The Mass is at the heart of the spiritual life at every Catholic Parish because it is here that Christians stand at the foot of the Cross and experience Christ's redeaming act of love. It is here that men and women are able to receive the strength and nourishment needed to fulfill their baptisimal call to dicipleship. During the Mass, the community of Faith gathers in God's house to give praise and worhsip, to hear the Word of God, and to be nourished by the Eucharist - the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. At the conclusion of Mass, the faithful are commisisoned to go out and live the Gospel Message, in words and deeds. Because of the fullness of Mass and the abundant graces available through the sacrifice of the Mass, this opportunity is regularly offered in our Parishes and is the lifeblood of our mission of growing in holiness together!
Encountering the Living Lord in the Eucharist is one of the greatest joys and opporunities for humanity. Since the Eucharist is the "Source and Summit" of our Faith, adoration plays a central part in the spirituality of St. Ann and St. Joseph Catholic Parishes. From weekly exposition and adoration on Tuesdays at St. Joseph Church, to weekly Power Hour at St. Ann Church (which includes adoration, praise and worship music, and confessions), to the traditional First Friday Adoration and Devotions- Jesus Christ is truly at the center of Parish Life. The Parishes also take great pride in the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, which has been in existence for almost 150 years. Finally, the love for the Eucharist can be seen in the annual 40 Hours Devotion, where parishioners adore the Lord in the Eucharist at all hours. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to experinece the grace of the Eucharist available in adoration!
Holy traveling for a purpose, or pilgrimages, have been a significant part of Christian spirituality for centuries. Whether it's to a local holy site to spend time in prayer and contemplation, or if it's quite a distance where the period of travel also proveds time to grow in holiness together, pilgrimages are great ways for disciples to grow closer to the Lord.
St. Ann and St. Joseph Catholic Parishes strive to regularly make pilgrimages availbale to parishoners, whether it is Parish-based or another outside opportunity, every effort is made to encourage parishioners to experience these life-changing events.
Devotions have played a significant role in the spirituality of the Catholic Church since Her founding. These various prayers or ways to pray have proven effective in bringing people closer to God, allowing them to lift up specific prayers or petitions and encouraging them to more deeply enter into the life of grace made available through the Church.
St. Ann and St. Joseph Cahtolic Parishes offer a wide variety of devotions throughout the year to help everyone to grow in holiness, including: 40 Hours Devotion, weekly Rosary prior to Mass, Rosary walks, Novenas (St. Ann, St. Casimir, St. Joseph, and Our Lady of Guadalupe), Stations of the Cross, and many more. Stay connected and up to date with the latest offerings via the weekly bulletin, website, and social media.
Christians have been growing in their knowledge and faith in small communities from the foundation of the Church. Connect Groups exist for Parishioners to gather and journey together. Whether the group explores a book, participates in a study, does service work together, or simply gather to share their Faith, these groups are designed to help everyone to grow in holiness together. To learn more about these groups or to form your own Connect Group or join one already formed, please check out the Connect Groups brochure below or call either Parish Office.