Thank you for your interest in our parish. Whether you’re just visiting us for a brief time, looking for a new parish home, are returning to the practice of your Catholic faith or are interested in finding out more about the Catholic Church, we’re happy to have you here.
A parish is a community of believers and a spiritual family that is supportive and loving. It can be a place to grow spiritually, to put your faith in action, and to use your gifts of time and talent as disciples of Christ. We look forward to answering any questions you may have. In the meantime, please look through the resources we’ve made available below.
Those wishing to join our parish family are asked to complete a registration form. The form can be returned to the church office, placed in the collection basket at Sunday Mass or mailed to the parish office.
This registration becomes important when you or your family members are receiving the Sacraments of First Communion, Baptism, Confirmation and Marriage. Registration in a Catholic parish is also a requirement for those wishing to become a Baptism or Confirmation sponsor.
Additionally, being a member of a parish gives one the identity of belonging to a family – in this case, the parish family of St. Joseph Catholic Church. In times of joy and in times of struggle, it is comforting to have the support of family. Becoming a registered member of the parish assures you of that support.
Thank you for taking the time to register and welcome to our parish family!
(Download Parish Registration Form located in the side bar on the left of this page.)
Welcome home!
The Church is a vibrant, active community of believers which continues to have a positive influence on the lives of many people. However, there are people who for one reason or another have stopped actively participating in the Church and attending Mass. We live in a busy culture and society. There are many demands that are placed on us. Yet people are searching for a deeper sense of meaning, for a closer relationship with God, and for a more authentic spiritual identity.
Since the Church is a family, we miss those Catholics who may have left the Church or who have stopped participating in its vibrant liturgy and sacramental life. Perhaps you or someone you know are in this situation and do not know how to come back or how to become active again. The first thing you need to know is that you are always welcome back. The Church misses you and hopes that you will choose to come home as an active member.
Rediscover a beautiful faith in the Catholic Church. We encourage you to visit the webiste of Catholics Come Home, which is a non-profit, independent charity whose purpose is to invite inactive Catholics, and others searching for a faith home, to the Catholic faith. Their informative and interactive website helps to answer questions about Church teachings and gives an overview of the Catholic faith. Some of its founders and supporters recently returned to the Catholic faith and want to share their positive experiences with others. Many never left the Church, but recently grew to understand and appreciate their Catholic faith more deeply. All feel part of a big Catholic family, who sincerely hope others will also find more peace, real answers, and true happiness through the gift of faith. CATHOLICS COME HOME
When you are ready to talk to someone about coming back to the Church, call our parish office at 269-983-1575 and ask to speak to one of our priests or staff members who can answer your questions. We are glad to have an opportunity to speak with you and welcome you back!
Many great resources about the Catholic Faith can be found on the United States Conferene of Catholic Bishop's Website (USCCB.org). Here are just a few of the many topics available:
The Mass
Sacraments and Sacramentals
Litury of the Hours
Liturgical Calendar
Prayers and Devotions
What We Believe
Vocations
Understanding the Bible
Please also refer to the LINKS on this website which can direct you to other Catholic rescourse such as Catholic news services, television, radio, periodicals, authors, speakers, journalists and even blogs.
What is RCIA?
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, or RCIA, is a communal process for formal initiation of new members into the Catholic Church. This process is a return to the formation of the earliest members of the Church in the first and second centuries. Click here to learn more about that process.