St. Joseph Vision Plan

Submit comments to:
Deacon John Carter, Pastoral Associate
St. Joseph Catholic Church
jcarter@stjosephsp.org

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Mission Statement

“St. Joseph is a Catholic community dedicated to growth in faith, prayer, and service.”

For over 100 years, St. Joseph Catholic Church has been a beacon of faith, prayer, and service in South St. Petersburg. From its humble beginnings as a mission in 1922 to its present-day role as a multicultural parish family, the parish has lived out Christ’s call to serve and welcome all people.

This Vision Plan belongs to all of us—the people of St. Joseph—and will guide our shared journey of faith into the future by building on our history, mission, and identity.

I. Remembering Our Roots

St. Joseph’s history reflects:

  • Faithful beginnings as a mission parish serving immigrant and working-class families.
  • A legacy of inclusion, especially through the Immaculate Conception Mission, which ministered to Black Catholics during segregation.
  • A commitment to justice, expressed in parish involvement in local community action.
  • A multicultural identity, reflected in worship traditions and the contributions of diverse parishioners over the years.
  • Partnership with the Cathedral of St. Jude, which today provides administrative and pastoral support, ensuring stability and growth.

“We have come this far by faith.”

II. Vision Statement

St. Joseph Catholic Church envisions a future where every person feels welcomed, formed in faith, and sent forth in service. Rooted in the Eucharist and inspired by our heritage, we strive to be:

  • A HOME OF FAITH – where all generations encounter Christ in vibrant liturgy and prayer.
  • A SCHOOL OF DISCIPLESHIP – where children, youth, and adults grow as missionary disciples.
  • A BEACON OF HOPE – where outreach, advocacy, and service witness to God’s love.
  • A FAMILY OF FAMILIES – united across cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.

III. Core Pastoral Priorities

1. Worship and Prayer

  • Deepen reverence and participation in the liturgy.
  • Celebrate the parish’s multicultural spirit while maintaining a unified Catholic identity.
  • Strengthen music ministry to enrich prayer and worship.
  • Expand opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration, retreats, and devotions.

2. Faith Formation and Discipleship

  • Strengthen OCIA, adult education, and youth faith formation.
  • Expand adult catechesis with Bible studies, Church history, apostolic studies, and teachings on the sacraments and precepts of the Church.
  • Provide lifelong formation opportunities through small Christian communities and parish-wide study series.
  • Support sacramental preparation with robust catechesis and mentoring.

3. Family and Community Life

  • Build programs to strengthen marriages, families, and parenting.
  • Provide intergenerational activities that foster unity.Page of 3 5
  • Encourage fellowship events that celebrate the parish’s cultural diversity.

4. Outreach and Service

  • Hot Meals Ministry: Expand this vital outreach by growing the number of volunteers and reaching more of our neighbors in need.
  • Pantry Ministry: Strengthen weekly food support in partnership with the Cathedral of St. Jude, St. Paul (St. Petersburg), and Blessed Trinity.
  • Broaden outreach to the poor, immigrants, and marginalized communities.
  • Continue justice and peace advocacy through collaboration with community leaders.
  • Reach out to former parishioners.

5. Youth and Young Adults

  • Develop leadership opportunities in liturgy, service, and parish governance.
  • Foster mentorship and vocational discernment (marriage, religious life, lay ministry).
  • Offer engaging programs such as mission trips, service projects, and retreats.

6. Stewardship and Sustainability

  • Promote stewardship of time, talent, and treasure through formation and witness.
  • Ensure long-term financial sustainability through transparent communication.
  • Maintain and upgrade parish facilities to meet present and future needs.

IV. Overarching Parish Goal

Increase Volunteerism Across All Ministries

To build a truly vibrant parish life, St. Joseph will actively encourage all parishioners to share their gifts in ministry.

Goal: By August 2026, at least 25% of active parishioners will be involved in at least one ministry.

When a majority of households are engaged in ministry, the parish will reflect a living Body of Christ at work in the Church and in the world.

V. Strategic Goals for the Next 5–10 Years

  • Liturgy & Prayer: Establish quarterly multicultural liturgies and an annual parish mission or retreat.
  • Faith Formation: Launch a comprehensive adult formation track (Bible, Church history, sacraments).
  • Family Life: Form a Family Ministry team to coordinate marriage, parenting, and intergenerational programming.
  • Outreach: Grow the Hot Meals and Pantry Ministries with more volunteers and stronger parish partnerships.
  • Youth/Young Adults: Contingent on funding, hire a Youth & Young Adult Ministry Coordinator.
  • Volunteerism: Promote widespread ministry participation across all age groups and backgrounds.
  • Stewardship: Initiate a capital campaign for parish hall renovation and technology improvements.

VI. Interim Markers and Community Events (2025–2026)

To help us live the vision visibly and build parish momentum:

• November 2025 – Black Catholic History Month

  • Celebrate a parish-wide liturgy or event honoring the accomplishments and sacrifices of African American Catholics, including those on the path to sainthood.

• December 2025 / January 2026 – Kwanzaa Celebration

  • Host a Kwanzaa cultural event in the parish hall, celebrating African and Catholic values of family, community, and faith.

• February 2026 – Black History Month

  • Offer a parish-wide liturgy or event recognizing the contributions of Black Catholics throughout Church history.

• March 2026 – JoPatty Celebration

  • Launch a combined St. Joseph and St. Patrick celebration, lifting up the multicultural unity of our parish.Page of 5 5

• Spring/Summer 2026 – Parish Unity Picnic

  • Host a parish-wide picnic celebrating our unity, diversity, and partnership with the Cathedral of St. Jude.

• July/August 2026 – Vacation Bible School

  • Provide a joyful, faith-filled summer experience for children, centered on scripture, Catholic values, music, crafts, and community-building.

• August 2026 – Garth A. Albury Back to School Bash

  • Honor the legacy of service and education in our community by equipping students with backpacks, school supplies, and blessings for the new academic year.

• August 2026 – Ministry Milestone

  • Reach our benchmark of 25% parishioner ministry participation, reflecting a growing culture of service and stewardship.

VII. Living the Vision

To stay accountable and focused on progress:

• Form a Vision Implementation Team made up of clergy, staff, and lay leaders.

• Hold an annual parish-wide town hall to assess progress, celebrate wins, and set future goals.

• Invite every parishioner to see this vision as their own—a shared mission in service of Christ and His Church.

VIII. Conclusion

St. Joseph Parish has endured and flourished for over a century through the faith, resilience, and generosity of its people. Just as our ancestors built this parish on prayer and service, we are called to build the future with courage and conviction.

“The Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

Let us walk forward together—with hope, unity, and joy.