The primary purpose and goal of the society is to praise and honor the Blessed Mother, to secure her patronage by recitation of the Rosary and for the mutual spiritual benefit of all members throughout the world. Entrusted with the care of the altar, their duty is to provide and maintain a suitable dwelling place for Our Lord Jesus Christ. The Rosary Society is both spiritual and social. 

The Altar and Rosary Society, formerly called The Rosary Society, is the oldest organization of St. Joseph's Parish. It was organized in 1897 for the married ladies of the parish. Mrs. Gustav Kramer was the first president. Altar linens were made and kept in repairs and vestments were mended by the members. 

Presently the Altar and Rosary Society purchases the altar cloths, new vestments, and other items needed for the altars and for Masses. They raise money by collecting annual dues and by holding an annual rummage sale in April with the NCCW.

The group meets when the NCCW meets, generally on the second Monday of the month, March through October.

All ladies of the parish are encouraged to join. We meet as needed, watch the bulletin.

• Recitation of the Rosary at the beginning of the monthly meeting

• Recitation of a decade of the Rosary at the wake of a deceased Rosarian, her spouse or child.

• Cleaning and care of the altar and linens on a weekly basis

• Increase membership and facilitate, in coordination with other parish organizations, the      financial support of the parish

• Fund raising activities for the benefit of the church and Parish Center

• Take part in the various programs offered by the parish and its organizations

• Publicly and privately seek the intercession of Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary