St. Joseph Catholic Church

3425 Andersonville Highway
P.O. Box 387
Norris, TN 37828
865-494-7746

The mission of the Spiritual Life Committee is the dedication of its membership to the spiritual growth of both the St. Joseph Parish and the surrounding community through service and prayer inspired by the Liturgy of the Mass. This mission is fulfilled through: small group studies of the bible and other faith-centered literature; coordination and sponsorship of special programs, missions, retreats, and seminars; making seasonal studies and books available (Lent, Advent, Easter, et al) for parishioners and visitors; regular committee meetings and coordination with clergy to identify and improve how spiritual needs are met; information and weekly meditations published in the church bulletin; community outreach programs and ministries.

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SMALL FAITH COMMUNITIES - SCRIPTURE STUDIES:

Our Small Faith Communities deepen our understanding of - and thirst for - the Gospel through intimate groups of 4-12 parishioners studying scripture passages, expounding upon the Liturgy, and discussing current works from faith-based authors and Catholic clergy. There are a variety of groups throughout the week, including evening groups, as well as Scripture Study after Mass on Sunday; easy to accommodate a busy schedule!

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PRAYER SHAWL - COMFORT BLANKET MINISTRY (PS-CB):

The PS-CB ministry shows love and concern for those in need by gathering together and making prayer shawls and comfort blankets. These tangible signs of prayer and support allow the recipient to experience healing, peace, strength and/or comfort from their visible and palpable presence. They are available for anyone in the parish needing them for themselves or someone they know in need, and ministry members often undertake outreach assignments to provide these blessed items to area health care facilities and nursing homes upon request.

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ROSARY:

Our parishioners pray the Rosary every Sunday at 8:40 a.m. as a means of contemplative preparation for the 9:00 a.m. Mass. The Spiritual Life Committee oversees the assignment and scheduling of Rosary prayer leaders.

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INTERCESSORY PRAYER GROUP:

Following Mass on Tuesday mornings, parishioners gather in the nave of St. Joseph with prayer petitions for mercy, healing, and thanksgiving - in timely and personalized prayer intentions. A very moving and uplifting experience in the palpable presence of Christ.

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EVANGELIZATION

The Evangelization Ministry at St Joseph Catholic Church is made up of men and women for Gen Z to Boomers who have experienced a love of Christ which has been life altering.  We humbly seek to share in the mission of Jesus' disciple to share the Good News, clarify misconceptions of our Catholic Faith, and invite into conversation seekers, inactive Christians, the curious, the unchurched, and Catholics who desire a deeper understanding of Jesus and our two-thousand-year-old Christian faith.   

  The biblical mission of St Joseph Catholic Church lies in the final command of Christ before His Ascension: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20, NRSVCE).  These words are not addressed solely to the apostles but, through them, to the entire Church in every age. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches: “Since, like all the faithful, lay Christians are entrusted by God with the apostolate by virtue of their Baptism and Confirmation, they have the right and duty… to work so that the divine message of salvation may be known and accepted by all people throughout the earth” (CCC §900).

  To invite others to Christ is to participate in the very mission of Jesus, who came “to seek out and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). The call to evangelize is not merely about spreading religious information; it is about facilitating a life-giving encounter with the living God, present in the Person of Jesus Christ.