Mr. Joe Schutte is a long-time parishioner (33 years and counting) and volunteer sacristan at St. Joseph Church. Joe and his wife, Pam, are also the parents of 5 and grand-parents of 2 St. Joseph Consolidated School graduates. And they are not finished. Two grandchildren currently attend St. Joe’s, and more are on the way. Mr. Schutte spent over 32 years of his professional career with the Hamilton City Fire Department, where he rose to the rank of Fire Chief. He retired in 2012, after serving 11 years as Fire Chief. Following his retirement, he has expanded, yet further, his already extensive involvement in the parish. He recently took on the role as our parish and school Virtus Trainer. In this role, he has conducted the training sessions required by the Archdiocese to certify staff members and volunteers to work with children. He is our local expert on the Child Protection Decree. Of course, he has continued his service to the parish as a member of Parish Council, Parish Finance Committee, Hamilton Catholic Regional Committee, among others. Mr. Schutte has a deep personal commitment to his faith and has lived out that commitment through service to his community and parish throughout his life. He is well prepared to teach the junior high religion curriculum and lead our students on their personal faith journey. Mr. Schutte will be teaching religion classes to students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Commenting on this new role, Mr. Schutte states, “I am excited to begin a completely different challenge. But I can’t think of a more fulfilling ministry than sharing our Catholic faith with the young people of St. Joseph Consolidated School.”