Saint Joseph Mission – Progressive Catholic Church

Father Joe of Saint Joseph Mission – Progressive Catholic Church

About Father Joe
Father Joe is an ordained Old Catholic Franciscan Priest and wedding officiant based in Cliffside Park, New Jersey. He holds a Master of Divinity degree in Ministry and Pastoral Care from Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Assigned to Saint Joseph Mission Church, Father Joe focuses on social justice and spreading God’s love and hope to those in need, particularly those on the margins of society. He is dedicated to assisting couples in planning their special day with openness and authenticity, ensuring that God’s presence is felt wherever love exists.

About Saint Joseph Mission
The Saint Joseph Mission Church, a Progressive Catholic Church and Franciscan Community, operates with the belief that God does not only reside within the walls of a church but is always present in love. This community works to bring God’s message to places Rome cannot reach, and their mission is rooted in social justice and service to those in need.

Father Joe’s Availability
Father Joe will be available in Longboat Key, Sarasota, and the Tampa Bay area for weddings during Christmas, January, and February of 2024 and 2025.

Services Offered

Wedding Officiant Services
Father Joe and the Saint Joseph Mission team offer a range of services for various ceremonies, including:

• Civil unions
• Interfaith ceremonies
• Catholic weddings
• Rehearsal ceremonies
• Vow renewal ceremonies

They also provide Pre-Cana counseling and can assist with Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation.

Ceremony Traditions
Father Joe has experience incorporating a variety of traditions and sacraments into ceremonies, such as:

• Seven Jewish Wedding Blessings
• Hands Ceremony
• Blending of Sands
• Honoring of Children
• Unity Candle
• Wine Sharing & Communion
• Breaking of the Glass

About Father Rix

Father Rix, based in Chicago, is also a graduate of Union Theological Seminary and has been with the mission for five years. He co-authored the marriage guidebook Happily Ever After with Father Joe and is an integral part of the ministry team.

New Resource: Happily Ever After! A Guide to a Holy Marriage

Father Joe and Father Rix have co-authored a new book, Happily Ever After: A Guide to a Holy Marriage, which draws from their experience officiating over 600 weddings. This book is a valuable resource for both those planning a wedding and for couples who want to strengthen and maintain a holy, loving marriage.

Statement on Communion: Open Table, Open Hearts

The Progressive Catholic Church, as a member of the Jesus Movement and in Apostolic Succession, welcomes all Christian Churches who profess the Ancient Creedal Faith of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church to their table. All who acknowledge the True Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist are welcome at the Table of the Lord Jesus Christ.