Basilica of St. Joseph 

Proto-Cathedral

   Welcome to the
Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral!

     We were the first (Proto) Cathedral, in the United States of America, west of the Allegheny Mountains.  We were also the heart of the Diocese of Bardstown that served ten states. 

     St. Joseph's was built to welcome pioneers and to serve their spiritual, physical and intellectual needs, as well as, all who followed them.
     We invite you to visit and join us at Mass.  Your prayers will strengthen us! We would also like to invite you to share your prayer requests. 
     Please introduce yourself at Mass, so we can meet in person. 
     Our Mission is to embody Christ who never ceases to unite to God all who come to Him. 

Blessings,
Fr. Terry Bradshaw
Pastor

It is said: “Better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”
The church has proclaimed The Risen Christ to be a light shining through the darkness.
There is an ancient tradition of lighting a candle when offering a votive (gift to God). It is a concrete way of thanking God for His blessings, even as we petition His grace for current needs.

Also, the lighting of a candle can initiate a prayer that continues to keep vigil for us, in church, when we must move on.

Whether it is a votive candle in thanksgiving or a vigil light, both sacramentals assist us in our prayer, give witness to those who see the light, and bring that “light” to shine on those in need through our charitable donation (the votive offering).

The renewal of our candle stand makes each light more visible, by way of the marble riser.  It inspires us to light a candle and offer a prayer through the message etched in the metal, as well as, protecting the church from fire and smoke damage.

Proceeds from the offerings will go to our charitable outreach; to those in need. What better way to thank God and witness His light in our world?
Blessings, Fr. Terry 

2018-19
Faithful Citizens is a multi-parish and multi-institutional group of concerned and interested citizens who want to keep apprized of current social issues and situations which need our attention and who want to bring Christian principles to bear on these concerns.  The group meets periodically throughout the year at a host parish from 12:00 to 1:00.  Lunch is included or participants are welcome to bring their own bag lunch with them.  This ministry is part of Catholic Charities outreach in the rural area of the Archdiocese of Louisville.  
Host Parish 2018-19 will be
       St. Thomas Church

Meeting dates will be as follows:
September 18
October 16
November 13(SECOND Tuesday)
Febraury 19
March 19
Please mark your calendars,  save the dates and plan to join us.