Basketball League Saint Joseph Parish hosts a town-wide Needham basketball league for youths in Grades 5-8 during the winter months. The League is open to all Needham youth (not just Parishioners). It is an intramural sport – there are no tryouts. Visit the league website at www.stjoesintownhoop.com. Boy Scouts Saint Joseph Parish hosts Cub Scout Pack 23 of the Boy Scouts of America. As a member of the Boston Minuteman Council, Pack 23 and the Cub Scout program strive to provide each scout with Character Development, Spiritual Growth, Good Citizenship, Sportsmanship and Fitness, Family Understanding, Respectful Relationships, Personal Achievement, Friendly Service, Fun and Adventure, and Preparation for Boy Scouts. The Cub Scout program is a year-round family program designed for boys in St. Joseph Parish who are in Grade 1-5. The annual fee for the 2008-2009 year is $60. Boys are placed into age/grade appropriate Dens. Pack 23 holds Pack meetings once a month from September through May on Sunday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in the elementary school cafeteria. Pack Meetings are a chance for boys to participate in scouting activities, community service projects, games, as well as develop leadership and team working skills, and recognize each other’s achievements. Additionally, each Den will meet at least once a month for Den level activities and work toward scouting achievements. Most months there is a special event that each Scout, a parent and sometimes family members can take part in. How to Join Boys in St. Joseph Parish who are in Grade 1-5 are encouraged to join anytime! Please contact our CubMaster Rick Savage at rjsjr1@aol.com. Volunteers Needed & Wanted! Pack 23 relies heavily on parent volunteers for the success of the program and enjoyment and development of our scouts, come join us! Girl Scouts Saint Joseph Parish hosts the Patriots' Trail Girl Scout Council (893-6113) of the Girl Scouts of America. Several Girl Scout troops meet at Saint Joseph Schools. Girls are placed into troops according to age: Daisy Girl Scouts (ages 5-6); Brownie Girl Scouts (ages 6-8); Junior Girl Scouts (ages 8-11); and Cadetts (ages 12-17). The Saint Joseph Girl Scout troops carry out the organizations mission of “building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.” The Girl Scouts of America is celebrating 95 years of leadership and service. More than 5 million American women enjoyed Girl Scouting during their childhoods. This number continues to grow as Girl Scouts of USA continue to inspire, challenge and empower girls everywhere. How to Join If your child is enrolled at one of our Parish schools, please call the school offices for the name of the appropriate troop leader (Elementary School, 781-444-4459; Middle School 781-449-0133). If your daughter attends a public school in Needham, contact the Needham town registrar Laura Damon at 781-237-7540. Volunteers Needed & Wanted! The Girl Scouts relies heavily on parent volunteers for the success of the program and enjoyment and development of our scouts. Join us! Toddler’s Playgroup The Playgroup meets on Monday mornings at 10 a.m. in the Mothers’ Room in the Lower Church. Call Sarah McElroy at 781-449-1928 if you have any questions. Please join us!

"At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”