Knights of Columbus (Ellinwood)

The Ellinwood St. Joseph Council 1187 Knights of Columbus was first charted on January 13, 1907.  In the spring we have an awards breakfast to recognize those who have attained 25 and 50 years of membership and those who have attained honorary life membership.  In November we hold our annual memorial service to eulogize the members who have passed away in the past year.  In December we have our annual Christmas party.  On the last Sunday in January we have a soup sampler dinner.  The proceeds from this event go to our scholarship fund.  On the first Friday of Lent we have a catfish fry, the proceeds goes to requests for aid that we get during the year.  In October we have our annual pancake and sausage breakfast, this event is held in conjunction with the state wide tootsie roll campaign.  This helps fund the annual special olympics and several Barton county organizations helping people with intellectual disabilities.  In January we have our bottles for babies program with the proceeds going to Barton county prolife organizations. Through our emergency disaster aid program we help people who have suffered substantial loss because of a natural disaster.  Through the state run Aid to Religious Education program the PSR programs of St. Joseph in Ellinwood and Holy Name in Bushton receive financial help.

Knights of Columbus (Claflin)

Immaculate Conception Council #1500 was rechartered February 1, 1920, now in its 89th year. The council is currently involved in many activities in our church and community. Some of these activities include helping our PSR classes thru our Religious Education fund, sponsoring seminarians thru Adopt-a-Seminarian program, donating funds for the church and parish center up keep, sponsoring scholarships for our high school, raising funds for Commitment to Humanities Tootsie Roll campaign, sponsoring Pro-Life programs, helping assist victims of disaster, holding Free Throw contest for our youth, meals for communidty auctions, assist with Stations of the Cross during Lent and other events of the parish. Our lively and fun fundraisers include our annual golf tournament during Memorial Day Weekend, annual breakfast during Thanksgiving weekend and yearly mixed social. If anyone is interested in joining our council, please contact any member.

Altar Society (Ellinwood)

The purpose of St. Joseph Altar Society is to further the spiritual welfare of its members and to provide funds for whatever items are needed for Mass and other worship services Parish services are also funded as approved by the members. More specifically, Altar Society funds are used to care for the altar of the Lord and those needs pertinent to it, such as altar server robes, altar cloths, altar wine and bread, candles and other needs that may arise. It is a privilege for the women of St. Joseph Church to belong to the Altar Society. Members pray the Rosary for deceased members of the Parish and with residents of Woodhaven, serve funeral dinners and participate in community activities. The annual St. Joseph Festival is the major fundraiser for the Altar Society.

Altar Society (Claflin)

Social Committee

St. Joseph's Social Committee promotes fellowship in the parish community. We do the setup, decorating, preparation and cleanup for these functions and generally rely on the church community to assist when needed. We have the Over 70's dinner, RCIA-Easter vigil, Confirmation Social, Fat Tuesday (Shrimp Boil) and Christmas Social (for the grade school Christmas Program). Social Committee members are: Joy and Paul Schlochtermeier, Rosemary and Ron McCrary, Julie and Kevin Kramp, Kim Ward, Jeannie and Mike Strobl and Rita and Don Feist.

Welcoming Committee

The Welcoming Committee seeks to reach out to new parishioners and creates an immediate sense of belonging and helps families and individuals feel at home at St. Joseph. There are several items that are handed out to new parishioners, such as a parish directory, bulletin, newsletter, and other welcoming items. If you are new to the parish feel free to call or register on this website.

RCIA (Ellinwood)

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) The RCIA is the Catholic Church's process for welcoming adult inquirers who are interested in becoming members of the Roman Catholic Church. It is designed for adults who have not been baptized, or have been baptized in another Christian religion, or baptized Catholics who have not received Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. The process follows the Church's liturgical year and leads up to the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. During this time there are opportunities to ask questions, to focus on Scripture, to study the sacraments, and to grow in the faith. At St. Joseph, formal sessions begin in September and continue through the Easter season. Adults who are interested in participating or have any questions are encouraged to contact the parish office for more information.

RCIA (Claflin)

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initation for Adults) is the Catholic Church's process for welcoming adult inquirers who are interested in becoming members of the Roman Catholic Church. It is designed for adults who have not been baptized, or have been baptized in another Christian religion, or baptized Catholics who have not received Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. The process follows the Church's liturgical year and leads up to the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist) at the Easter Vigil. During this time there are opportunities to ask questions, to focus on Scripture, to study the sacraments and to grow in the faith. At Immaculate Conception, formal sessions begin in September and continue through the Easter season. Adults who are interested in participating or have any questions are encouraged to contact the parish office for more information.