Q. How do I join the Men of St. Joseph? (MOSJ)
A. You just show up. It's that simple.

Q. What does it cost to become a member of the Men of St. Joseph?
A. There are no dues or fees to become a member of the MOSJ. However, there are costs to any ministry and all men are encouraged to pray how much or if they can contribute. Contributions are mailed to the parish or placed in the Sunday collection payable to St. Mary's Parish with "Men of St. Joseph" in the memo section. Contributions are confidential.

Q. I can't make it every week. Can I still join the MOSJ?
A. Yes, absolutely. We don't take attendance, and you won't be "kicked out" if you don't attend every week. But you'll likely find the fellowship to be too uplifting to miss.

Q. Are the meetings attended/led by the clergy?
A. The weekly gatherings are led by the laity. However, clergy are always welcomed. Most weeks Fr. Brian and Deacon Roger are in attendance and offer their final blessing before we depart. A great way to start the day. The reason it is led by the laity is to remind us of our Baptismal responsiblity of being active participants in our faith.

Q. Why do you meet so early in the morning?
A. The early morning allows the greatest opportunity for working men to participate in the ministry before going to work.

Q. Why don't you meet in the evening?
A. At this time, we are following the tradition established by the national organization which has found the early morning gatherings to be well attended across the country.Our ministry is going on its second year with continued growth. In the future, It may be appropriate and even necessary to offer our ministry at other times of the day or different days of the week.

Q. I'm not comfortable speaking in public. Will I have to talk or share or lead the group in prayer?
A. No, no and no. If you are comfortable reading a prayer in unison with others, then you'll be in your comfort zone. No individual is ever called upon to share or speak. You will be invited to introduce yourself the first time you attend but even at this time you'll only be asked your name and everyone will introduce themselves as well.

Q. I can't stay for the whole gathering. Can I still come?
A. Yes, absolutely. 15 minutes of fellowship is better than not having any.

Q. I don't belong to St. Mary's, can I attend?
A. Yes. We are open to men from area parishes as well as those who want to be enriched by a Catholic men's ministry.

Q. I would like to bring my son/nephew/grandson. Can he attend?
A. We invite any male 18 year of age or older to join us.

Q. Are the meetings confidential in nature?
A. While there is no "Seal" to our gathering, all men are encouraged to consider the relatively private nature of our prayers, especially those of intercession.

Q. I'm not a saint and I don't know if I'd be comfortable praying with other men. Is this for me?
A. Then, you're in the same boat as the rest of us. At first, it seemed different to be among guys who we might see on occassion around town, perhaps at our kid's school or at the gym or even work. Maybe we'd see them at church but even then we might not be talking about our faith. Over time, we realized that we're just a bunch of guys trying to live out our faith the best that we can and it's just better (and frankly easier) to do it with other guys who are trying to do the same thing.

Q. Are you a service ministry?
A. No. (see below)

Q. Are you a charitable organization?
A. No.(See below)

Q. Are you a politically active group?
A. No (See below)

Q. I belong to the Knights of Columbus. Can I also be a member of the MOSJ?
A. Good, many of us are Knights as well. We encourage and support the good work of the Knights of Columbus. We take the occassion of our communications to share what our local council #100 is doing.

Q. So if you aren't a service/charitable/political organization, what are you?
A. You won't see the fruits of our ministry by the actions of the group but rather through the indivduals themselves. The Men of St. Joseph aspire to live out 10 callings. (See; Who Are The Men of St. Joseph/Aspirations on this website) While the group isn't focused on a single ministry, the individual man is called to actions such as the Spiritual Works of Mercy, the Corporal Works of Mercy as well as being active in his parish.