St. Joseph

St. Joseph

St. Joseph is portrayed in the statue inset onto the smaller altar to your right as you face the sanctuary. Because of his diligence toward Mary and his loving parenting of Jesus, the Catholic Church esteems him. St. Joseph is the patron saint of fathers.
As you exit, feel free to stop and look at the Reconciliation Room which is located to your left as you come to the rear doors. This room is where Catholics can find a priest or individual confession before mass and at other times. On the other side (south side) of the doors to the Gathering Space, you will see the cabinet with the Holy Oils. The Oil of Catechumens is used in Baptism; the Oil of the Sick is used to anoint those who are in poor health; and the Oil of Chrism is used in Baptism.
Welcome to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church! Shortly after Joplin City was established in 1873, Catholic families in the area began meeting in the home of Antoine Chatelle. As attendance grew, the Catholic community gathered above Ferguson Saloon on Wall Street. In 1876, a permanent church, serving 25 families, was begun on the northeast corner of 8th and Wall St. In 1906, this church at 8th and Pearl was begun at a cost of $50,000. The architect and builder, Austin Allen, had studied in Europe and using native stone from nearby Carthage, followed the typical Gothic style of a church he had visited in Italy. This church was completed and dedicated in May 1907. Some updating was done in 1984 under Fr. William Krudwig, further work was done under Fr. Ray O’ Connor in 2001-03 and it was completely restored under Fr. J Friedel in 2012-13. The church has been on the National Historic Register since 1991.
Today we are a parish of over 600 families who come from all over Joplin to be fed by the Eucharist, build community, and reach out to those among us in need. Please enjoy your time here. Stay as long as you wish!