Organizations & Committees

We welcome your involvement in our parishes and their activities

Christian Formation & Education

Bible Study:

Our purpose is finding a deeper relationship with our creator and God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) through the study of God’s word as it comes to us in the Holy Scripture. Women’s group meets weekly on Monday evenings at St. Joseph and Men’s group meets at St. Maurus.

Eucharistic Adoration:

Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament is a Catholic devotion whereby the Holy Eucharist is exposed in a monstrance for viewing and adoration. This devotion is strongly encouraged and promoted within our diocese and throughout the whole world. St. Joseph currently offers this devotion to the faithful in the church every Tuesday starting at 8:30AM until 6:30PM. St. Maurus currently offers this devotion to the faithful in the church every Wednesday starting at 8:30AM until 6:30PM. Individuals sign up for a minimum of 1 hour per week for the purpose of prayer, solitude, adoration or just enjoying an hour alone with God.

Parish School of Religion (PSR):

The Parish School of Religion was formed to assist public school parents in the formation of their children’s Catholic Christian faith. 1st grade through 8th grade meet on Wednesdays at 6:30PM – 7:45PM at St. Maurus Parish. For more information about our program or if you are interested in sharing your faith with the children of our parish, please contact our PSR Director, Ashly Richardet for more information, 573-768-0338.  The Protecting God’s Children training is required prior to working with children.  

RCIA – The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults:

Are you interested in becoming Catholic or finally getting that Sacrament you missed when you were younger? This program is designed for adults interested in learning more about the Catholic Church. The program covers basic Catholic beliefs and is presented by Fr. Michael Benz. It is also for Catholics wanting to learn more about their Faith or have not received all of the Sacraments. Contact Fr. Benz at 788-2604 if you have any questions.

Youth Group 

The youth group is open to all high school students.   They meet on Wednesday evenings at 6:30-7:45PM. The youth group strives to build a community of  faith as a foundation in the Church through prayer, activities, mediation and sharing.  Various events are offered throughout the year.

Vacation Bible School:

This is a summertime week-long program that takes place in the summer. The goal of VBS is to teach the children about God’s great love for all of us. There is a different theme every year to help us achieve our goal and make it fun for all involved. Children 4 years old through seventh grade may attend VBS. There is plenty to do, so adult helpers are always needed. Planning usually starts early in the year. For more information or to volunteer your time to help, please contact Megan Best at 573-517-8029. The Protecting God’s Children training is required prior to working with children.  


Organizations & Committees

Catholic Heritage Center & Museum:

The purpose of this organization is to share the history of St. Joseph and St. Maurus Parishes, and display family heritage. The museum is open at all parish events and anytime by appointment. Contact the church office to schedule an appointment.  

Cemetery Committee:

The Cemetery Committees works passionately to keep the final resting place of our fellow parishioners respectful looking and dignified.  Members are appointed by the Pastor.  Meetings are held periodically.  

Finance Council:

This is a group of parishioners and the Pastor who oversee the financial matters of the Parish. This includes planning and budgeting. Members are appointed by the Pastor to be on this committee. Meetings are held the 4th Thursday in the months of January, March, May, September, and November.  

Knights of Columbus:

St. Michael Council 12934 is a fraternal organization for Catholic men of the parishes. The Knights of Columbus provides support to our parishes and community. Our members enjoy the fellowship of other good Catholic men while participating in events ranging from fundraisers to community service projects. They also have the opportunity to take advantage of life insurance and other financial planning aids. To join, you must be a male at least 18 years of age, a practicing Catholic and sponsored by a current member. Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month in St. Joseph Parish Center at 7:30PM.

Ladies of St. Joseph:

This organization is open to all women of St. Joseph Church. These women contribute their time, passion and talent to provide financial support to the Parish. Members participate in various activities; prepare and serve meals for tour groups, volunteer groups, wedding and anniversary celebrations, funeral meals and refreshments at church celebrations; make apple butter, quilt and host bake sales several times a year. Meetings are on the fourth Thursday of odd months at 7PM in St. Joseph Parish Center.

Maintenance Committee:

The committee oversees and prioritizes all maintenance work and recruits skilled parishioners for maintenance tasks beyond the expertise of the parish maintenance employees. Meetings are held periodically.

Men’s Club:

Members help with ground and building maintenance; help with meals for tour groups, funeral meals, celebrations. They provide financial support for parish projects. Fundraising activities include several breakfasts throughout the year. Meetings are on the fourth Thursday of odd months at 7PM in St. Joseph Parish Center.

Parish Council:

Elected adults to promote trust and unity of the parish through prayerful leadership. To achieve this, they strive to listen to parishioners’ needs, ideas, and problems; to develop possible solutions; and effectively communicate these directions in the form of policy-making that gives guidance to the decision-making process. These policies provide guidance and support to the pastor, pastoral staff, and parish organizations. Meetings are held monthly.

St. Ann Ladies’ Sodality:

This organization is open to all women of St. Maurus Church. Members contribute their time, passion and talent to provide financial support to the Parish. Members participate in various activities; visit nursing homes; prepare and serve meals for funerals, provide refreshments at celebrations; make apple butter, quilts, and host bake sales. Meetings are on the second Thursday of even months at 7PM in the St. Maurus Parish Center.

Stewardship of Time,Talent and Treasure

Just as a family cannot function without the help of all its members, our parish family needs help from all its members in contributing of their time: serving on committees, helping with outreach programs, bereavement dinners, etc. with talent: ministries during Mass and funerals and other occasions; and with our treasure: giving financially so our parish can keep running smoothly.

God gives each person talents and strengths to be shared. Do you like public speaking? Get involved as a lector at Mass. If you’re friendly and outgoing you could become an usher or greeter. You can share your deep devotion to the Eucharist by becoming an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. Maybe you love to sing and joining the choir is perfect for you. Maybe you have a head for finances and business or public relations, photography, carpentry, building or gardening, we can find a place for you in our parish family!

Altar Servers:

The “ministry of servers” is open to all young people from 4th grade thru high school, adult men and women are also encouraged to become altar servers. Those who are interested in assisting the priest and other liturgical ministers with the preparation and celebration of the Mass and other services (weddings, funerals) should contact Fr. Benz. Servers are scheduled by the coordinator based on their Mass time selection.

Collection Counters:

Assist with the collection and counting of the parish offertory. Assigned by Pastor.

Extraordinary Minsters of Holy Communion:

These are parishioners who are especially prepared for assisting in the ministry of distributing Communion, both at Mass and to our homebound parishioners. Ministers of the Eucharist should be sincere Christians, have received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, and in a valid marriage in the church and foster their own devotion to the Eucharist. These appointments are made after preliminary preparation and approval by the Archbishop and at the discretion of the Pastor. They are scheduled by the coordinator based on their Mass time selection. If interested, please contact Fr. Benz.

Lectors:

These are parishioners who serve the parish by reading the Scriptures at Mass and other special or seasonal liturgical services planned for the parish. They are scheduled by the coordinator based on their Mass time selection. For more information, contact Fr. Benz.

Music Ministry:

The music ministry welcomes all voices. It needs you. It is not about performing. It is about using music to facilitate prayer. All voices are welcome, at any time, and at any Mass. Simply join us to help our parish family in “making a joyful noise to the Lord”.