Our Mission & Vision
"The Parish is a community of the Christian faithful called to unite, to reach out in love, to act and transform in Christ."
This mission statement captures the essence of who we are and what we strive to be as St Joseph's Parish. Each phrase reflects a core commitment that guides our actions, shapes our community, and defines our purpose in Waihi and beyond.
Called to Unite
We believe that the Church is not a building but a community – the Body of Christ united in faith. At St Joseph's, we strive to break down barriers and bring people together across generations, backgrounds, and circumstances.
Through worship, fellowship, and shared service, we create a parish family where everyone belongs. Whether you've been Catholic all your life or are just beginning to explore faith, whether you're a longtime Waihi resident or newly arrived, you have a place at our table.
Reach Out in Love
Love is not passive; it compels us to action. Jesus commanded us to love God with all our heart and to love our neighbor as ourselves. At St Joseph's, we take this commandment seriously, reaching beyond our parish boundaries to serve those in need.
From supporting the elderly and isolated to assisting families facing hardship, from welcoming newcomers to visiting the sick, we seek to embody Christ's love in practical, tangible ways. Our outreach is an expression of our faith in action.
Called to Act
Faith without works is dead. We are called not just to believe, but to live out our beliefs through action. This means standing up for justice, advocating for the vulnerable, caring for creation, and being instruments of God's peace in the world.
Whether through volunteering, charitable giving, participating in community initiatives, or simply being present for someone in need, every action matters. We encourage all parishioners to find their unique way to serve and make a difference.
Transform in Christ
Our ultimate goal is transformation – both personal and communal. We believe that through our relationship with Jesus Christ, we are continually transformed, becoming more like Him in love, compassion, humility, and holiness.
This transformation ripples outward, changing not just individuals but families, neighborhoods, and eventually our entire community. As we grow in Christ, we become agents of transformation in the world, bringing His light to dark places and His hope to those who despair.
Our Core Values
Faith
We ground everything we do in our Catholic faith, seeking to know God more deeply through Scripture, sacraments, and prayer, and to share that faith with others.
Community
We believe in the power of community to support, encourage, and challenge us to grow. We are stronger together than we could ever be alone.
Service
Following Christ's example of servant leadership, we commit ourselves to serving others, particularly the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable in our community.
Welcome
Everyone is welcome at St Joseph's. We strive to be a parish where all people feel accepted, valued, and included, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Excellence
We believe that what we do for God should be done well. Whether in worship, education, or service, we strive for excellence as an offering to God and our community.
Stewardship
We recognize that everything we have is a gift from God. We commit to being faithful stewards of our time, talents, and resources for the building of God's Kingdom.
Our Vision for the Future
As we look to the future, St Joseph's Parish remains committed to its mission while adapting to meet the changing needs of our community. We envision a parish that:
- ✓ Engages Young People: Providing dynamic youth ministry that helps the next generation develop a deep, personal relationship with Christ.
- ✓ Supports Families: Offering programs and resources that strengthen marriages and help parents raise their children in faith.
- ✓ Serves the Community: Expanding our outreach efforts to address pressing needs in Waihi and surrounding areas.
- ✓ Fosters Spiritual Growth: Creating opportunities for parishioners of all ages to deepen their prayer life and understanding of Catholic teaching.
- ✓ Builds Bridges: Working collaboratively with other churches and community organizations to serve the common good.
- ✓ Embraces Innovation: Using modern communication tools and methods while remaining rooted in timeless truth and tradition.
Join Us in Our Mission
Our mission is not the responsibility of a few leaders or a small group of volunteers – it belongs to all of us. Every member of St Joseph's Parish has a role to play in uniting, reaching out, acting, and transforming in Christ.