St. Joseph Catholic Church Muskogee, OK

St. Joseph Catholic Church Muskogee, OK 321 North Virginia
Muskogee, OK 74403
918-687-1351 Where and how to start the story of the Catholic Faith in Muskogee? It's involved. There is Fr. Joseph School.

William Ketchum way back in Ft. Gibson and Indian Territory and a parish of 14,000 sq. miles and most of Eastern Oklahoma. The Church of the Assumption, our first parish, was started and built in Muskogee, first in Indian Territory (1891) and then again in the State of Oklahoma (1911). Complicated best describes how the parish of the Sacred Heart started in 1921, given the misunderstandings among

the pastors and Bishop Meerschart. By 1950, its new Church, Rectory and Convent were ready for more than 40 years of service to the Catholic community. Complicated is the how and why of the parish of St. Augustine (1939), set aside to serve Muskogee's African-American Catholics in another time that accepted segregation as a given. This was closed in 1969 as integration brought all of Muskogee's Catholics together. In 1981, "Catholic Ministries of Muskogee" brought together co-pastors, Fathers Gregory A. Gier and Herman Foken, and parish liturgies and ministries of education, pastoral councils, youth and service to the poor. In August 1992, "St. Joseph" became the new title of a single combined parish in a modern, beautiful sanctuary, commons and classrooms on a shared campus with St. A Parish Hall and Offices with more classrooms was added in 2007. A stand-alone Catholic Charities Center and Infant Supply Closet (2004) keep a presence on Muskogee's Westside. In 1976, Muskogee Catholics were joined by several dozen refugee families from Vietnam, who resettled in our area. In the late 1980s, an increasing number of immigrants from Mexico led to a monthly bi-lingual English-Spanish Mass, which by the 1990s grew to a weekly Mass in Spanish and all the sacraments and cultural celebrations and now forms an integral part of our community. Catholic education in Muskogee is as complicated as parish life. It meanders through Assumption School (1890-1896); Nazareth Institute and Academy for Girls (1896-1932); Sacred Heart Grade School (1921-1968); St. Joseph Preparatory School (1903-1955); St. Joseph Grade School (1964-Present) which absorbed Sacred Heart School in 1968 and was for a while Muskogee Christian Learning Center. St. Joseph School is now an integral ministry of St. Joseph Church, serving students of all faiths, Pre-K - 8th Grade. Our story as a Catholic parish is complicated with more than a usual share of twists and turns, but above all and mostly resilient- a lot like Muskogee itself.

MEDITACIÓN DEL EVANGELIO 6 de septiembre de 2026 - XXIII Domingo del Tiempo OrdinarioMateo 18:15-20Hoy la Liturgia nos a...
09/06/2026

MEDITACIÓN DEL EVANGELIO
6 de septiembre de 2026 - XXIII Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

Mateo 18:15-20

Hoy la Liturgia nos anima a la corrección fraterna; es decir, nos alienta a corregir a las personas que obran mal. Este consejo parece ir contra la corriente actual de la sociedad, donde se cree que todo está permitido. Los padres tienen miedo de reprender a sus hijos y los maestros temen corregir a sus estudiantes, pues muchas veces responden con agresividad. El capítulo 18 del Evangelio de Mateo nos enseña cómo afrontar situaciones difíciles en la vida familiar y comunitaria. Siempre habrá conflictos; el reto está en cómo los afrontamos. Recordemos que somos responsables de quienes viven con nosotros y que, por derecho, deben ser felices.

Los pasos para corregir, de acuerdo con Jesús, son los siguientes: “Si tu hermano ha pecado, ve y háblale a solas para corregirlo. Si te escucha, habrás ganado a tu hermano”. El segundo paso es este: “Si no te escucha, toma contigo a una o dos personas más, de modo que el caso se decida por la palabra de dos o tres testigos. Si se niega a escucharlos, informa a la asamblea” (Mateo 18:15-16). Luego vienen las palabras alentadoras de Jesús, que ayudan a suavizar las situaciones: “Pues donde están dos o tres reunidos en mi Nombre, allí estoy yo, en medio de ellos” (Mateo 18:20). Se necesita saber dialogar entre las personas, escuchar incluso cuando no se está de acuerdo, y tener mucha paciencia para lograr un crecimiento integral de cada persona.

¡Señor, ayúdanos a ser responsables unos de otros y a buscar siempre la justicia y el bien común!

©LPi

GOSPEL MEDITATIONSeptember 6, 2026 - Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary TimeMatthew 18:15-20A few summers ago, my family ha...
09/06/2026

GOSPEL MEDITATION
September 6, 2026 - Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 18:15-20

A few summers ago, my family had a big reunion. It included my parents, my four siblings, and all their many children. One of my favorite moments was simply watching my parents’ contented faces as they took in all of us together, laughing, sharing food, singing, telling stories. They loved seeing their children happily together with each other.

That is something like the heart of God we see in today’s Gospel message about Christian reconciliation. These verses come right after Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep. He is not giving the disciples a cold formula for dealing with conflict. He is revealing the Father’s longing for children who love and reconcile with each other. His heart aches when his children are divided and isolated.

So when Jesus says, “Go and tell your brother his fault,” He is not deputizing us as morality police. He is inviting us into his mission of reconciliation. When he adds, “If he listens to you, you have won over your brother,” we glimpse the real goal. Not winning arguments, but reuniting a divided family.

These days, we often think religion is just between God and me. But the Father’s dream is about a lively family, one in which His children forgive, gather, and rejoice together.

Lord Jesus, give me the courage to seek reconciliation where it is needed. Make my heart resemble the Father’s heart, longing and working for unity among His children. Amen.

— Father John Muir ©LPi

In observance of Labor Day, our parish office will be closed on Monday, September 7th. We will reopen on Tuesday, Septem...
09/05/2026

In observance of Labor Day, our parish office will be closed on Monday, September 7th. We will reopen on Tuesday, September 8th at our regular hours. We pray for the safety and rest of all who labor in our community. Wishing all of our parishioners a blessed and restful holiday weekend!

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13
I recognized that there is nothing better than to rejoice and to do well during life. Moreover, that all can eat and drink and enjoy the good of all their toil—this is a gift of God.

En observancia del Día del Trabajo, nuestra oficina parroquial estará cerrada el lunes 7 de septiembre. Reabriremos el martes 8 de septiembre en nuestro horario habitual. Pedimos a Dios por el descanso y la seguridad de todos los trabajadores de nuestra comunidad. ¡Que pasen un bendecido y feliz fin de semana!

Eclesiastés 3,12-13
Yo sé que lo mejor que puede hacer el hombre es divertirse y disfrutar de la vida, pues si comemos y bebemos y contemplamos los beneficios de nuestro trabajo, es porque Dios nos lo ha concedido.

Join us for our Parish Festival on Saturday, October 3rd, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., immediately following the 4:00 p.m. V...
09/03/2026

Join us for our Parish Festival on Saturday, October 3rd, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m., immediately following the 4:00 p.m. Vigil Mass! There will be international food, games, music, and plenty of fun for the whole family. Put on your boots, grab your cowboy hat, and come enjoy an evening of joy and fellowship with our parish family. Proceeds from the festival will help support the renovations to our parish. Invite your family and friends, everyone is welcome!

¡Acompáñanos en nuestro Festival Parroquial sábado 3 de octubre, de 5:00 a 10:00 p.m., justo después de la Misa de Vigilia de las 4:00 p.m.! Habrá comida internacional, juegos, música y mucha diversión para toda la familia. Ponte tus botas, trae tu sombrero y ven a disfrutar de una noche de alegría y compañerismo con nuestra familia parroquial. Los fondos recaudados ayudarán con las renovaciones de nuestra parroquia. ¡Invita a tu familia y amigos! ¡Todos son bienvenidos!

A community wide event saying "Thank You!" to all our veterans and first responders. Free lunch for all veterans, EMTS,...
09/02/2026

A community wide event saying "Thank You!" to all our veterans and first responders. Free lunch for all veterans, EMTS, Firemen, Police and Sheriffs on Thursday, September 10, at the American Legion Post 15, 4021 West Broadway St., Muskogee, OK. Lunch will be served from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Thanks for all you have and continue to do for our community and the surrounding area! You are a blessing!

08/30/2026

UPCOMING PARISH FESTIVAL / FESTIVAL PARROQUIAL

Nuestro festival parroquial será el sábado 3 de octubre, estamos anotando a aquellos que les gustaría patrocinar un puesto de comida, apoyar donando ingredientes, ayuda monetaria o premios para la rifa. Los fondos recaudados serán para apoyar en el costo de la renovación de la iglesia. Si desea ayudar, contactarse con Estela Martinez, Gaby Camacho o Nancy Quezada.

Our parish festival will be on Saturday, October 3rd. We are signing up those who would like to sponsor a food booth or support the event by donating ingredients, a monetary contribution, or raffle prizes. Proceeds will go toward the cost of the church renovation. If you wish to help please contact Estela Martinez, Gaby Camacho, or Nancy Quezada.

MEDITACIÓN DEL EVANGELIO30 de agosto de 2026 - XXII Domingo del Tiempo OrdinarioMateo 16:21-27El seguimiento de Cristo i...
08/30/2026

MEDITACIÓN DEL EVANGELIO
30 de agosto de 2026 - XXII Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

Mateo 16:21-27

El seguimiento de Cristo implica también llevar la cruz. Y no se refiere a esas hermosas cruces de oro fino que llevamos en el cuello. Se trata de otro tipo de cruz: la cruz de cada día, en la familia, en el hospital, en la cárcel, en la lucha por los derechos de los inmigrantes y al dar voz a quienes no pueden defenderse, por mencionar solo algunos ejemplos. El discípulo que sigue al Maestro le entrega su vida sin reservas; es decir, se niega a sí mismo para ayudar a otros. No se echa hacia atrás ante las dificultades, sino que las afronta con fe y confianza. Sigue las enseñanzas de Jesús con entereza y esperanza.

“La vida entera de Cristo fue una continua enseñanza: su silencio, sus milagros, sus gestos, su oración, su amor al hombre, su predilección por los pequeños y los pobres, la aceptación total del sacrificio en la cruz por la salvación del mundo y su resurrección son la actuación de su palabra y el cumplimiento de la revelación” (Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, n. 561). “Fuera de la cruz no hay otra escala por donde subir al cielo” (Santa Rosa de Lima, cf. P. Hansen, Vita mirabilis, Lovaina, 1668). Según mi estilo de vida, ¿qué significa tomar mi cruz y seguir a Jesús? Porque, el peligro es el que nos advierte el Evangelio: “¿De qué le sirve al hombre ganar el mundo entero si se pierde a sí mismo? ¿Qué podrá dar para rescatarse?” (Mateo 16:26). ¡Señor, dame la alegría de seguirte!

©LPi

GOSPEL MEDITATION August 30, 2026 - Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary TimeMatthew 16:21-27Do you know what it is like to ...
08/30/2026

GOSPEL MEDITATION
August 30, 2026 - Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 16:21-27

Do you know what it is like to be thrilled by the power of Christian faith one moment and then utterly fail in it the next? I do. That is Peter in today’s Gospel. After last week’s bold confession, he now hears Jesus speak of suffering and death, and something in him recoils. He takes Jesus aside and tries to correct him. Jesus responds with the shocking rebuke, “Get behind me, Satan.”

Peter is the mirror of every disciple. We love Jesus until he contradicts the script we have written for our lives. Peter does not reject Jesus. He rejects a suffering Jesus. So do we, whenever we avoid a hard responsibility, resist a demanding relationship, or cling to comfort instead of choosing love. We want a Lord who supports our plans, not one who overturns them.

Yet Jesus does not discard Peter. He redirects him. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” In effect, Jesus says, stop trying to lead me. Let me lead you. Discipleship does not begin with heroism or clarity but with surrender. It means trusting that God’s path to life often passes through places we would never choose.

Peter is all of us. We move from insight to confusion, from confidence to correction. That is why we should have hope. Jesus patiently teaches us again and again. Trust me. Get behind me. Follow me. When we stop fighting the crosses that come and start carrying them with him, we discover a freedom deeper than comfort and a love stronger than fear.

— Father John Muir ©LPi

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Originally from Africa, Augustine migrated to Italy a...
08/29/2026

Today the Church celebrates the Feast of Saint Augustine of Hippo. Originally from Africa, Augustine migrated to Italy and became Christian under Saint Ambrose’s instruction. He was sent by the Church back to Africa as a bishop. He was a pivotal saint who lived and through his writings guided Christians from the collapsing ancient Roman Empire into a new age of Christendom known today as the “Middle Ages”. Back to Muskogee: one of our 3 original churches here was named after him. Saint Augustine’s in Muskogee was located in a historically Black neighborhood. It was served by Missionary Holy Ghost priests. Bishop Victor Reed frequently visited and confirmed Catholics there in the 1960s. Sadly St Augustine’s church building was torn down to make room for Muskogee’s Arrowhead Mall in the 1980s.

MEDITACIÓN DEL EVANGELIO 23 de agosto de 2026 - XXI Domingo del Tiempo OrdinarioMateo 16:13-20La pregunta que Jesús hizo...
08/23/2026

MEDITACIÓN DEL EVANGELIO
23 de agosto de 2026 - XXI Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

Mateo 16:13-20

La pregunta que Jesús hizo a sus discípulos fue: “Según el parecer de la gente, ¿quién es este Hijo del Hombre?”. La respuesta no se hizo esperar; presurosos respondieron: “unos dicen que Juan el Bautista, otros que Elías, o Jeremías, o alguno de los profetas”. Enseguida vino otra pregunta: “Y ustedes, ¿quién dicen que soy yo?” (Mateo 16:13-17). Esta segunda pregunta ya es directa para los discípulos: quién es Jesús para cada uno de ellos. Pedro lo identifica con claridad: “Tú eres el Mesías, el Hijo de Dios vivo” (Mateo 16:16). Jesús le dice que esta revelación viene del Padre que está en los cielos y no de su propia capacidad humana.

Se necesita revelación y una fe profunda para identificar a Jesucristo como nuestro Mesías y Salvador. ¿Cómo anda tu relación personal con Jesús? ¿Qué dicen tu familia, tus amigos y tu comunidad acerca de Él? El Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, en el número 424, nos dice: “Movidos por la gracia del Espíritu Santo y atraídos por el Padre, nosotros creemos y confesamos a propósito de Jesús: ‘Tú eres el Cristo, el Hijo de Dios vivo’ (Mt 16:16). Sobre la roca de esta fe, confesada por san Pedro, Cristo ha construido su Iglesia”. Mateo, en su Evangelio, nos muestra un vínculo especial con la Iglesia, y debemos prestar atención a ello. La identidad de Jesús con la comunidad eclesial es única. Entonces, ahora vale la pregunta: ¿qué es la Iglesia para mí? ¿Veo una relación viva entre Jesús y la Iglesia? Pidamos por la Iglesia y oremos por el Papa León XIV, especialmente hoy.

©LPi

Address

321 N
Muskogee, OK
74403

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4pm
Friday 8:30am - 2pm
Saturday 4:30pm - 6pm
Sunday 9:30am - 1pm

Telephone

+19186871351

Website

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