The Oblates of St. Joseph comprise a worldwide religious congregation dedicated to service in the name of Jesus Christ. Every religious congregation has specific areas to which their ministries and apostolic works are directed. The Oblates were charged by their founder, St. Joseph Marello, to focus on three primary areas in ministry: 1) the education and formation of youth; 2) care for the poor and needy; and 3) assisting the local bishop in the needs of the diocese.

In the United States, the Christian education and formation of youth is done primarily though a parish model, so the Oblates often help local bishops by staffing and serving parishes. It is within the parish context that they are able to attend to the needs of youth, help the poor and needy in the community, and also assist bishops where the lack of clergy makes staffing parishes difficult.

The Oblates' work in parish life is still lived according to a specific spirit and charism, imitating St. Joseph and modeling the example given to us by the Holy Family of Nazareth. This has several practical implications for their work.

First, they bring their spirituality to preaching, teaching, and administrative duties by sharing their love for the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph. They work to be humble servants like St. Joseph and avoid taking on prestigious projects or endeavors that bring attention to themselves. They try to imitate the hardworking example of St. Joseph by applying themselves fully and giving to the community 100%.

Just as St. Joseph cared for Jesus in his youth, the Oblates of St. Joseph make youth ministry in the parish a top priority. And finally, they maintain a strong community life and family spirit, always living together with other Oblates and supporting one another in prayer and ministry.