JosaFEST – September 13 & 14 – By the Numbers

4 incredible bands and a DJ. 1 captivating student theater performance. 6 thrilling Tubs of Fun. 1 giant climbing wall. 9 holes of mini golf. 9 exciting carnival games. 14 refreshing beverage options (including 9 just for adults). 7 mouthwatering entrées. 11 sides, snacks and treats. 8 Cake Walks featuring 48 of O’Neil’s famous cupcakes. 5 fantastic Children’s Raffle prizes. 1 huge 50/50 raffle jackpot. And more than 600 parishioners coming together for an unforgettable weekend!

JosaFEST is only possible with YOUR help—107 volunteers working hundreds of hours make it all happen. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun—sign up to volunteer HERE! Visit the JosaFEST website for full details, tickets and sponsorships. (Tickets will also be available at the door.)

Saturday, September 13, 5–10pm

& Sunday, September 14, 11am-4pm

Concert in Church

Friday, September 12, 7:30 pm

You are invited to see King Solomon's Singers, including our own Joe Labozetta, perform in our beautiful church. Concert is free, but donations are welcome.

Religious Education Registration Is Open

Starting this year at St. Josaphat, we will be coordinating with St. Teresa of Avila (our neighbor 5 minutes down the road) for our religious education and sacramental preparation.

For ages 3 through 6th Grade, we will use the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS), a Montessori-based faith formation program. Rooted in Scripture, it helps children grow in a personal relationship with Jesus. Sessions will be offered at 4 different times each week with flexible scheduling. All sessions are held at St. Teresa, however sacramental ceremonies will be held at St. Josaphat. Begins Sept 14.

For 7th and 8th Grade, Confirmation prep will follow a different program. One confirmation prep group will be at St. Teresa and one at St. Josaphat. Sessions will be offered on Sunday afternoons, and an additional time will be added to create more available spots for registrants. Begins Sept. 21.

Register for either program here.

For more information, or to volunteer, reach out to Gabrielle.

Aging Ministry Needs Volunteers

Can you help with a Little Sisters of the Poor fundraiser? Their Chez Ste. Marie Wine Tasting event is in need of volunteers.

Wednesday, September 17: Assist with food prep, any hours between 9 am–3 pm.

Thursday, September 18: Many ways to help!

9 am–6 pm - final food prep, plating and final set up

6 pm–8 pm - clear guest tables, refill serving platters, pass desserts using the dessert carts.

8 pm–9 pm - cleanup inside and out

Volunteers do not have to commit to a full day—any time you can give would be most helpful. Invite family or friends to help too! For more info or to volunteer, email us. Thank you!

What is Alpha?

Starts September 22

Alpha is an 11-week series designed to explore life, faith and purpose in an open, welcoming space. Each week, we tackle a different question about life and the Christian faith. Conversations are honest, fun and designed to help you connect with others on the same journey. Each session includes a meal, a short video and a conversation where every question is welcome, and every voice matters.

No pressure. No judgment. Just real conversations.

Our Fall Alpha runs from September 22–December 16 in the rectory Fireplace Room, and includes multiple offerings:

• Evening Alpha: For everyone! Mondays 6:30–8:30 pm.

• Morning Alpha: For everyone—especially parents... you bring your children to this one! Tuesdays 8:15–9:30 am. 

Info and Registration Links

Middle School Youth Group

Hey 6th–8th Graders!

You’re invited to join the Middle School Youth Group—a fun and meaningful space just for you! We’ll meet once a month on Sunday evenings from 6–7:30 pm in the Fireplace Room at the rectory. Led by Elliot and Grace (SJS alumni!), our gatherings will include community, prayer and service—plus plenty of time to connect and have fun.

Don’t miss it—we’d love to see you there!

Our Fall dates include: September 28, October 19, November 16 and December 7.

Contact Meredith O’Neil or Sara Bauling for more information. 

CLOW is Starting Again

Sundays at 10 am Mass, starting September 28

We are excited to announce that we will be beginning our Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) sessions during the 10 am mass, starting Sunday, September 28. No registration is necessary. During Children’s Liturgy, the Gospel is proclaimed and the children are invited to participate in an age-appropriate discussion about the gospel message. Following this, the children pray together and ask God’s intercession for their intentions. They then return to their families before the Liturgy of the Eucharist. We welcome all our young parishioners ages 4 years old to 2nd Grade to participate. CLOW runs from September through May at the 10 am masses, with the exception of some days. Please check the bulletin for future dates. 

SPRED Needs You!

Starting September 30

This fall, our Lincoln Park deanery is looking for participants for our SPRED programs. SPRED stands for SPecial REligious Development, which is an Archdiocesan program that ministers religious growth and development to our Friends with special needs. There are SPRED programs in the following age groups:

St. Vincent De Paul - ages 6–10

St. Teresa of Ávila - ages 11–16

St. Josaphat - ages 17–23

Immaculate Conception/St. Joseph - ages 24+

Each parish is looking for Friends and Catechists to join this important ministry. For Catechists, no prior experience or training is needed and we assist in training as we go. Please email Laura Burstein or call her at 312.590.2222, or Mike Miller at 312.504.3991 for more info! Sessions are 6:30–8:00 pm Tuesdays in the Fireplace Room. The 6 dates for Fall 2025 are Sept 30, Oct 21, Oct 28, Nov 18, Dec 2 and Dec 16. 

Join OCIA

Would you like to learn more about the Catholic faith? Are you interested in exploring becoming Catholic? Were you baptized Catholic, but have not received the other Sacraments of Initiation—Confirmation or Holy Communion? Then please join our Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (“OCIA”) program which will commence in early October.

Click here to complete and submit the Adult Inquirer Form, or email Deacon Pat directly.

Needed: Mass Coordinators

Are you called to serve, and willing to help Masses run smoothly? Fr. Brett would love to add more volunteers to this essential ministry, especially at the 5 pm Mass. Contact the Parish Office or speak directly to Fr. Brett after Mass. Many thanks!

Young Adult Group

If you’re between ages 18–35 and part of St. Josaphat Parish (or just nearby), join our Young Adults GroupMe! It’s a great way to stay connected, build community, and hear about parish events and happenings in the area. We’d love to have you! Click to join.

Communications Director

St. Josaphat Parish is seeking a part-time Communications Director, who will play a crucial role in advancing the mission of the parish. Please click here for more details, and share with anyone who may be interested.