Masses for the Feast of Mary, Mother of God are Thursday, January 1st at 9 am and 12 pm. Click for more details on this feast day.

During the 3rd week of Advent, the week of rejoicing as we anticipate the coming of Christ, Teen Group spent some time in joyful preparation for Christmas, building gingerbread houses after "earning" their supplies with trivia questions. Tap or click to see some photos from the evening.

The parish office is closed on Wednesday, December 24, and all day Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26 in observance of Christmas. The office is closed at noon on Wednesday, December 31 and all day Thursday, January 1st in observance of the Feast of Mary, Mother of God. Have a safe and blessed holiday!

This month we broke open the Parable of the Talents. We explored how to identify and use our talents for good. Boy, was there a lot of “talent” showing up in the room! Click or tap here to see how we used them.

Life After Fifty will host a potluck and guest speaker from Caring Hands Outreach Center on Saturday, January 17 after the 5 pm Mass. Tap or click for details.

The parish office is closed on Monday, December 8th in observance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Holy day Masses are at 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Click or tap to find out more about this holy day.

In November Teen Group and JuniorHigh Youth Ministry came together for Reconciliation and Adoration. Heaven rejoices when hearts return — and so did we, with ice cream sundaes! Tap or click to see some photos from the evening.

JP Kidz and Tweens organized a drive for Thanksgiving food baskets to donate to Caring Hands. Thanks to the generosity of our parishioners and the greater Altoona community, we surpassed our goal and donated 20 baskets! Tap or click for more...

Due to the winter storm, Bishop Joensen has granted a dispensation from the Sunday Mass obligation this weekend for the Diocese of Des Moines. At SSJP, Saturday vigil Mass is cancelled. Click or tap to read more...

The parish office is closed Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28 in celebration of Thanksgiving. There will be no adoration on Thursday morning, but join us for Mass at 9 am! Happy Thanksgiving from the staff at SSJP!

November 16th was the first of three Youth Masses for the school year. Click here to see who played a part in our celebration of the Eucharist.

Join Life After Fifty at a holiday get-together at the Big Steer at 5 pm on December 2nd.

JuniorHigh Youth Ministry made new friends and learned new games at the Shores in Pleasant Hill. Click here to see their photos.

SSJP Teen Group went on a trip to Prairie Vista Village in Altoona for a Bingo Night! Click here to see what they did.

In October JYM explored the Old Testament using games and contests. Tap or click to check out some photos from the evening.

On October 8th, teens enjoyed a Q&A with Fr. Mark and had a chance to ask anything about our Catholic faith. Tap or click to see some photos from the evening.

In September JuniorHigh Youth Ministry and Teen Group prepared and served a meal at Central Iowa Shelter and Services. Eight adults and 22 teens fed about 200 residents a much appreciated meatloaf dinner. Tap or click to view some photos from the evening.

The parish fleece blanket project, sponsored by Life After Fifty will take place October 20-21. Find information on the project, including how to donate fleece or have LAF purchase fleece for you by clicking or tapping here.

Our parish Youth Ministry has a variety of shirts ready to order! Don’t miss your chance to get a shirt and wear it at youth events, gatherings, and parish activities! Orders must be submitted by Friday, October 10. Tap or click to find more information on how to order!

For our September Faith Formation LIVE! we heard and reflected on the parable of the Good Shepherd. Click here to see some of our activities.