Church Spotlight

by Theresa Dardanell St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church Part of the Mission Statement of St. Joseph’s Church is “…following in the spirit of St. Vincent DePaul to assist those in need.” When I met with Pastor Father Martin McGeough, Parish Secretary Elaine Ebaugh, and Facilities Manager Dennis Ebaugh, they all agreed that the parishioners fulfill that mission by their generosity.  Father Marty said, “There is a strong sense of community among the people. They like each other, they care about each other, they work for each other, and they work with each other.” There are several ways that the members of the parish help the community. The St. Vincent DePaul/Our Lady of Grace Conference is an organization that serves the people of Emmitsburg, Thurmont, and Taneytown by providing support such as transportation, hospital visits, and home visits. In November each year, they also collect coats, blankets, and other cold weather items for the homeless in the area.  Elaine Ebaugh said that members generously donate money for community and world needs during regular and special collections.  Recent collections included providing support for hurricane victims. At Christmas, parishioners donate toys and gift cards; at Easter and Thanksgiving, they donate grocery store gift cards. St. Joseph Church also partners with the Emmitsburg Council of Churches to donate to the Seton Center Outreach program, which coordinates distribution of these funds to people in need. The St. Joseph’s Church Sodality of the Blessed Virgin is a service and prayer group. During its annual craft fair in December and yard sale in June, money raised is used for church projects that are determined by the pastor.  Once a year, money is donated to the Seton Center and the Pregnancy Center. In past years, they have provided tuition assistance for students at Mother Seton School. In addition, members make and donate prayer shawls to people who are grieving or ill. The Legion of Mary is a group devoted to prayer and service. Members meet weekly to pray and recite the rosary. Two hours every week are spent visiting the sick in private homes and nursing homes. Volunteers distribute rosaries and miraculous medals. Members of this group also organize and support the Right To Life Chain in Emmitsburg every October. Currently, the parish has 670 registered families, but the membership started out much smaller. The history of the church began in 1786, when mass was celebrated in the chapel of a private home. The original church was built in 1793, on land donated by the Hughes family. When the congregation grew too large for the building, it was torn down and the current church was built in 1842. Dennis Ebaugh said that the church recently underwent a total restoration, which included electrical, lighting, fire protection, exterior restoration, and bell tower repairs.  The pews, doors, floors, and stained glass windows were all refurbished. Along with Father Marty, Elaine and Dennis Ebaugh, parish staff members are: Father Charles Krieg, associate pastor; Father Harry Arnone, C.M. chaplain to the Daughters of Charity at the Villa; Teresa Allnut, bookkeeper; Debbie Krietz, housekeeper/cook; Doria Wolfe, coordinator of religious education; Mary Myers, director of liturgy; Anthony Dilulio and Joseph Ritz, music directors. Children of the parish participate in one of three religious education programs. Children in the parish who attend public school attend religious education classes on Sunday mornings. Students who attend Mother Seton School receive instruction at school. The Emmaus Catholic Homeschool Organization (ECHO), provides support to parents who homeschool their children. Mass is celebrated Saturdays at 4:30 p.m., and Sundays at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. On the first Sunday of every month, everyone is invited for coffee and donuts after the morning masses. Mass times during the week are: Monday at 7:30 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome. The church is located at 47 DePaul Street in Emmitsburg. Visit www.stjosephemmitsburg.org or call 301-447-2326. Father Charles Krieg with altar servers, Thomas and Nicholas Lowe.