Registering for the parish is easy, please use this (link) to complete a registration form. You will also be automatically enrolled to receive regular parish electronic updates via Flocknote (text or email, and which you can opt out of if you wish).
How do I arrange for Mass Intentions and Mass Cards?
They can be obtained by coming into the Rectory offices, or if you cannot get here during regular business hours, you can call, and we can do it over the phone. The donation for an announced Mass Intention is $20 and you will also receive a standard size card. Larger Mass Cards are also available. We accept cash, checks or credit card, and if you arrange it over the phone we can mail the card to you.
In addition to a mass intention, you can also dedicate the bread/wine for mass, please inquire about availability by contacting the rectory office.
If you would like to memorialize a JourneySong Mass Book or a leaf or rock on our tree of life in the Church Vestibule area please contact the rectory office. Each year during the season of Lent we also have an opportunity to memorialize the Paschal Candle for the new liturgical year.
How do I arrange a Baptism?
Baptisms are typically performed weekly (Saturdays on the first weekend of the month, and Sundays the other weekends). Please call the Rectory to arrange to speak to one of the priests or Deacons. Godparents must be practicing Catholics that have received the sacrament of Confirmation. If there are two Godparents, they must be one male and one female (a reflection of the biological parents).
How can I receive a Godparent/Sponsor Certificate?
Anyone seeking to be a Godparent or a Sponsor for Baptism or Confirmation must be a practicing Catholic, at least 16-years-old, and have received the Sacrament of Confirmation. If you require a sponsor certificate for a sacrament being conferred in another parish, please come by the parish office during business hours for a signed sponsor form with the raised seal of the parish.
How do I arrange a Wedding?
The bride and groom should contact the rectory (at least 6 months prior to your planned wedding date) to arrange to meet with one of the priests or deacons. It will work best (to avoid potential frustration) if you contact the rectory prior to finalizing reception plans.
How do I arrange a Funeral or a Memorial Mass?
In the event of a loved one’s death, funeral homes will typically coordinate the funeral mass with us. If you wish to arrange a funeral mass directly with us, please call the rectory office. Memorial masses are typically celebrated when there was no funeral mass celebrated at the time of death. Our Ministry of Consolation will help you choose readings and music appropriate for the mass for your loved one. To view the available readings click here: Funeral Readings and to view the music click here: Funeral Music.
How can I add someone to the Sick or Military Service Prayer List?
Each month we publish in our bulletin a prayer list for loved ones that are sick or serving in the military. Please call the parish office to have a name added to the list.
How do I arrange a Hospital Visit from a Chaplain?
The Diocese has Chaplains assigned at the different Long Island hospitals. When registering, or by asking your nurse, please request to be listed as “Roman Catholic” to assure pastoral care (e.g., Holy Communion and/or Anointing of the Sick) from the Catholic chaplain at the hospital. During these times of COVID safety protocols, parish priests are not permitted to make hospital visits.
How can I arrange visitation at a Nursing Home?
The Diocese assigns the local parish to support the nursing homes within each of the various parish’s boundaries. St. Joseph supports the Lake Shore and Hidden Gem homes in Ronkonkoma. Arrangements for reconciliation or anointing by a priest can be made through the nursing home.
How can I request Communion for the homebound?
Call the parish rectory office and give your name, address, and phone number. An Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion for the Homebound will contact you.
How can I purchase a votive candle?
Candles are available in the Church. This includes electronic candles, as well as red, blue and while traditional candles which can be purchased for $5 each in the church between 9am and 2pm weekdays, or on Sundays, or at the rectory office during normal business hours.
What are the Rectory Business Hours?
The Rectory offices are open for business Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Our Secretary and/or receptionist is available to answer phone inquiries from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Thursdays.
How can I register for Weekly/Monthly Giving?
When registering, you can indicate if you wish to receive donation envelopes on a weekly or monthly basis. If you are already a parishioner and wish to change your envelope frequency, or need replacement envelopes, please contact the rectory office.
Electronic giving options are also available through Parish Giving (www.parishgiving.org). Registration is simple, enter our parish zip code when prompted, and St Joseph Parish should appear, then follow the guided steps to enroll your donation preferences. Credit card and bank transfers are both accommodated.
How can I register for Religious Education and Faith Formation Classes?
Please visit our Faith Formation page to see how to register your child for Faith Formation classes.
If you are an adult interested in becoming a Catholic, or a baptized Catholic adult interested in receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, please call the rectory offices to speak to a priest or deacon.