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Watch live-streamed Mass by clicking on any of the options below.
WELCOME
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. THAT'S IT! You now should have full access to all the amazing content FORMED has to offer. Anytime you would like to access FORMED just type FORMED.org in your computers browser. Simply click 'sign in' located in the upper right corner and your account will be opened. Once you are signed up you have the option of downloading the FREE FORMED app for mobile devices This makes accessing content even more convenient! Follow this link to download the app... https://apps.apple.com/us/app/formed/id1212963367 If you need further assistance please contact stjoeformed@gmail.com. |
*See Fr. Viviano's most recent letter directly below.
March 19, 2020
Feast of St. Joseph Dear St. Joseph’ and St. Anthony’s parish families, By this point you are likely aware Bishop McKnight has informed us that, beginning March 18, all public Masses will be suspended in the Diocese of Jefferson City until April 3rd. This is an important effort for us to assist our local, state, and national authorities in helping to curb the spread of COVID-19. While I know this is a disappointment to many, I do believe it is an important step to ensure the safety and well-being of our community. In light of this decision, the following will begin to take effect at St. Joseph’s and St. Anthony’s on Wednesday, March 18th: All parish Masses will be offered privately. No parishioners will be allowed to attend these liturgies. Please remember, the graces flowing from the celebration of the Holy Mysteries is efficacious for the faithful, whether they are present or not. The Mass will be celebrated daily by me. Please know that the entire parish will be prayed for at these Masses. In addition, all of the faithful are encouraged to make a Spiritual Communion daily in lieu of receiving Holy Communion. An example of such a prayer is included at the end of this letter. A single weekend Mass with a short homily will be offered privately at 8:30 AM on Sunday mornings. We are working on a way to “live stream” this Mass on each parish FACEBOOKS, for members of our parish families. If we are unable to live-stream Sunday Masses, we will provide resources for other online viewing options. Dispensation from attending Mass does not do away with the responsibilities we have to keep the Lord’s day holy (the 3rd Commandment), so please plan on spending some time each Sunday in spiritual devotion and prayer. In order to accommodate the faithful who, need to make their confessions before Easter, I will be hearing confessions for a period of time each day Monday through Saturday. Confessions will be held in the “Workroom of the Middle School” building. The times are as follows: o Mondays ……8:00 AM - 9:00 AM o Tuesdays ……5:30 PM - 6:30 PM o Wednesdays 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM (St. Anthony church) o Thursdays… 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM o Fridays ……….8:00 AM - 9:00 AM o Saturdays …..4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Effective beginning Monday March 23rd Please be aware to have proper social distancing (CDC recommendation is 6 feet) is observed for those waiting to partake of the sacrament. If you are experiencing any signs of illness, it is best to refrain from coming to Confession at this time. Outside of the times that Mass is being offered privately, the church at St. Anthony and Gym at St. Joseph’s will be open for prayer and reflection. Please ensure proper social distancing (6 ft.) while in the church / gym. In regard to other parish or school events and activities: All meetings, gatherings, events, practices, and competitions are cancelled/postponed effective March 18. Parish Office: The parish office staff will work normal office hours. However, the office will not be open to the public without appointment. Please call ahead if you need to come by the parish office. Signs will be posted on the rectory door if office hours change. In addition, please strive to keep up with your financial commitment during this time of hiatus. While the public events and worship of the parish have been suspended, the work of the staff goes on and we need to make sure that the parish does not fall behind on paying our bills and keeping up with our other financial commitments. You may: -Mail your contributions to the parish office, or -You may sign up for electronic giving through ACH payments. Blank forms are available in the back of church and on the parish website. Call or email the parish office if you wish to have the forms sent to you. -You may utilize the “drop box” at Legends Bank. They will collect and deliver envelopes to us unopened. Thank you for your patience with these changes. They are being made to uphold the common good and protect the most vulnerable in our midst. In this ever-evolving situation, things often change rapidly and we will do our best to communicate them with you as expediently as possible. Sincerely in Christ, Fr. Anthony Viviano Act of Spiritual Communion My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. 
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, I know you join me in concern for all who are being affected by the rapid spread of the coronavirus. Today, I am announcing that all public Masses will be suspended in the Diocese of Jefferson City, beginning on Wednesday, March 18 and until at least April 3. This is in keeping with the federal directives and other public entities in our area. We offer this decision as part of our effort to help stem the spread of the coronavirus. This means all Catholics are dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass in person. Online opportunities are listed on our website, and some parishes will be able to provide online Masses. Catholics are encouraged to check with their local parish regarding online Masses. In addition, parishes have been instructed to make the following changes, beginning March 18:
With prayers for the protection of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I am, Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Rev. W. Shawn McKnight Bishop of Jefferson City Attention Visitors to St. Joseph Parish
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