Mass Times

Saturday at 4:30 pm
Sunday at 9:00 am

Planting Day – Sat. June 15 10am-noon

Please join us to get the 2024 garden planted on Saturday, June 15th. We’ll begin at 10am and finish at noon. Don’t worry if you’ve never planted before. We are happy to show you how to do it! Here are the details:

  • Report to Carrie Kirchner when you arrive to check in and discuss what you will do.
  • Bring your favorite planting tools, but still come if you don’t have any. Some planting doesn’t require tools.
  • We’ll be planting a variety of seeds, and we’ll be planting small plants, too.
  • Dress for the weather. Don’t forget a hat if it’s sunny.
  • We’ll provide water.
  • Children are more than welcome to attend with a parent or another adult family member.

How this started…

St. Joseph Garden Ministry developed in response to a 2022 county-wide survey organized by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Youngstown that indicated food insecurity as a top need in Mahoning County. St. Joseph has a significant amount of unused, tillable land and many parishioners with gardening experience. A principal goal of this ministry is to grow healthy, organic food that we can distribute to organizations that serve food-insecure populations in our local area.

Walk the Garden

The garden is a pattern of raised beds and worn paths. We welcome all parishioners of all ages to walk on the paths of the garden as often as you’d like. The foot traffic will help keep the weeds down in the paths. We only ask that you not walk on the raised beds and that you don’t pick the produce.

Pray in the Garden

The garden is also a spiritual opportunity. Walking the paths of the garden can be a meditative experience. Being aware that you are in the midst of a diverse and abundant living environment can offer unique insights into the life of God among us. We invite everyone to use the garden as an opportunity for spiritual practice whether you are tending the crops or just strolling the paths.

For more information contact…

-Carrie Kirchner at 330-314-2914 or hornyakcarrie@gmail.com

-Jim Merhaut at jmerhaut@stjosephaustintown.org

Enjoy a Few Photos of Our Work (Click any image to see full size)<br>