About Us

St. Joseph Commons

A Christ-Centered Ministry Campus & Community Resource

St. Joseph Commons is a Christ-centered ministry campus and headquarters for Northwest Ohio Community Outreach (NWOCO), supporting faith formation, life restoration, vocational training, and community outreach across several supporting facilities.

Originally envisioned as a banquet and conference center, St. Joseph Commons has prayerfully evolved into a vibrant, multi-purpose campus where faith meets action, training meets purpose, and individuals and families are equipped to rebuild, grow, and serve.

Today, the Commons serves as a central hub for faith-based ministries, vocational training initiatives, and community partnerships working collaboratively to strengthen Northwest Ohio and beyond.

Primary Mission & Ministry Use

At its core, St. Joseph Commons exists to support Christ-centered formation and service, including:

• Faith formation and discipleship

• Life restoration and pastoral accompaniment

• Vocational training and workforce readiness

• Community outreach and charitable service

• Youth and young adult development

These ministries operate under the charitable and spiritual oversight of Northwest Ohio Community Outreach (NWOCO) and its aligned partners.

Ministries & Programs Based at the Commons

St. Joseph Commons serves as the regular meeting, training, and operational space for:

• Northwest Ohio Community Outreach (NWOCO)
  Life-skills training, charitable outreach, pastoral care, and community support services.

• Men of Virtue Apostolate
  A Catholic men’s formation ministry led by Deacon Dave Krempec and Kirk Ross, focused on faith, fellowship, and moral leadership.

• Miracle Man Ministries
  A faith-based evangelization and testimony-driven ministry focused on hope, perseverance, and God’s work through suffering.

• Faith & Fire Studios
  A media outreach and educational studio supporting podcasting, livestreaming, and digital evangelization, while providing hands-on media training for youth and young adults.

• Order of Franciscan Seculars (Diocese of Toledo)
  Supporting spiritual formation, service, and collaborative outreach initiatives.

Education, Training & Professional Development

St. Joseph Commons also functions as a training and conference center supporting vocational development and continuing education, including:

• Northwest Training Institute (NWTI)
  A remote training and conference site offering professional development, State CEU training, skilled trades education, and disaster-response training.

• Corporate and professional training events
  Scheduled in advance, these events help sustain the facility while supporting workforce development and community engagement.

Community Partnerships & Civic Engagement

The Commons welcomes community organizations whose missions align with stewardship, education, and service, including:

• Black Swamp Conservation League
  A community-focused conservation organization that utilizes the Commons for meetings and educational events.

These partnerships reflect our commitment to collaboration, stewardship of creation, and civic responsibility.

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Hospitality & Outreach: Bethlehem Kitchen

Feeding the Body and the Soul

Through a collaborative effort among Northwest Ohio Community Outreach (NWOCO), Northwest Training Institute (NWTI), the Black Swamp Conservation League, and the Order of Franciscan Seculars, St. Joseph Commons hosts Bethlehem Kitchen—a Christ-centered hospitality and food outreach ministry.

Bethlehem Kitchen serves as the food-service and nourishment arm of the Commons’ broader mission, supporting individuals and families through formation, training, restoration, and crisis response. Meals prepared through Bethlehem Kitchen are offered in multiple contexts, including:

• Community gatherings, retreats, and ministry events held at St. Joseph Commons

• Training and vocational programs, ensuring students and participants are nourished while learning

• Transitional students and families participating in life-restoration and stability programs

• Disaster response and emergency situations, providing meals and logistical food support when needed

• Cooperative distribution efforts with local food banks to house, supply, and distribute food to marginalized individuals and families facing hardship

Meals are prepared and overseen by our in-house culinary team with an emphasis on dignity, nutrition, and hospitality, recognizing that sharing a meal is often the first step toward restoring hope, trust, and stability.

If you can give, give joyfully.
If you are struggling or simply in need of nourishment—it is freely offered.
No one is turned away.

Bethlehem Kitchen reflects the belief that food is not merely sustenance, but a means of welcome, encounter, and accompaniment—where practical care opens the door to deeper formation, healing, and community.

Facility Support & Mission Sustainability

To ensure long-term sustainability of the campus and its ministries, St. Joseph Commons includes mission-supportive uses such as:

• Commercial kitchen access for food trucks, caterers, and small food-prep operations

• Meeting and conference rentals scheduled in advance

These activities exist to support the mission, not define it, allowing the Commons to remain financially responsible while prioritizing charitable service.

St. Joseph Commons is more than a facility—it is a place where:

• Faith is lived, not just spoken

• Training leads to purpose, not just employment

• Community is strengthened through service, dignity, and hope

It stands as a visible expression of collaboration between faith, service, and practical action—serving as a home for ministries, training, and outreach that restore lives and build futures.

Our Location

Visit us at St. Joseph Commons for community meals, vocational education, and support services rooted in faith and compassion.

Address

253 S. East St. McClure, Ohio 43534

Hours

Monday to Friday Call Us 419-575-2693