Welcome to Saint Joseph Catholic Church

106 North Meramec Avenue Clayton, Missouri 63105-3788

Rev. Nicholas E. Kastenholz, Pastor Rev. Thomas J. Schaab, Senior Associate Deacons Albert Williams and Del Leonardo Parish Office: 314-726-1221 Parish Fax: 314-721-5110

Parish e-mail: pat_stj@hotmail.com Parish website: www.stjosephclayton.org Rectory Hours: 8:30-4:00 pm, Mon-Fri Religious Education — PSR Terri Venneman, CRE School Office: 314-727-9059 School Fax: 314-727-2271 Music Director — Tom Taylor 314-726-1221 Director of Maintenance -- Steve Topping 314-726-1221

Mass Schedule Sunday 7:30 am, 9:00 am, and 11:00 am Mon, Wed, Fri 6:30 am, 12:00 noon Tues, Thurs 8:00 am and 12:00 noon Saturday 8:00 am and 5:00 pm (Sunday Vigil) National Holidays See bulletin Holy Days of Obligation See Bulletin

Eucharistic Adoration Monday, Wednesday 7:00 am until 12:00 noon Tuesday, Thursday 8:30 am until 12:00 noon

St. Joseph Parish Council Members

Fr. Nick Kastenholz, Pastor Frank Hackmann, Education Commission Al Barbieri, Finance Commission Sharon Skrivan, Social Concerns Commission Betsy Barbieri, Marion O’Gorman, Anne Shapleigh Denny Staub, Barbara Summers, Christie Murphy, Fred Yap

St Vincent de Paul Emergency Assistance -

For assistance for food, util it ies etc. , please call 289-6101, box 2208. Our St. Vincent de Paul Society will respond promptly. You may make an appointment to meet with a member on Wednesday morning through the same number.

Rosary Weekdays 11:40 am

Thursday after the 8:00 am Mass

Perpetual Help Devotions Tuesdays after 8:00 am and 12:00 pm Masses

Sacrament of Reconciliation Weekdays 11:15-11:50 am Saturday 4:00-4:45 pm

Baptism The Sacrament of Baptism is administered on Sunday at 12:00 pm. To register for the Baptismal Instruction Program and schedule a Baptism, please call the Office.

Marriage Preparation

Couples are asked to contact the Parish Office 6 to 12 months before setting the date.

Download Our FREE Parish Phone App!

St. Joseph app is now available to download for iPhone and Android smart phones. Stay connected with our par-ish throughout the week with instant notifications, an easy-to-access event calendar, and the ability to quickly reply to or share messages via Facebook or Twitter. Also enjoy a bunch of additional features like prayers, daily readings, helpful reminders to silence your phone before Mass or Confession, and much more. Download our app today at myparishapp.com or search your phone's app store for myparish. OR, EVEN EASIER, go to our website, Stjosephclay-ton.org and click on the icon, it will take you directly to the app.

Make, track, and schedule parish donations directly from your computer.

Just log onto our website www.stjospehclayton.org

and follow the link.www.stjosephclayton.org

OR, you can scan this code and it will take you directly to the site. If you are new to Online Giving, register by entering our church ID of 1593.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations April 17, 2016

Hello,

This weekend our 8th graders are celebrating their Confirmation. I remember when I was growing up that I was confirmed during the first year of high school. And I have been told by some others that they were confirmed in 2nd grade just a week or two before they received their First Communion. So what is the right age to be confirmed?

The universal laws of the Church state that it should be around the age of discretion unless the conference of bishops determines another age. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has had approved “that the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Latin rite shall be conferred between the age of discretion and about sixteen years of age, within the limits determined by the diocesan bishop.” This range has been the practice for quite a while, so depending upon what diocese you were in and when it was there might be a range of ages at which you were confirmed. So why would you choose 2nd grade vs. high school or whatever age in between? There are good reasons for either extreme, or meeting somewhere in between.

Confirmation, like Baptism, is one of the sacraments that you receive once and that is it. It makes a permanent change to you that we cannot nor do we need to repeat. So why not receive it as soon as possible? In the early Church (as is still practiced in the Easter Rites of the Catholic Church) a child was baptized, confirmed, and received their First Communion all in the same ceremony. But these started to get separated when there was a conflict between wanting to baptize a child as soon as possible once they were born, but that Confirmation was to be reserved to be celebrated by the bishop. The bishop only got around to some places every year or two and we didn’t want to delay baptism that long. Once we separated the sacraments, and Confirmation didn’t have to be as soon as possible, is there benefits to one age over another?

The age of 8th grade to 16 recognizes that at this age we are becoming more independent, starting to go out in the world a bit more by ourselves. We are more challenged in living out our faith by the world around us and we are more responsible to be witnesses of and evangelists for our faith. The gifts of the Holy Spirit that we receive in this sacrament are appropriate for these concerns and at this age we can better understand and thus be more open to receive these gifts, so it seems an appropriate age for the sacrament.

Alternatively, by 2nd grade we are already able to have some level of understanding, and we know the difference between right and wrong. By delaying the sacrament some consider that we are ignoring the fact that the gifts of the sacrament are freely given by God and we can start putting too much emphasis on our action in the sacrament instead of God’s. Instead of arguing over which is the best age, I like to consider this a situation where there are very good reasons for each age (and as the USCCB has said, it is up to the bishop to decide).

So keep the 8th graders in your prayers that they are open to fully receive the God’s gifts in their Confirmation this Sunday.

Peace, Fr. Nick

Notes From The Pastor's Pen

Sunday, April 24

7:30 am St Joseph Parishioners

9:00 am Montie Reese

11:00 am Eileen Peisker

Saturday, April 23

8:00 am Timothy Hayes

Intention

5:00 pm Samuel Hardy

Friday, April 22

6:30 am Poor Souls

12:00 pm Colette Padberg

Thursday, April 21

8:00 am Joan O’Rourke

12:00 pm Richard Klein

Wednesday, April 20

6:30 am David Rowan

12:00 pm Marilyn Kastenholz

Tuesday, April 19

8:00 am Antoinette M. Gentile

Hilyard

12:00 pm Douglas Merritt

Monday, April 18

6:30 am Samuel Hardy

12:00 pm Perfecto P. Arribas

Mass Intentions

The Deadline to submit an ar cle for the

bulle n is Monday at 10 am

Wedding Banns Banns II

Claire Cavano & Suneal Menvies Please pray for them as they

begin their life together.

We Pray For Our Loved Ones

May God provide

health and comfort to

Bebe Kennedy

Mike Proctor

Douglas Purdy

Gene Mackey

Tracy Petit

Louise O’Farrell

Betty Notter

Joanne Deddens

Joan Rice

Layne Knight

LaJuana Hinch

Joy Fischer

Shirley Toon

Eugene Shalhoob

Mary Jane Zoernig

Sr. Eleanor

Maria Guehlstorf

Madelyn Ibeling

Michael Phelps

Colleen Woodard

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Acts 11:1-18; Ps 42:2-3; 43:3, 4; Jn 10:11-18 Tuesday: Acts 11:19-26; Ps 87:1b-7; Jn 10:22-30 Wednesday: Acts 12:24 — 13:5a; Ps 67:2-3, 5-6, 8; Jn 12:44-50 Thursday: Acts 13:13-25; Ps 89:2-3, 21- 22, 25, 27; Jn 13:16-20 Friday: Acts 13:26-33; Ps 2:6-11ab; Jn 14:1-6 Saturday: Acts 13:44-52; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 14:7-14 Sunday: Acts 14:21-27; Ps 145:8-13; Rv 21:1-5a; Jn 13:31-33a, 34-35

Rest In Peace Let us pray for all of our deceased parish-ioners, relatives, benefactors and friends. We remember all of our loved ones who have gone before us and pray that they are celebrating with our Lord in heaven.

A Peek at the Week Ahead

Monday, April 18 1:00 pm Prayer Group, Madonna Rm 5:15 pm PSR, School 7:30 pm Choir, Church Wednesday, April 20 9:15 am Cornerstone Bible Study, PH Sunday, April 24 9:30 am PSR, School 10:00 am 1st Communion Practice, CH & S 11:00 am CLW, Centennial Rm 7:00 pm HS PSR, Centennial Rm

Sunday Offerings-April 9-10, 2016 Sunday Envelopes … 5,136.00 Loose … 1,069.87 Online Giving 1,066.50 Easter 20.00 Weekday noon Masses 308.70 Total for week 7,601.07 YTD Budget 423,607.19 YTD Actual 435,210.24 YTD Operating Surplus/(Deficit) 11,603.05

It has been suggested that next year we enter e-mail addresses in our Parish Directory. To date I have had two responses regarding e-mails. I ask for your feedback. Contact me at 726-1221 or pat_stj@hotmail.com Thanks for your input. Pat

Our April bridge will be held at the Mid-County Library on April 21, from 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Hope to see you there.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations April 17, 2016

Gracious and loving God, help the men and women of our parish

to hear the call to serve in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

Open the hearts of many, raise up faithful servants of the Gospel, dedicated, holy priests, sisters, brothers and deacons,

who will spend themselves for your people and their needs.

Bless those who are serving now with courage and perseverance.

Grant that many will be inspired by their example and faith.

We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Sunday Worship April 23-24, 2016

5:00 pm

Altar Servers Holt Schuler

Jackson Gardner

Lectors Rosemary Pickle

Ministers of Communion

Amy David David Gardner Bunny Hosler

7:30 am

Altar Servers Liam & Meaghan

Mulligan

Lectors Larry Glynn

Ministers of Communion

Frank Hackmann Veronica Hilyard

Greg Browne

9:00 am

Altar Servers Thomas Clear

Mark Aune

Lectors Betsy Sampson

Ministers of Communion

Michael Clear Marcella Leonardo

Deacon Del

11:00 am

Altar Servers Ava Purcell, Kateri &

Claudia Gutting

Lectors Tracie Johnson

Ministers of Communion

Thom Schwetye Carmen Leonardi

Deacon Al

To become a minister call 726-1221.

Save the Date for the Summer Festival at St. Josephs

Alumni Reunion and Parish Party June 18th, 2016

6—10 p.m. p.s. — The Ursuline Nuns are Coming

“Vino for A Cause” for Singles May 3rd, 2016, 5 p.m.- 8 p.m.

St. Joe’s Courtyard Wine and hors d’oeuvres

Guests, begin at our Welcome Table computer, click on “Give St. Louis”, make a donation of your choice to St. Vincent de

Paul Society. Then, continue your evening sharing a glass of wine and an hors d’oeuvre with some newly made friends!

April 16/17, 2016 – Fourth Sunday of Easter

Witness the Courage to Love

Today’s reading from the Acts of the Apostles reminds us of our call to be “instrument[s] of salvation to the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:47). Our mission, as instruments of salvation, is to proclaim Christ’s message of love and mer-cy – to bring hope and healing to those in need.

The Annual Catholic Appeal is one important way to do just that. Each day, thousands of people turn to the Archdiocese of St. Louis for help. In our schools and parishes, on street corners and in chapels, at home and at work, we courageously respond to the pressing needs of others.

Please prayerfully consider making a gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal. Your generosity is a sign of your faithful stewardship and a powerful witness of your Cour-age to Love.

Immaculate Conception in Maplewood will be holding an Irish Arts Fundraiser on Saturday, April 23, 2016. Gaelic Mass at 4:00 p.m. followed by Open House at the St. Louis Irish Arts School; dinner and silent auction at 5:30 and St. Louis Irish Arts Performance at 7:00.

Tickets are $20 each. Contact Cori at (314) 691-2136 for tickets or go to https://immaculteconception.eventbrite.com

St. Vincent de Paul is joining with “NURSES FOR NEWBORNS” in a special request for diapers and formula for babies. The DIAPER/FORMULA DRIVE will be for the month of May. (All sizes in diapers are needed, baby formula: Enfamil or Similac are preferred)

Collection boxes can be found at the back of church. You will also find brochures detailing all the good work this organization does. You may contact Nurses for Newborns directly by going to www.nfnf.org.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

Nurses For Newborns History 2016 marks our 25th Anniversary of serving babies! For all of these years, NFN has been respond-ing to the overwhelming health problems, medical neglect and malnutrition seen in too many St. Louis area infants. NFN provides critical services to family in 25 counties in Missouri and in mid-Tennessee. Each year, NFN sends registered nurses into the homes of over 3,000 infants, pregnant women and their families who are coping with multiple challenges, including poverty, social isolation, medical conditions, and lack of resources, preterm birth and teen pregnancy. In addition to health care, nurses provide parent education on vital topics such as safe sleep, infant CPR, medications, child development and connections to critical resources.

Treat the Mom in your life to a beautiful rose on Mother’s Day! AND — Provide Vital Support To Birthright Counseling

We will hold our annual Mother’s Day Rose Sale after the Saturday evening and Sunday masses, May 7 & 8.

All funds collected will benefit The Friends of Birthright, which supports Birthright Counseling St. Louis in its mission of providing financial assistance and counseling to distressed expectant mothers.

nurses for newborns

APRIL 29 – MAY 1, 2016

A BROADWAY “AFFAIR TO REMEMBER!”

Award-winning Shrine buffet paired with

sensational Broadway-style entertainment!

20 performers & a live orchestra!

Dinner & show April 29 & 30 starting at 6:30 p.m.

Brunch & show May 1 starting at 1:00 p.m.

Cash bar available.

Discounted Shrine Hotel Bed & Breakfast rates for overnight guests.

TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED BY APRIL 24.CALL 618-409-0015

or email: ordertickets@charter.net

SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS BANQUET CENTER SPECIAL EVENT!

The Joseph Challenge Pilgrimage The "Joseph Challenge" is a two-day, 20 mile pilgrimage organized by Catholic laymen specifi-cally for men 18 & up. The pilgrimage will begin with Mass on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church - Manchester (555 St Joseph’s Ln, 63021), stopping at St. Joseph Catholic Church - Clayton (106 N Meramec Ave, 63105) on Saturday night, and will conclude in the afternoon of Sunday, May 1 (Feast of St. Joseph the Worker) with Mass at the Shrine of St. Joseph (1220 N 11th St, St. Louis, MO 63106) in downtown St. Louis. For more information and to register, email Gabe Jones at gabe.h.jones@gmail.com

Our next meeting is Thursday, April 21. Our speaker is Dr. Edward Hogan, Associate Professor of Systemic Theology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary and Director of the Paul VI Institute for the Archdiocese. Father Hogan will speak on ways to improve our prayer lives and

provide some tools for opening our spiritual senses. We meet at the seminary (5200 Glennon Dr 63119) at 8 am to pray the rosary, followed by the speaker from 8:15 to 9 am.

All are welcome! See www.kenrick.edu/fiat for more information.

Donations needed to support newly housed clients of St. Patrick Center

Help local families move from homelessness to housing with needed cleaning supplies. St. Patrick Center is seeking donations of the following items for clients moving into apartments and homes: bathroom cleaner, paper towels, laundry detergent, mops, brooms and dust pans.

For more information, contact Katie Joseph at kjoseph@stpatrickcenter.org or 314-802-1976.