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For the rural-but-active parish of St. Joseph's in Worcester, the closing of two nearby churches was a loss, but also an opportunity to see their parish expand.

When both St. Anna's parish in Summit and St. Joseph's mission church, St. Mary's in Schenevus, closed in 2009, many people made St. Joseph their new place of worship.

Along with this came a larger religious education program and a much greater need for space. Therefore, St. Joseph's is converting what was once an apartment on the parish grounds into five new classrooms for religious education and ministry.

"It's exciting that the parish is expanding and the growth in the religious education program is phenomenal," said Heather Jonker, who does First Communion preparation for youngsters at St. Joseph's.

Until recently, she explained, many Sunday faith formation classes would have to cram into a small space in the parish, only separated by temporary dividers. Now, most will move into the new classroom space and the others will have room to spread out.

Although the space only became available at the beginning of the year, with only minor renovations needed such as lighting and new doors, some classes have already moved into their new rooms.

"It's so much less chaotic now and everyone finally has their own space," Mrs. Jonker told The Evangelist.

According to Rev. Ronald Green, MM, pastor, there are approximately 80 children enrolled in the religious education program, from pre-Kindergarten through Confirmation preparation classes. The First Communion prep class has more than doubled since last year, with 11 students now enrolled.

The converted rooms also allow for more space for the parish's youth ministry meetings and movie nights, a teen-led pro-life group called "Life Mob International," young adult ministry and adult formation classes.

"St. Joseph's already had some energetic people, but with these mergers, a whole new energy has been made here," Mrs. Jonker remarked. "We owe all this new activity to those people and to Father Green, who is just great. He is so supportive of getting the parishioners together because he just loves to be with people."

A native of Michigan farm country, Father Green said it's important to make an effort to see people and bring them together.

"This parish has become more and more active - and now, we have this great mix of parishioners," he said.

In rural Otsego County, where communities are spaced few and far between, he said, "St. Joseph's has become a spiritual and social center of the community."

Life Mob International, the new teen pro-life group that's been meeting regularly at St. Joseph's, has also been working with the "40 Days for Life" campaign previously profiled in The Evangelist to pray outside of Planned Parenthood sites during Lent. Adult chaperon Heather Jonker called the teens "a great group who really care about and believe in what they're doing."[[In-content Ad]]

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