COUNCIL RECOGNITION

FAMILIES OF THE MONTH

July 2022

Crout

Jeff and Lisa, along with children Anna and Ben, have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church since 2011. The family has supported the annual fundraiser, GermanFest. In addition, they've helped with youth ministry activities, the parish Christmas giving tree project, and the music component of Vacation Bible School for several years. Anna and Ben, now graduates of St. Joseph, were active members of the parish youth group and served as altar servers. Anna currently cantors and serves on the youth core team.

June 2022

Strong

Dennis and Judy have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 1977. Dennis serves as Warden for KC Council 11934 and Judy is a member of the KC Ladies Auxiliary. They support the Church in many ways such as being Hospitality Ministers and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, helping with KC Lenten meals, and the church's annual fundraiser, Germanfest. Dennis, and a few other men, recently replaced the ADA ramp for the Parish Hall. Judy is a member of the choir, coordinates assigning various ministries for the KC and Ladies Auxiliary quarterly corporate mass, and coordinates providing meals for funerals. Dennis has served on the Finance Council, and Judy has served on the Pastoral Council in the past.

May 2022

Calvert

The Calverts joined St. Joseph in 2020. Debbie is a lector and Eucharistic Minister. David typically comes to mass even though he isn't Catholic. Their son, Avery, cantors and is very involved in the youth ministry, serving as a core team leader and helping teach Confirmation. He will graduate this year with multiple honors, including National Merit Finalist and Star Student and received the Bishop Chance Youth Award this year at the Diocesan Catholic Youth Conference.

April 2022

Blossman

Frank and Katrina, along with their 3 children, Chase, Alex and Emma, have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church since 2012. Frank is a member of the Pastoral Council and taught 5th and 6th grade Sunday school for several years. Katrina is a Lector, Extraordinary Minister of Communion and has taught vacation bible school for 3 years, and volunteered at Our Daily Bread in Canton. They both support the parish's fundraiser, GermanFest.

March 2022

Muzzi

Stephen and Heather have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2013. Stephen serves as Treasurer for Council 11934. Heather is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary where she serves as Treasurer.

February 2022

Varney

Doug and Judy have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2007. Doug has been a member of the choir and has filled the role of cantor for many years. Judy is currently a member of the Finance Council where she has served many terms. The family also supports our parish annual fundraiser, with Doug serving on the supply Committee for German Fest for several years as well as both volunteering annually wherever needed. Doug was an active member of the Building Committee for the current Church facility. Judy served on the Dioceses Investment and Health Insurance Committees from 2011-2016. Additionally, the Varney's were active members of St. Francis in Madison, MS from 1982-2011 where Mr. Varney served multiple terms on the Parish Council; was an active choir member and cantor for multiple years. Mrs. Varney supported this parish as a Sunday school teacher and both established the Wednesday Night Dinner program for the parish and taught the Baptism classes for over 10 years. They have two married sons and three grandchildren.

January 2022

Minninger

Kerry and Pam have been key for the growth and development of St. Joseph Parish in Gluckstadt, MS. Kerry is a past Grand Knight of Council 11934 and Pam is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Pam was assigned as Lay Ecclesial Minister for the parish in 2004 and will be retiring this month. She has been responsible for the growth of the parish from a small mission church to a parish with >700 families, requiring building of a new sanctuary which was completed in 2011. Kerry has diligently worked behind the scenes coordinating/implementing many of the "to-do" items for the parish, avoiding having to hire contractors. They have spent countless hours planning and overseeing the annual fundraiser, GermanFest. Kerry has also been instrumental in the recent incorporation of Gluckstadt, MS.

December 2021

Minninger

Johnny has been a life-long member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt. Michelle was confirmed and joined the Church in 2008. Both spend many hours volunteering at the parish's annual fundraiser, GermanFest. Johnny is a past member of the Pastoral Council and spends countless hours maintaining the church lawn and Fr. Kevin's Home. He has also volunteered on numerous occasions to help with KC sponsored events like lawncare at the Carmelite Monastery, straightening of tombstones in the parish cemetery, and putting up the Keep Christ in Christmas sign. Michele has used her photography skills to capture great moments during GermanFest and other key parish activities like First Communion and Confirmation.

November 2021

Vargas

Juan and Belinda and their 2 (now grown) children have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2007. Juan is a member of Council 11934. Belinda is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. They both serve the parish as members on the Hospitality Committee and have contributed in the key role of chairing the Country Store for the church's annual fund raiser, GermanFest. In addition, they have provided significant support for the Hispanic community in Canton, MS.

October 2021

Price

Eric and Monica and their 3 children have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2013. Eric is a member of Council 11934. Eric chairs the annual parish fundraiser, GermanFest. Monica is a member of the finance council. Their daughter, Elaina, frequently is an altar server. The Prices attend mass together on Sundays. Elaina is a freshman at St. Joe, and their middle son, Luke, is in the 5th grade at St. Anthony. Their youngest son, Matthew, is in kindergarten at Mannsdale and enjoys going to Sunday school at St. Joseph.

September 2021

Williams

Preston and Tricia have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2016. Preston is a past Grand Knight of Council 11934, and Tricia is a past president of the Ladies Auxiliary. Both help with the annual parish fundraiser GermanFest.

August 2021

Anonymous

July 2021

Flood

David & Lori have been members of St. Joseph since 1993. David has trained altar servers for many years and serves as a lector. They have both served on the hospitality ministry, taught Sunday School and volunteered for GermanFest & VBS. Lori is on the Shower Committee.

June 2021

Bisek

Mart and Ginger have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2005. Mart has held several offices within the KCs including District Deputy and Grand Knight of Council 11934 and is a member of Assembly 2269. He has also volunteered driving the delivery truck for Gleaners (charity food service) for many years. Ginger is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and led the Christmas Giving Tree project for many years.

May 2021

Baldwin

Ron and Anna have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2008, and regularly attend Mass with their children, Allyse, Abigail, and Sadie. Ron is a Past Grand Knight of Council 11934. Ron and Anna both serve at Eucharistic Ministers and volunteer for several activities at St. Anthony Catholic School.

April 2021

Moorehead

Larry and Vicki have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2010, and regularly attend Mass with their daughter, Anna Kathryn. Larry is a member of Council 11934. Larry is also a lector, and Vicki has been a member of the parish Pastoral Council. They both serve as Extraordinary Minsters of the Eucharist, volunteer with parish youth by chaperoning youth trips and service projects, and routinely volunteer to wipe down the pews after mass during the pandemic. They both also support the parish’s annual fundraiser, German Fest by chairing the T-Shirt Committee.

March 2021

Madere

David and Missy have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2007. David serves as Grand Knight for Council 11934. Missy is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. They are both members of the choir. David cantors, and Missy plays the flute. David serves on the Pastoral Council, ushers, has coordinated multiple adult religious education programs (pre-pandemic). He has recorded/edited/posted parish masses on YouTube during the pandemic. They both support the parish’s annual fundraiser, German Fest.

February 2021

Forsythe

Denise has been a member of St. Joseph Parish for more than 20 years and serves as sacristan, getting the altar ready for masses each week. She also serves as lector and has coordinated the meals for all the parish missions. She is tireless in working with sauerkraut making/canning and working with the parish Germanfest fundraiser every year. Joe is Methodist and is an active member of Madison Methodist Church, but he also helps with Germanfest every year. They are both very active members of the Madison Lions Club.

January 2021

Hirn

Chad and Kelly have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2015, and regularly attend Mass with their 3 children, Augusta, Mabry and Sullivan. Chad is a member of Council 11934. Chad has coordinated multiple adult religious education programs (pre-COVID) and is a lector, usher and Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. Chad also serves on the diocesan finance council for the Diocese of Jackson. Kelly is an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist. They both also support the parish’s annual fundraiser, German Fest.

December 2020

Schirmer

Eric and Beth have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2015, and regularly attend Mass with their three children, Grant, Emma and Court. Eric is a 4th degree member of Council 11934 (where he serves as Chancellor) and Assembly 2269 (where he serves as Inner Sentinel). Beth is a member of the St. Joseph K of C Ladies Auxiliary. They both serve as ushers and Beth serves as a Lector. They both also support the parish’s annual fundraiser, German Fest.

November 2020

Horn

Brian has been very active since going thru RCIA a couple of years ago, joining the KCs in March 2020 and advanced to 3rd Degree in April. He has volunteered with lawn care at the Carmelite Monastery. They donated substantially to the Raffle Fundraiser, won a basket and gave it back to the council. He and his wife Desiree had their first child in December 2020 and are always the first to show up for mass.

October 2020

Anonymous

Respecting the wishes of the Family of the Month to not be recognized, we are not posting their name.

September 2020

Greene

The Greene's are a close family of six who enjoy time together, helping each other grow in holiness. Patti functions as the Youth Minister for St. Joseph Parish. She has eagerly accepted the additional roles of helping with all 3 masses during the pandemic by checking people in and cleaning the church between masses. Lawrence and their four children ages twenty-one to eight make a weekly effort to attend Mass together around Patti's Sunday schedule. Their oldest Helen, away at college, serves as the president of her Catholic Student Association, while their other three children, Mary, David and George serve as role models at their local parishes and schools.

August 2020

Lott

Joe and Carla have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2006, and regularly attend Mass with their grown daughter, Tess (when in town). Joe is a 3rd Degree member of Council 11934 and has provided meals for meetings and for our Youth Ministry. Carla is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary and is the parish secretary. Carla taught Religious Ed to our Kindergarten and First Graders for ten years. She has taken on many additional responsibilities since COVID-19 has impacted everyone. She is taking reservations for 3 masses each week, checks families in when they arrive for Mass, and wipes down the pews between masses. They both also support the parish's annual fundraiser, German Fest. Carla co-chaired the Kids Games for a number of years and Joe assisted in helping with Kids Games. They have helped with the Hispanic Ministry in Canton as well.

July 2020

Worrell

Karen and her children, Aren and Jake, have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2008. Although Jimmy is not Catholic, he is very supportive of Karen and their children in their Catholic faith. Karen administers the Children's Religious Education program for K-8 for the parish including coordination of First Reconciliation and First Communion, May Crowning and our annual Christmas pageant. She is the Protection of Children program administrator for our parish and serves on the Faith Formation Committee. She is currently serving as an usher during Mass to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Her children were both altar servers from 4th grade through 12th grade. The family also support our parish annual fundraiser, German Fest.

June 2020

David and Leigh Wright

David and Leigh have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2014, and regularly attend Mass with their sons, Phillip & Joseph, who are very involved in the Youth Program in the parish. David is a member of Council 11934. David is a member of the Faith Formation and Communications Committees for the parish, as well as an Usher and Lector. They both also support the parish's annual fundraiser, German Fest.

May 2020

Dustin and Amy Pittman

Dustin and Amy have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2007, and regularly attend Mass with their daughters, MaeLynn and SaraAnn. Dustin serves as the Family Director for Council 11934. They have both volunteered numerous hours in support of the Youth Ministry Program and have taught the 9-10th grade Sunday School class since 2008. Amy is a past member of Pastoral Council. They both also support the parish's annual fundraiser, German Fest. They have recently opened their home to out of town family members for many months while their newborn niece was in a local hospital.

April 2020

David and Mona Cobb

David and Mona have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 1994. David was the prior Youth Minister, still assists with Confirmation preparation, and is a past member of Pastoral Council. Mona has served on Finance Council, RCIA facilitator, teacher, lector, previous member of the choir, and is presently the Parish Bookkeeper. Both are hospitality ministers and chair the hot dog booth for German Fest.

March 2020

Jones

Joe and Margret have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 1981. Joe is a Past Grand Knight of KC Council 11934, past District Deputy, and currently serves as Program Director. Joe is also a member of the VFW and American Legion. Margret is Past President of the Ladies Auxiliary. They both serve the parish as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist and contribute to the success of the church's annual fund raiser, German Fest. Joe and Margret also serve as Ministers of Hospitality.

February 2020

Stevens

Duane and Felecia have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2006. Duane is a Past Grand Knight of KC Council 11934, and Felecia is Vice President of the Ladies Auxiliary. They both serve the parish as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist and contribute to the success of the church's annual fund raiser, German Fest. Duane and Felecia also serve as Ministers of Hospitality. Felecia is involved in the annual Mother's Tea fund-raiser held each spring.

January 2020

Iupe

Bill and Terri have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2008. Bill is a member of KC Council 11934. They both serve the parish as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist and contribute to the success of the church's annual fund raiser, GermanFest. In addition, Bill is a member of the parish Finance Committee (for multiple terms). Terri previously served the Parish as a Sunday School Teacher when their children were younger.

December 2019

Vargas

Juan and Belinda have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2007. Juan is a member of KC Council 11934 and Belinda is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. They both serve the parish as members on the Hospitality Committee and have contributed in key roles for the church's annual fund raiser, GermanFest. In addition, they have provided significant support for the Hispanic community in Canton, MS.

November 2019

Brown

Andrew and Stephanie have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2011. They have a two year old son, Charlie, enrolled at Assisi Early learning center, and just had their second child, Mac, this month. Andrew is a member of KC Council 11934 and a graduate of St. Richard and St. Joseph Catholic School. Stephanie is assistant superintendent of education for the Jackson Diocese and has also served on the St. Joseph Pastoral Council since 2017. Additionally, they both serve the parish as Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist.

October 2019

Whitten

Whitt and Kim have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2007. Whitt is a member of KC Council 11934 and has served graciously for many years as Overall Chairman for the parish's annual fundraiser, Germanfest. Kim has also been actively involved with Germanfest and is the past-chair for the hot dog booth. In addition to this very time consuming effort, they both serve as Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist and enjoy being active in the parish community. Whitt is also a past member of the parish finance committee. Whitt and Kim enjoy spending time with family which includes their 3 college age children Conner, Carsen, and Catherine.

September 2019

Williams

Chip and Suzanne have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2008.Chip is a member of KC Council 11934 where he serves as Community Program Director. Chip coordinates the council cooking team, planning and cooking for Lenten meals, the church's annual fundraiser, Germanfest, council installation dinners and meetings and a variety of other fundraising and parish activities. He also coordinates the annual parish blood drive. Suzanne volunteers as a religious education teacher for the parish. Suzanne also volunteers for the Parish fundraiser Germanfest.

August 2019

Strong

Dennis and Judy have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 1977. Dennis is a member of KC Council 11934 and Judy is a member of the KC Ladies Auxiliary. They support the Church in many ways such as being Hospitality Ministers and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, helping with KC Lenten meals, and the church's annual fundraiser, Germanfest. Dennis, and a few other men, recently helped a very elderly lady (not a member of our parish) with replacing the back door of her house (it had fallen off providing no protection). Judy is a member of the choir, coordinates assigning various ministries for the KC and Ladies Auxiliary quarterly corporate mass, and coordinates providing meals for funerals. Dennis has served on the Finance Council, and Judy has served on the Pastoral Council in the past.

July 2019

Robinson

Denson and Mary Etta have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 19??. Denson is a member of KC Council 11934 and Mary Etta is a member of the KC Ladies Auxiliary. They support the Church in many ways such as Eucharistic Ministers, help with KC Lenten meals, and the church's annual fundraiser, Germanfest. Denson has had several terms on the Parish Finance Council, was on the building committee for the new church construction and past Germanfest Grounds Chairman. He, and a few other men, recently helped a very elderly lady (not a member of our parish) with replacing the back door of her house (it had fallen off providing no protection). Mary Etta volunteered for many years as parish bookkeeper and helps with the ministry in preparing meals for people in need.

June 2019

Hepburn

Mike and Cathy have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2008. Mike is a member of KC Council 11934 and Assembly 2069. Cathy is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. They support the Church in many, many ways such as Eucharistic Ministers, Lectors, etc. In addition they take Communion to the sick and help with KC Lenten meals, the church's annual fundraiser, Germanfest, and stay after mass to put the church back "in order" (picking up bulletins, missalettes, and items left by the congregation). They support the monthly rosary for life the 2nd Saturday of each month. Mike just completed a term on the Pastoral Council and serves of the Formation Committee which evaluates and makes recommendations for adult education for the parish. He has also been involved in Habitat for Humanity for the last several years.

May 2019

Darbonne

Ned and Patti have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2000. Ned is a member of KC Council 11934. Patti is a member of the Ladies Auxiliary. They have spent 19 years supporting the church's annual fund raiser, Germanfest, by chairing the Country Store and making sauerkraut and cooking brats, pork chops and kabobs. They support several church and KC functions by cooking. This includes hosting the Pastoral and Finance Councils at their home every year for a kickoff meeting. Patti spends a great deal of time supporting the Carmelite Monastery in Jackson, MS. She also supports the retirement community St. Catherine by playing the piano for masses.

April 2019

Caskey

Jim and Dana have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 2001. They both serve on the hospitality committee and are Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers. They volunteer a tremendous amount of time each year in coordinating/teaching the RCIA program for the parish - this Easter, we will have 14 candidates and catechumens joining the Catholic faith. Jim is also on the Pastoral Council and Chairs the Committee for Faith Formation in the parish. Dana volunteers at Our Daily Bread once a month and volunteers at St. Joseph High School supporting several projects.

March 2019

Fertitta

Anthony and Mindy are members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS since 1984. Anthony is a 4th Degree charter member of KC Council 11934 where he is currently serving as Chancellor and Vocations Chair. He is a member of the Choir, and serves as a Cantor, Lector, and Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister. He chaired the Parish Finance Council for 4 terms. He also served on the Pastoral Council for 4 terms with 2 as Chair. They both worked to renovate the parish cemetery, which included fundraising and selection and building of a new fence, an altar and a monument to the unborn victims of abortion. Anthony served as Secretary of the St. Joseph Catholic School Board for 4 years. They have both coordinated the St. Joseph Altar for many years and have coordinated 24 hr Eucharistic Adoration for Corpus Christi. Mindy taught CCD for 20+ years and served 4 years as Director of CCD. She also chaired and edited 2 parish cookbooks. She served 3 terms on the Pastoral Council as secretary and chaired the Finance Committee for GermanFest for 20+ years. Mindy is a charter member of the Ladies Auxiliary.

February 2019

Wilson

Glenn and Gracie Wilson are members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Gluckstadt, MS. Glenn is a member of KC Council 11934 and Gracie is currently serving as president of the Ladies Auxiliary. In addition to attending mass on Sundays, they attend daily mass offered at St. Joseph (on Tuesday mornings and Wednesdays evenings). They have assisted with many fundraising events at their parish in the past. Most recently, Glenn cooked a large pot of jambalaya for a Super Bowl fundraiser coordinated by the Ladies Auxiliary. Gracie recently received the Bishop Chance Medal (presented by the diocese of Jackson, MS) for outstanding service to the church. Glenn cooks several times throughout the year for Lenten meals, KC meetings, etc.