Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
Q: What is the Mission Statement of St. Joseph Parish?
A: St. Joseph Parish, Libertyville, is a family of faith in the Catholic Tradition. We are called in Baptism to be disciples of Jesus Christ and stewards of all God's creation. As disciples we are formed and fed at the Table of God's Word and of His Body. In Gratitude we are sent forth from the Eucharistic celebration to continue the ministry of Christ in our community and in our world.
Q: How do I contact the parish office?
A: You can contact the Parish Office and Ministry Center by phone or e-mail. Please click here for complete contact information.
Q: How do I register as a St. Joseph parishioner?
A: We welcome you to our community of faith! You may register at the parish office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday or between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. You may also register by calling the office at 847-362-2073 during the Monday through Friday business hours. Great news!! You can also register on-line... just click here to visit our Welcome Center
Q: Are there parish boundaries?
A: There are no parish boundaries at this time.
Q: What is the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC)?
A: The Parish Pastoral Council acts as a consulting body to the Pastor and shares responsibility for the pastoral life of the Parish under the Pastor’s leadership. Assists with strategic planning and direction of parish activities by recommending, formulating and monitoring policies which advance and complement the mission and vision statements of the Parish. Please visit the PPC web page
Q: How do I get an announcement in The Carpenter (weekly bulletin)?
A: Articles for the bulletin must be received at the Parish Office & Ministry Center by noon on the Monday before the issue. Photos must be submitted one week earlier. Please contact Marie Touhy at 847-680-4010 or fax 847-680-4028. Call for e-mail address. Anyone wishing to add/stuff The Carpenter with extra insert pages should contact Toni Pepping at: 847-362-2073.
Q: How do I request a mass card?
A: Mass cards can be obtained at the Parish Office from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The usual stipend is $10.00.
Q: Where is parking permitted during mass?
A: In addition to the parking spaces on the streets surrounding the church, we are allowed to park in the lot BEHIND the Mil-Park Mall at the corner of Milwaukee and Park Avenues; in the National City Bank lot on the west side of Milwaukee Avenue; on the St. Joseph School playground; and for the 7:15 a.m. Mass only, in the spaces near the office building behind the church at 200 N. Milwaukee Avenue. PLEASE do not park in the spaces provided for the customers & clients of our "business" neighbors. In addition, it is essential that unless you are a person with disability that you avoid parking in spaces that are marked for "handicapped parking." Please don't make things more difficult for these persons.
Q: How do I become a Catholic or find out more about the Catholic Faith?
A: Contact the Catherine Sims at the Parish Office at 847-990-1238 and she will be of assistance.
Q: I have personal circumstances and am in need of assistance through the food pantry or other Human Concerns
Outreach services. Whom should I contact?
A: Contact Mary Causey, Director of Human Concerns at 847-990-1213 Click here to learn more about our Human Concerns Commission
Q: I would like to make a charitable gift donation to the parish. What means are available?
A: The Catholic Education Endowment of St. Joseph is set up to receive your donations and there other areas as well.
Contact Bob Blanke, Director of Administration at 847-362-2073 to explore possibilities.
Click here to learn more about our Education Endowment
Baptism
Q: How soon after birth should I have my child baptized?
A: While it is most desirable to have your child baptised within the first few months after birth, it's also important that a time should be chosen when it's most practical for family and friends to gather for the ceremony. Baptism is a communal sacrament and having present those who will share life and faith with the child should be a strong consideration.
Q: When are baptisms?
A: Baptisms are every Sunday (except for certain feasts, events and holidays) after the 12:30 PM mass at 1:45 PM. There is also opportunity to have a baptism celebrated during liturgy - call the Parish Office for details 847-362-2073.
Q: How do I arrange for infant baptisms?
A: Call the parish office at 847-362-2073 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday for more information.
Q: How long is the baptism ceremony?
A: Depending on the number of children (up to 5), baptisms take about about 45 minutes.
Q: Are there baptism preparation classes?
A: Yes, all parents who have not attended a class within the last two years must attend a preparation session class within three months prior to the baptism. The class is held the 2nd Monday of each month from 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM in the Loughry Room.
Q: How do I arrange for the baptism of my school age child?
A: Preparation classes for parents and children begin in September. Call the Religious Education office 847-362-5797 for information.
Q: What are the requirements for godparents?
A: Policy 102.3.5 The Sanctifying Office of the Church, Sacramental life: Although the selection of two godparents is customary, only one godparent is required for baptism. A godparent can be either male or female. If two godparents are chosen, one must be male and one female (Canon 873) A godparent must also be a fully initiated Roman catholic who is free to celebrate the sacraments (Canons 892 and 893) A baptized non-Catholic Christian can be chosen as a Christian witness provided there is at least one Catholic godparent.
Q: Can I have a visiting priest or deacon perform the baptism?
A: Yes, the arrangements should be made at the time parents register their child for baptism in the church office. These special baptisms are usually done after the regularly scheduled Sunday baptisms are completed at 3:00 PM.
Q: What should my child be wearing?
A: A white garment is the appropriate dress for an infant being baptized. It is traditional and highly symbolic. Any other dress is not appropriate.
Q: Are pictures and videos permitted?
A: Picture taking and recording this beautiful event is encouraged. These are important memories that will be shared by your family in the years to come. Just be mindful that you are in a worship space in a liturgical setting. Consideration for others is important.
Q: What is the customary donation for baptism?
A: The donation is at the discretion of the parents and $25 is the suggested amount.
Marriage
Q: How do I arrange for a marriage?
A: The engaged couple must meet with one of the parish priests before a wedding date can be reserved. Please contact the Parish Office and Ministry Center as soon as you are engaged. Four months is required for marriage preparation. Call 847-362-2073 to make an appointment. Click here for the Marriage Preparation Booklet.
Q: What is FOCCUS ?
A: FOCCUS (Facilitating Open Couple Communication and Study) is a requirement for the engaged couple. It is administered here and is an instrument comprised of a questionnaire encompassing all aspects of married life. The couple's answers are grouped into areas of agreement/disagreement and the couple discusses the areas of disagreement.
Q: What else should I know about marriage preparation?
A: This is the time and space for the couple to attend to their relationship. At St. Joseph Parish, Pre-Cana Conference is an encouragement and FOCCUS is a requirement. Pre-Cana Conferences are held throughout the Archdiocese and St. Joseph Parish is one of the sites for these workshops. A married couple acts as companion to the engaged couple. Through the contacts with the Parish ministry team, the couple experiences a companionship that reflects God's love for them. This environment continues throughout the journey of marriage preparation towards their wedding day.
St. Joseph Elementary School
Q: How do I register my children at St. Joseph Elementary School?
A: Contact the St. Joseph School office located at 221 Park Place between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday during the school year. The phone number is 847-362-0730. St. Joseph School website
Religious Education for Children
Q: How do I register my children for Religious Education classes?
A. The Religious Education office is located at 130 Hurlburt Court (2nd floor). It is open from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday or call 847-362-5797. St. Joseph Religious Education website.