Study / Understanding
BAPTISM PREPARATION
The sacrament of Baptism is considered a Sacrament of Initiation. The other two Sacraments of Initiation are Eucharist and Confirmation. To initiate means “to begin.” In this case, when a person is baptized, he or she begins a life shared with God.
Just as our natural birth is the beginning of our earthly life, baptism is our birth into an eternal life. Christ calls it being “born anew” (John 3:7). When we are baptized, we become adopted sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father and members of the Catholic faith community.
Baptism Preparation
Baptisms are held on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. The family must be registered in the parish and attend a Preparation meeting. Due to social distancing requirements, we are temporarily having meetings twice a month at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Joseph Room. Registration is Required.
For more information on Baptism and to make an appointment, please contact Suzette West 636-441-0055 ext. 100
BIBLE FELLOWSHIP
Current Events
Please see our calendar for meeting times and places.
Organized for adults interested in deepening their knowledge and appreciation of Sacred Scripture. The session consists of prayer, scripture reading, shared reflections, and a presentation of material to broaden the knowledge and appreciation of Scripture in general and the particular book of the Bible being studied. Study continues throughout the week on a private basis, with assigned readings, reflections and study commentaries.
Co-Facilitators:
Rita Voss and Kendra Deschambault
Contacts:
Rita Voss
Cell: (636) 219-8385
rita.voss48@gmail.com
or
Kendra Deschambault
Cell: (636) 219-9303
DbosGal@yahoo.com
Brief Overview:
Our group meets on most Wednesdays during the months of September thru April. We offer Divine Mercy and an in-depth study of the Bible inspired by Our Lord.
BIBLE STUDY (discuss readings for upcoming Sunday Mass)
September through May
A look at the readings for the upcoming Sunday Mass
Father Nord and Father Westhoff
Check the calendar of events for time and place.
BIBLE STUDY (Women's Walking with Purpose)
Walking with Purpose:
The Walking with Purpose program is for women who desire to grow in their faith using Scripture-based courses that are fresh, relevant and focused on growing in knowledge and wisdom.
Contact email CWOF.biblestudy@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/stjoecotCWOF) and Flocknote!!
Full Details and Registration Information see Catholic Women of Faith
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for Preschool
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offered to 3 (by Aug 1), 4 and 5-year-olds not yet in Kindergarten.
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is suspended until further notice.
Class times are Sundays 8:30 – 10:00 am or 10:15 – 11:45 am
We will be teaching your child about the Catholic faith thru “The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Program”. We look forward to helping your child learn to fall in love with God!
Cost is $50 per child/$75 per family. Scholarships are available.
Registration is NONREFUNDABLE
If you are a student (at least 6th grade) and would like to volunteer to help, please contact cgs@stjoecot.org
For Additional Information, please contact:
Katherine Becker at cgs@stjoecot.org
DIVINE MERCY
On Wednesdays at 6:30 pm we meet for Divine Mercy to study scripture, the catechism and Saint Faustina’s diary and her mission of spreading God’s Mercy to the world.
This study is uniquely put together – there is in-depth reading of Saint Faustina’s diary, Scripture passages that enhance the diary readings and finally the use of our Catholic Catechism to help explain our rich Catholic traditions.
http://thedivinemercy.org/message/
Internet Research Links
Weblinks to use for research:
Eternal Word TV Network
ewtn.com
Catholic Online
catholic.org
US Conference of Catholic Bishops
usccb.org
Catholic City
catholicity.com
Catholic Answers
catholic.com
Scott Hahn’s website
salvationhistory.com
Family Life Center – Faith and Family
dads.org
Vatican website
w2.vatican.va
From Catholic radio
newadvent.org
Catholic radio – Patrick Madrid
patrickmadrid.com
Trying to locate that Bible Verse?
biblegateway.com
Crossroads Initiative, ministry by Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio
crossroadsinitiative.com
Archdiocese of St Louis
archstl.org
LENDING LIBRARY/RELIGIOUS ARTICLES
Books, CDs, cassettes and videos for deepening the faith are loaned to all age groups.
We have over 700 new books, DVD’s and CD’s–from children’s books to St. Augustine’s writings and everything in between. This is a self-checkout library that will be open during the week and on weekends. The library is between the foyer and the St. Joseph Room.
For Additional Information, Please Contact:
St. Joseph Parish Office
636-441-0055 ext 100
LIGHTHOUSE CATHOLIC MEDIA
LCM is a not for profit Apostolate designed to inspire and educate Catholics about their Faith and the eternal Truths taught by the Church founded by Our Lord and Savior.
You can find our kiosk in the church gathering area. CDs are offered for free but program is dependent on donations to continue.
If you have benefited and appreciate this ministry, please help provide for its maintenance.
Suggested donation is $3.00 per CD.
Below is a link to the LCM web site where you can make on-line purchases or subscribe to a monthly club. A portion of all sales will be donated to St. Joseph Parish. Our Parish code (100269), so simply click on it and explore.
If you are already an LCM subscription club member, you can add the St. Joseph Parish code at no additional cost by contacting LCM @
A Few Items Worthy of Highlighting
- “Truth Be Told” subscription club is designed for teens and young adults. It would make an excellent graduation or birthday gift for the young people in our lives who are most vulnerable to the lies and temptations rampant in our modern culture.
- Military subscription club designed for current and former military as well as there parents, children and spouses. This club is supported by donations and is free to those eligible.
- Download a free Bible App from Lighthouse
PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION
Parish School
Pontifical Paul VI Instititute
The Archdiocese of St. Louis offers an excellent resource for learning about all aspects of the Church. The Pontifical Paul VI Catechetical and Pastoral Institute provides college-level continuing education and formation in Catholic doctrine, Sacred Scripture, liturgy, morality, spirituality, pastoral theology and catechetical methodology for adults. Classes are offered live or online. Each class is 2 credit hours and lasts 10 weeks. There are three sessions each year: spring, summer, and fall. Sign up early to ensure you get into the class of your choice.
Parishioners of St. Joseph Cottleville can take these classes FREE OF CHARGE. Here is what some parishioners who have already taken advantage of this opportunity have to say about the classes:
“This has been life changing for me. My understanding and knowledge of the Catholic Faith deepened.”
“I loved the online part; it made it so convenient. The videos made me feel like I was back in school again. After graduating from college 22 years ago, it was exhilarating to be taking a 2 credit college course paid for by the church. My mind and soul are renewed. And interacting with many other students on line helps to really feel like you aren’t alone in the journey. As well as a teacher who is so knowledgeable and yet gentle in his explanations. It took some time and effort but it was so worth it.”
“My faith has grown tremendously from the Catechism classes I have taken.
I understand so much more about what the Church teaches and why.”
To find out more about the classes available or to register, visit Paul VI’s website, or call Marisol at 314-633-2550. When registering, please choose “Bill to Parish” and indicate St. Joseph Cottleville #0316 in order to have the registration fee waived.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT
St. Joseph Parish invites everyone to deepen their faith and participate fully in the parish and sacramental life through several educational programs. Our PSR (Parish School of Religion) provides faith formation to children attending public schools, K-8. Students are able to grow and advance towards First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation.
Additional Children’s Education includes a Sunday liturgy and Vacation Bible School among other programs.
Many parishioners take advantage of the Adult Education programs for self-enrichment or in preparation for professing the Catholic faith.
The Paul VI Institute at the Archdiocese offers accredited courses in areas such as scripture, the sacraments, the catechism and Catholic doctrine.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC)
This program is designed for children in the 3rd grade or older, who have not been baptized, not baptized Catholic or have not received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. RCIC prepares them for these sacraments of initiation into the Catholic Church. Sessions include prayer, reflection on Scripture, church history, beliefs, sacraments, Mary, the rosary and other relevant topics.
Enrollment in the RCIC program is determined on an individual basis under the guidance of the Coordinator of Religious Education. Classes are held on one evening a week.
Children in grades K-2 should be enrolled in the Parish School of Religion to receive their sacraments even though they are not yet baptized. Arrangements will be made for baptism or reception into the church (if not baptized Catholic) during the school year.
Questions regarding this program should be directed to:
Mary Doerr
Coordinator of Religious Education
636-441-0055 x301
mdoerr@stjoecot.org
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
A journey of Faith and an investigation into the truths of the Catholic Christian tradition. The RCIA RCIC is designed for those persons interested in joining the Church and those wanting to find out more about the Church, those who have never been baptized and seek initiation into the Catholic Church, and those who have been previously baptized into other Christian denominational churches and wish to complete their initiation into the Catholic Church through Confirmation and First Eucharist. Sessions include prayer, reflection on Scripture, and instruction on topics of belief: sacraments, morality, prayer, church history and others. For additional information
For Additional Information, Please Contact
Rev. Alexander Nord
Associate Pastor
441-0055 Ext. 109
anord@stjoecot.org
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Vacation Bible School is a week of summer fun and faith for students entering PreK to 5th grade.
Volunteers are welcome. Adults and children entering 6th grade or above.
Any questions, please email Mary Doerr at mdoerr@stjoecot.org