.  Your donation of diapers that no longer fit your growing baby or samples you receive in the mail are greatly appreciated.

Our St. Joseph Food Pantry serves many needy families in our neighborhood.  Many non-perishable foods, purchased at the  Second Harvest Food Bank here in Erie, are available to our qualified clients.  In addition, food is donated on a regular basis by our members, and the generosity of our parishioners allows the Food Pantry administrator to purchase perishable food for the needy, as well.  The Pantry is open the second and fourth Mondays of each month, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM.  Parishioners in need of food are most welcome. 

As a part of our mission to reach out to others, several of our parishioners participate on the OUTREACH BAKING TEAM.  Once each month the bakers get together in the kitchen of the Community Center and bake several dozen cookies or cupcakes or other dessert to be donated to the Emmaus Soup Kitchen.  Our parish is responsible to provide dessert on the same day each month.  It’s ONE way of “feeding the hungry.”

Our OUTREACH TO THE COMMUNITY group is responsible for sponsoring several acts of charity for the needy in the Erie community each year.  They encourage us, as a parish community, in such “missions” as the Annual Diaper Drive, collection of food and donations for the poor at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, the Angel Tree (gifts for needy children at Christmas time), donation of warm coats, hats, mittens, and money for the Upper Room, to name just a few.  

St. Joseph Church has hosted the Erie Overflow Shelter at our church for the past three years.  Sponsored through Community Shelter Services, the local shelters (churches in the downtown and proximate area) provide dinner, overnight sleeping accommodations, shower facilities, and breakfast for our guests.  Prior to our two-week service, our parish collects all types of toiletries, warm clothing, underwear, socks, coats, etc., as well as snack foods, breakfast treats, and food items for our guests to take when they leave in the morning.  We plan and prepare warm, hearty meals, and we staff the entire twelve hours they are with us daily. 

PRISON MINISTRY is one of the ways parishioners, directly or indirectly, can reach out to the imprisoned.  Many of our parishioners have served on mission teams; others have offered to pray or provide financial help; and still others are needed to write letters to the inmates, color pictures (from the kids, please), and provide cookies for the weekend retreats.  Everyone can help in one way or another to bring Jesus to our brothers and sisters in prison.

ST. CLARE’S CLOTHING STORE, located on the lower level of the Community Center, is “open for business” every Wednesday morning from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.  Everyone is welcome to “shop” for clothing, shoes, and  miscellaneous household  items that have been generously donated by parishioners and friends of the parish.  “Shoppers” are allowed to come once a month and help themselves to whatever clothes, etc. are needed  — all free of charge.  Besides clothing , shoes, and household items, the Clothing Store gratefully accepts your donation of bags — paper and plastic — and your offer to sort clothes and be available on Wednesdays to help our clients.

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