Reverend Marek Bożek

Upcoming Events

February 4 & 5:  Blessing of Throats - In honor of Saint Blaise, the patron saint of people with throat illnesses, we will hold a special blessing of throats at both the Saturday and Sunday Masses. All those with throat disorders, or anyone who wishes to avoid getting such a malady, are invited to participate in this rite, whereby the priest touches the throats of the faithful with two crossed candles while invoking the prayer of the Saint and imparts God’s blessing.

February 11 & 12: Anointing of the Sick - Every year on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, February 12th, the Catholic Church celebrates the World Day of the Sick. In our church, Sacrament of the Sick (anointing) will be offered to all requesting after each Mass that weekend. On Sunday, February 12th at 10:30 a.m. in the small room of the Polish Heritage Center, there will be a chance to watch a short movie “Lourdes: Shrine Of Miracles” produced by the History Channel.

February 18-19: “Bring Your Sweetheart” Sunday - On Saturday or Sunday following the Valentine’s Day we invite you to “drag” your wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, partner or significant other to church for Mass! Make him or her sit right next to you, maybe even hold your hand for a second or two!  During each Mass on February 18-19 weekend there will be a special time to renew your vows, or - if you have never said them out loud - to use the “L” word at church for the very first time :-) It might be your best Valentine Day gift ever!

February 19: “Zapusty” Pre-Lenten Dinner - The Zapusty Dinner is a Polish version of the famous “Mardi Gras” celebrations. In Poland sometimes it is also called “Fat Thursday”, for it was celebrated as the last Thursday before Lent - the last chance to dance and be merry before fast. The most desirable food on this day is “pączki”, a special kind of donut filled with fruit jelly. In our church in addition to pączkis we will serve Italian Sausage, cheese tortellini, salad, bread and desert, all for $8.00 per person.

February 22: Ash Wednesday - The season of Lent, in which we prepare for the celebrations of Jesus’ death and resurrection, starts on Wednesday, February 22nd. As a sign of penitential character of those forty days, the foreheads of the faithful are signed with ashes. In our church this will be done during the 7:00 p.m. Mass. We encourage all Parishioners to attend this poignant ceremony.

February 26: Singles Luncheon - Our Singles and Widows/Widowers Ministry is inviting all interested for another outing, this time at  Friendly's Bar & Grill  (3503 Roger Place ). It is said that they  serve the best fried chicken, but we would also be able to order from the menu. Let’s meet at 12:30 p.m. at the church parking lot and enjoy each other’s company while making our taste buds happy!

Spring 2013: Parish trip to Austria, Czech Republic & Poland - We are very excited to announce another spectacular Parish Trip in Spring of 2013! (end of April - beginning of May) This time we will visit three central-European countries: Austria, Czech Republic and Poland. In twelve days we will discover all the most important sites in Vienna, Prague and Krakow. Of course, we will also pray at the Shrine of Black Madonna in Czestochowa and visit amazing town of Zakopane in Polish Tatra mountains. Estimated cost of the trip is below $3500.00 per person. All the preparations have begun and we are ready to officially start the sign up list. Please, contact the rectory (314.421.5948 or office@stanislauskostka.com) if you would like to join us on this magical trip!

Welcome!

In Poland, where I came from, we say "When Guest arrives, God arrives" and this is the rule by which I strive to live as a person as well as a pastor of a growing Catholic church of more than 500 households. We cherish our Polish roots while celebrating diversity of all who enter. All are welcome at St. Stanislaus and all are needed to spread the Good News of God's unconditional love. Here you can find out what is happening in our Parish in coming days and weeks, as well as familiarize yourself with our story. Make yourself at home, and come back often!

Monthly Reflection

In the month of February we ask God twice, in a communal way, to heal our sick and protect the healthy ones from falling ill. As someone who is praying daily for my mother, who is fighting cancer as we speak, I know how much we wish there was no such thing as illness, or pain, or suffering in this God-created world. We cannot help but ask “Why does God allow it to happen?” It is a very valid and fundamental question that every human being will have to struggle with, for no one escapes life without some pain. Read more

 Contact Me Today

No matter how many times you have been told by your priest or minister that you don't belong in the Church - it simply is not true! God's love is much bigger than man made limitations and there is plenty of room for you in God's Family! 

Should you wish to discuss your spiritual journey with me, schedule sacramental celebration, or just chat with someone who will not judge you - send an e-mail message and I will get back with you at the earliest convenience.

You can easily find my profile on Facebook

Mass Schedule

4:00 p.m.     Saturday Vigil Mass (English)

9:00 a.m.     Sunday Mass (English)

11:00 a.m.   Sunday Mass (Polish)

5:30 p.m.     Tuesday Mass (Polish)

5:30 p.m.     Thursday Mass (English)

5:30 p.m.     Friday Mass (Latin)

My Ministry

My life and ministry is centered around St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Parishioners, as well as anyone in need of priestly assistance, may request my ministry for spiritual counseling, sacramental preparation and celebrations. At St. Stanislaus we also offer a wide range of educational and social activities. I strive to make this faith community a place where all disenfrachised and excluded persons can find their spiritual home.

Sunday Mass (Eucharist) is offered at three different times: Saturday 4:00 PM (English), Sunday 9:00 AM (English) and 11:00 AM (Polish). All are welcome at our Eucharistic table and Holy Communion is never denied to anyone!

Weekday Mass is offered on Tuesday at 5:30PM (Polish), Thursday at 5:30PM (English) and Friday at 5:30PM (Latin). 

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is available every Saturday from 3:00 until 3:45 PM or by appointment. Communal Penance Service with General Absolution is celebrated twice a year - before Easter and Christmas.

Bible Study is conducted every Saturday at 5:15 PM. Meetings are always open to the newcomers.

Sunday School or Parish School of Religion is a program through which our young members grow in knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. Its meetings take place every Sunday at 10:15 AM September through May.

Anointing of the Sick is offered communally twice a year and individually by request, either at home or any healthcare institution.

Baptism of Infants and Adults is celebrated as a joyful event and is a testimony to the growth of our community.

Funeral Mass or Service is always a celebration of life of the deceased person. It is never denied.

Weddings, and Marriage Preparation, are offered to all couples on as needed basis. We are honored to be one of the most popular wedding churches in St. Louis Metropolitan area.