“Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know himself.”
— POPE ST. JOHN PAUL II
Exceptional times call for exceptional opportunities! For this reason, St. Joseph’s is excited to invite you to nurture your spiritual growth through our parish account with Formed.org. This bountiful website is rich with media resources for Catholics of all ages. When you sign up, you’ll have instant access to thousands of books, movies, programs, and much more! Have a smartphone? We also encourage you to check out some great Catholic apps like Hallow, Laudate, Archbishop Fulton Sheen’s Audio Library, and Catholic Answers Live (also aired on EWTN Radio).
Becoming Catholic
The Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) is a spiritual journey of study, exploration and sharing, and faith formation for those interested in learning about the Catholic faith. Beginning with a time for inquiry, an individual takes several steps that lead toward full reception as a member of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil, after which there is a guided period of reflection and celebration on being a new missionary disciple of Christ. The RCIA process is open to non-baptized adults seeking full initiation into the Church as well as adult Christians seeking full communion in the Roman Catholic Church.
RCIA at St. Joseph’s is offered through the Adults Becoming Catholic (ABC) fellowship, which meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesday evenings in the Parish Hall. This group will welcome you with open arms, answer all of your questions, and help you as you make your way along the path to becoming an awesome Catholic.
To learn more about RCIA at St. Joseph’s, please call Fr. Chris Fontanini at the Parish Office, at 515-266-2226.
2023-2024 Adult Faith Formation will be a book study of “Made This Way: How to Prepare Kids to Face Today’s Tough Moral Issues” by Leila Miller with Trent Horn. Each chapter begins with what the Catholic Church teaches on the given topic, followed by how to discuss it (age-appropriately) with younger children (usually K-2nd grade), followed by how to discuss it with teenagers. Leila provides helpful anecdotes throughout with examples of conversations she has had with her own children, as well.
Topics covered will include:
- Sex Outside of Marriage
- Same-Sex “Marriage”
- Divorce
- Contraception
- Abortion
- Reproductive Technologies
- Modesty
- Pornography
- Transgenderism
- Homosexuality
We will read 1-2 chapters per month and a supplementary video will be shown that discusses the topic(s) of the month. Please click here to sign up to ensure we have enough books to go around.
Scripture Study
St. Joseph’s Scripture Study seeks to promote a love for Scripture as a key to better understanding and living the Catholic faith. Prospective participants need only have an open heart and desire to know Christ and his Church better.
Courses are held on Monday evenings, 6:30-8 p.m., in the fall and spring. Our next session begins September 18, 2023! An exciting, challenging variety of topics are thoughtfully selected from established Catholic Scripture study organizations. Participants receive a workbook, and sessions typically include insightful videos followed by small-group discussions.
Registration for each course is advertised in the bulletin and usually takes place one month in advance of the first session. There is a nominal fee for course materials. For more information or to connect with the group’s facilitator, please email the Parish Office or call 515-266-2226.
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC 