Welcome New Parishioners!

To register in St. Monica Parish, please call (314) 434-4211 or email parishoffice@stmonicastl.org.

Then, explore this section to see how you and your family can participate in the sacramental and parish life of St. John Bosco Churchl of St. Monica Parish.  You are welcome here!

Celebration of Reconciliation/Confession

Saturday 3 - 3:30 p.m. 

Reconciliation times for Christmas and Easter will be published in the parish bulletin. Reconciliation is always available by appointment.

Celebration of Baptism

The Sacrament of Baptism is celebrated for infants according to the convenience of all concerned. Call the Rectory Office in advance to schedule a baptism. The Church requires parents, and preferably godparents, to attend a baptism class for a couple's first child.

Celebration of the Anointing of the Sick

The letter of St. James states that the sick are to be anointed especially those members of the Church whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age.

A Healing Mass for the Sick and Anointing is held the first Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. at St. Monica Parish; 12136 Olive Blvd.

For anointing at other times, please contact a parish priest.

Marriage

Arrangements for Weddings should be made at least six months in advance.
Call Fr. Weber to make an appointment.

Funerals

The death of anyone, especially a loved partner in marriage, a child, a brother, or sister, is a very sad moment. We, as Christians, know that "for your faithful, Lord, life is changed, not ended." Upon the death of a loved one, please contact the Parish Office, especially if the funeral services are to be held at St. John Bosco. Father Weber and all the staff are ready to assist you in your time of grief and help provide a suitable liturgy for the person who has just gone home to God.

Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament:

This devotion of adoring Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament is held on the fourth Sunday of the month (except the last Sunday of December) following the 10:30 a.m. Mass, from 11:30 a.m. until Benediction at 3 p.m.

Perpetual Help Devotions: 

This prayer to Our Blessed Mother is offered a few minutes after the 7 a.m. Tuesday Mass. 

Rosary Devotion:

 The Rosary is recited publicly on the first Sunday of the month at 10:05 a.m.

Stations of the Cross:

Every Friday during Lent at 3:30 p.m.

Children & Youth Faith Formation

ST. MONICA PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION (PSR)
All elementary school-aged children who are not attending a Catholic school are invited to participate in the St. Monica Parish School of Religion. There they will join others their age to grow their faith, and prepare for receiving the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Communion and Confirmation. Visit St. Monica website www.stmonicastl.org and click on the PSR tab to register. 

Classes will be held after the Sunday 9:30 a.m. Mass until Noon each week. If you have any questions, contact David Bridge, Director of Religious Education at 314.434.4211 #341 or dbridge@stmonicastl.org.

CHILDRENS LITURGY

During the school year, the parish offers faith formation during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass.

Following the opening prayer, children in grades pre-K through 5 are dismissed to the Church Hall to listen to Sacred Scripture at their own level. After the general intercessions, all children return to Mass.

CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION

Safe Environment Program - Protecting God's Children 

St. Monica Parish follows the Archdiocese of St. Louis Safe Environment Program (Protecting God's Children).  The program is designed to help protect the youth, elderly, and the vulnerable adults of our parish as they participate in activities within our community. This process also provides another Program layer of protection against the possibility of false accusations for those adults who are involved in our many ministries.

Victims of sexual abuse, in addition to contacting civil authorities, are asked to come forward in order to receive pastoral assistance. Reports of abuse may be made to any Pastor or to:  

* Sandra Price, Executive Director - Office of Child & Youth Protection  

(314) 792-7271 or  sandraprice@archstl.org

*Missouri Department of Social Services Children's Division

Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline 1-800-392-3738

*Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services

Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-392-0210

I need to take a Protecting God's Children workshop. How do I find one?

Click on the link Prevent and Protect for the current schedule.

I need to be in compliance with the Safe Environment Program requirements. Where do I go?

Click on the link Prevent and Protect and follow the instruction sheet to get into compliance.

Adult Faith Formation

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
RCIA is the process whereby adults are initiated into the Church. The process normally begins in September and continues for several weeks after reception/entrance in the Christian Community at the Easter Vigil. If you are interested in becoming Catholic, contact Fr. Weber.

Fr. Joseph Weber (314) 434-1312, Extension 5 / jweber@stjohnboscostl.com

Retreats

MEN'S ANNUAL WHITE HOUSE RETREAT

The White House Jesuit retreat is a three day silent retreat based upon the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola. The Retreat consists of presentations, and plenty of time to yourself to rest , walk, think, pray, get away from the day to day rat race and do whatever you feel like. It is held on 75 acres of beautiful grounds on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The Retreat starts on Thursday evening and ends around noon on Sunday. St John Bosco Retreat is always in the fall of the year and the weather is generally spectacular. The accommodations and food are great.

Ron Jung  (314) 434-2621 / r.jung@att.net

WOMEN'S RETREAT

The Women's Retreat offers an opportunity for women to participate in a morning of learning, inspiration and laughter. They are typically held in the spring and fall of each year, on Saturday from 9 a.m. until Noon in the Parish Center on the campus of St. John Bosco Chapel. A catered lunch is included.

SATURDAY MORNING PRAYER SERVICE

Members of the parish meet on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. in the church for prayerful fellowship and discussion on ways to share the journey.

Deacon John O'Hara  (314) 805-4888 / deaconjohn.ohara@stjohnboscostl.com

BIBLE STUDY

At least twice a year, the opportunity to be immersed in God's word for six weeks is available. This is perfect for busy adults who want to study the Bible. A variety of days and times are available.

ALTAR SERVERS
The young people of our Parish assist the celebrant at the altar.

Deacon Paul Craska  (314) 275-4065 / paul.craska@stjohnboscostl.com

BEREAVEMENT COMMITTEE
As a service to the family of the deceased, the Bereavement Committee will arrange a luncheon following the funeral. There is an extensive list of parishioners who very generously contribute a dish when called. If you are interested in joining this committee, please contact Peggy.

Peggy Bourne  (314) 434-7836

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS OF HOLY COMMUNION
Men and women of the parish who help distribute the Sacred Body and Precious Blood at Sunday and weekday Mass. 

Deacon Paul Craska  (314) 275-4065 / paul.craska@stjohnboscostl.com

HOMEBOUND MINISTRY

If you are permanently or temporarily homebound due to illness, surgery or other reasons, and desire to receive communion at home, please contact the Parish Office. 

Parish Office  (314) 434-1312

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
The Knights of Columbus is an international fraternal order of Catholic men with an emphasis on family and service. The Cardinal Ritter Council is the local organization that meets at St. Monica Parish Church. Monthly meetings are held on the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at St. Monica Parish in the lower level Mary's Room.

St. John Bosco Contact - Joshua Jones (314) 329-1362 / joshua.jones@stjohnboscostl.com

MINISTERS OF HOSPITALITY/USHERS
Our group offers a competitive SALARY and BENEFITS! Your salary is satisfaction and your benefits are heavenly! These men and women greet people as they enter and leave Church, distribute bulletins, take up the collection, straighten and tidy up Church before and after each Mass and take care of a variety of other tasks at the weekend liturgies. We need NEW members to join our FUN group! To start your SALARY and BENEFITS contact:

David George (314) 519-1556 / drgeorge1556@sbcglobal.net

MUSIC MINISTRY
The music ministry provides music for our weekend liturgies, holydays and holidays, and other liturgical functions such as weddings, funerals, and special events throughout the year. These volunteers prepare for and lead the congregation in song and psalms for the praise of God. We invite those who want to sing or play an instrument to join either the 5 p.m. Vigil Mass group on Saturday or the 10:30 a.m. Mass group on Sunday.

Practices for the Saturday 5 p.m. Vigil Mass are held on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Church. (Small Ensemble/Cantor)

Contact Amy Smith, organist, pianist (314) 439-9893 / amy.smith@stjohnboscostl.com

Practices for the Sunday 10:30 a.m. Mass are held on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Church. (Mixed Ensemble/Cantor)

Contact Janna O'Hara, organist, pianist  (314) 650-7624 / janna.ohara@stjohnboscostl.com

ST. JOHN BOSCO CHURCH WORSHIP COMMISSION
This committee coordinates liturgical ministries and oversees the planning and preparation of sacramental celebrations. Meetings are ordinarily held in the Bosco Room on the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

Fr. Joseph Weber (314) 434-1312

PROCLAIMERS OF THE WORD/LECTORS
These are men and women of the parish who proclaim the Word of God at Sunday and Weekday Mass.

Deacon Paul Craska (314) 275-4065 / paul.craska@stjohnboscostl.com

RESPECT LIFE APOSTOLATE COMMITTEE
This group keeps before us the sacredness and beauty of all human life from the first moment of conception until the moment of death. This committee is to provide information to the members of St. Monica Parish on the various activities of the Respect Life movement that are building a Culture of Life through spiritual support, pastoral care, education and public policy. 

Deacon John O'Hara (314) 805-4888 / deaconjohn.ohara@stjohnboscostl.com

ST. VINCENT de PAUL SOCIETY CONFERENCE
Our conference responds to people in crisis with emergency assistance of all kinds. They sponsor the monthly Food Drive for the food pantry at St. Elizabeth, Mother of St. John the Baptist Parish.  Once a year, they sponsor a Back to School collection, The Giving Tree, and a hygiene product collection, all of which benefit the St. Augustine Wellston Center.

President: Cindy Meirink    For assistance, call (314) 289-6101, code #2211

BUILDING AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE

This committee is responsible for the upkeep of the facility infrastructure of the church, Parish Center, Rectory, and grounds. This committee is made up of parish members that have experience in design, and construction of buildings, and experience in the building trades. The committee meets quarterly to perform property assessments and manage any capital projects. If you have any interest in joining this committee, please contact:

Deacon John O'Hara   (314) 805-4888 / deaconjohn.ohara@stjohnboscostl.com

CENTURY CLUB
The Century Club is one of the church’s longest standing and most rewarding fundraisers. A $100 membership entitles you to a chance each month to win a $100 prize. On the Saturday before Ash Wednesday members are invited to a catered dinner with open bar. This annual event features a drawing for a $1,000 grand prize and a $500 prize. The Century Club is looking for members who would like to join the fun and enjoy a gala event with friends and neighbors. 

Pat Pellegrine   (314) 606-2518 / petepellegrine@att.net

FINANCE COMMITTEE
This committee meets regularly to assist in the financial operations of St. John Bosco Church. Each year a financial report on the status of the church is made available.

Carol Cullinane, Richard Fitzgerald, Ashley Rogers, Lou Stamm, Meredith Toler

Ex Officio members

Fr. Joseph Weber

LADIES GUILD

The Ladies Guild meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. in the Bosco Room to plan activities of a social and religious nature for the entire church. Their Quilt Bingo, Christmas Bazaar and Birthright Shower are just some of the activities which the parish looks forward to and enjoys.

Doris Meyer   (314) 434-3627

LADIES OF THE PARISH
The Ladies of the Parish meet monthly in the Parish Center Gym from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. This is a time for the women of the parish to gather and encourage one another while finding ways to stay active and involved in our parish life. See the bulletin or St. John Bosco Bugle for upcoming events.

Cindy Meirink (314) 952-5428 / meirinkc@gmail.com

MEN’S CLUB
The Men's Club is a very active group at St. John Bosco Church. This group has put on the World Famous Fish Fry the last thirty plus years. They have allowed the parish to keep the faciilities in great shape due to their financial support. Throughout the year they schedule other social events. All men of the parish are invited to join this group. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Center Gym.

President - Pete Pellegrine   (314) 578-0784 / petepellegrine@aol.com

Vice-President - Stan Lewandowski

Secretary - Dennis Buechter

Treasurer - Mike McNulty

MONEY COUNTERS
Various teams of men and women give an exact counting of our offerings collected during Mass.

PARISH COUNCIL
The Parish Council is a representative body that meets to establish policies and set goals relating to St. John Bosco Church. Its mission is to actively reach out to all members of the church family and welcome and encourage involvement so that others will be drawn to Christ.

Chairman - Lou Stamm (636) 486-2155/ louisstamm@sbcglobal.net  |  ParishCouncil@stjohnboscostl.com

Ed Dermody, Richard Fitzgerald, Jared Herbst, Catherine Landwehr,

David Reiling, Mark Schulte, Joe Stemler, Jane Thal.                               

Ex Officio members
Fr. Joseph Weber
Paul Craska, Deacon

John O'Hara, Deacon

Sr. Annette Kaba, OSF

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

A prayer shawl is a shoulder wrap or a lap blanket, either knitted or crocheted by someone in our Ministry, offered as "tangible evidence to those for whom we are praying." Not only are prayers said while the shawls are being made, but after completion, a priest will bless the shawls. We offer these to people who are sick, disabled, pregnant, recovering from an operation, depressed, or distressed. As one woman put it, "we are helping provide a hug from God to those who are in need." The prayer shawls are made by volunteers. We do not ask for money from anyone who receives a prayer shawl; they are free. If individuals would like to offer a voluntary contribution for this ministry, money will be used to purchase more material for prayer shawls and lap blankets. If you can crochet or would like to learn how, join us in this ministry. 

Diana Buechter   (314) 610-0806 / dpainter1@sbcglobal.net

ST. JOHN BOSCO QUILTERS
The quilters meet in the Parish Center from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. They create beautiful works of art which may be won at the Annual Ladies Guild Quilt Bingo held in October each year.  Contact Doris if you are interested in helping make these beautiful quilts.

2023 Date:  Ladies Guild Quilt Bingo - Sunday, October 8

Doris Meyer   (314) 434-3627

ST. JOHN BOSCO SENIORS
This group is for people 60 years and older and meets the 3rd Thursday of the month in the Bosco Room at 2:00 p.m. The seniors plan activities of a social and religious nature.

Bernie Gallagher  (314) 580-8298                                                                                                                               

Other Ways You Can Help

There are several ongoing activities in the parish that you are invited to support:

1. On the second Sunday of the month, the St. Vincent de Paul Society collects canned goods, which are delivered to St. Elizabeth Parish in north St. Louis for distribution to the needy.

2. Recycle: The deposit bins are located on the parking lot behind the Church

Does your organization want to share exciting updates, make an announcement, or share a photo of a parish activity? Email us at communications@stjohnboscostl.com so we can get the word out.