​St. Joseph and St. Anthony Parishes will be offering RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) classes for any adult who wishes to join the Catholic Church. Formation classes will begin in September. Any individual who would like to be an RCIA participant is asked to contact Anne Cavender (455-2306) or Janice Wieberg (619-9657) by August 31. 

The history of Saint Joseph's and Catholicism in Westphalia are forever linked as the parish and town were established together in 1835. Today our parish is the spiritual home to over 450 families who gather & grow in faith.  The current pastor of St. Joseph's is Fr. Anthony Viviano.

The original church was built in 1848 and has had several renovations over the years, but as we look at the state of this wondrous building around us, it is apparent she is in need of repairs.  From the steeple, attic and roof, to the plaster, paint and pews, the list of repairs has grown and we have come upon a time where we have started looking at possibilities for the future. Our church is more than a foundation with walls and a roof. It is a legacy of faith to those that built it.  It is in this spirit that we embark upon the “Restoring our Roots”  Capital Campaign.  For an update on the progress of the renovation or to find out how to donate, click on the RENNOVATION tab which can be found under CHURCH.

Get your free membership to FORMED!
St. Joseph and St. Anthony have generously gifted its parishioners with a free member ship to FORMED!  FORMED is a revolutionary online platform featuring the best Catholic videos, audio talks, eBooks and movies from trusted partners like the Augustine Institute, St. Paul Center, Marian Fathers, Lighthouse Catholic Media, Ignatius Press and Word on Fire. Catechism and Personal Faith Formation are at the fingertips of every parishioner.  
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR YOUR FREE
FORMED MEMBERSHIP...
Click on the image below to be directed to the FORMED website.  Click on SIGN UP and follow the steps to set up your FREE account!  Choose I BELONG TO A PARISH ORGANIZATION.  When prompted to enter the name of your parish type in ST. JOSEPH WESTPHALIA, MO.  When you see St. Josephs address in the drop down box click on it and then NEXT.  You will be prompted to fill in your name and email address.  

Below is a message from Fr. Viviano regarding the transition of Holy Mass to the gym. 10-8-19

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To view past and present Corpus Christi photos, click on the arrow found on the upper right corner of picture below.

ADORATION
Make 2019 the year you
discover the power of
Eucharistic Adoration

“The Eucharist is the heart of the Church. Where Eucharistic life flourishes, there the life of the Church will blossom.”
– Blessed John Paul II 

St. Joseph currently offers 24 hour Eucharistic Adoration every first Friday of the month.  There have been requests for Adoration to be made available more than once a month.  Currently less than 5% of parishioners at St. Josephs participate.  Those that do participate report on the numerous insights, blessings and spiritual growth this devotion has brought into their lives.  The quote above from St. Pope John Paul The Great, seems to be possibly manifesting here at St. Joseph's.  "Where the Eucharistic life flourishes, THERE THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH WILL BLOSSOM."   As Father Viviano reported in his end of 2018 remarks after Mass on New Years, "Many people are reporting new spiritual growth and really great things are happening.  The Spirit is definitely on the move here at St. Josephs!"

If you have never tried Adoration or tried it and just don't understand it, we highly encourage you to give it a chance.  FORMED has many resources about the gift of the Eucharist that our Lord gave to His Church.  He promised to be with us always, until the end of the age.  Our good Lord instituted the Eucharist help fulfill this promise. The God of the universe makes Himself into a humble , venerable piece of bread so we can have Him in the closest way possible during Holy Communion.  Come and sit with Him, keep watch over Him in this venerable state. Treat yourself to a holy hour and enjoy some peaceful solitude in our noisy hectic world.  Our God will not be outdone in generosity.   What ever you give to Him he will give back to you, multiplied! 

Please sign up for a time on the sign up sheet located in the vestibule of St. Joseph Church.  You do not have to sign up to participate and you are welcomed to come anytime Adoration is available.  However,  there always needs to be at least one person present, (2 is recommended) to ensure the Blessed Sacrament is protected against theft or harm in its venerable state.  Can you keep watch with Him for one hour?  If we do not have enough participants Adoration can not be offered. 

For more information call Connie at 573-455-2814

To read ideas on how to spend
your time in adoration click here.

  Below are a few selections of wonderful talks on Adoration, The Eucharist and
 prayer.  Simply click on a title
below or go to your free
FORMED account and
search for them.

How to Pray Like a Saint.

Jesus and The Jewish Roots of The Eucharist.

Women Made New

The Body and Blood of Christ

Prayer For Beginners