McKendree University

McKendree University – ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOSEPH HOUSE ON MONDAY NIGHTS FROM 5:00-7:00PM DURING THE SEMESTER


 Off Campus at St. Joseph Catholic Church


Monday Night Gathering for McKendree Students

Every Monday evening during the semester (5–7 PM), St. Joseph and Corpus Christi Parishes welcome McKendree students from near and far to gather for a time of hospitality, fellowship, and community.

Join us for homemade meals, drinks, games, and great conversation in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Whether you are looking for a place to study, meet new friends, or simply enjoy a home-cooked meal, all students are welcome.

Quiet study areas are available, as well as space to relax and play games with others.

We gather in the office/rectory building next to the church. Come as you are—we look forward to seeing you!

Nature's Symphony

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 VOLUNTEERS - We are always looking for cooks, helpers, and donations.   If you wish to help with Joseph House, please contact our St. Joseph Office, 618-537-2575. We will get you in touch with your church's respective representatives at St. Joseph, Mary Weil and at Corpus Christi, Sharon Sullivan.  Students are ALWAYS WELCOME to worship and participate in community happenings at St. Joseph.

Joseph House News!

Joseph House receives prestigious Rev. Dr. MLK, Jr. Humanitarian Award from McKendree University, Jan 21, 2026


Blurb from the awards:

The sister parishes of St. Joseph Catholic Church and Corpus Christi Catholic Church were the joint recipients of the community award. This organization embodies a living commitment to compassion, unity, and dignity of every person, providing free meals to McKendree students at the St. Joseph House each Monday evening since 2019. Modeling empathy in action, they demonstrate that community is built in shared experiences. These parishes care for students, regardless of race, religion, language, and background, providing them a home away from home.

“When we started serving, we had nine students; this past year we served over 300 students,” said Sharon Sullivan of Corpus Christi. “It means a lot to us to have the support of our parishes, our parishioners who provide the meals, and the university. We thoroughly enjoy having conversations with all of the students – we like that you come in and share your week, but most of all, you share your love for the university with us. We hope that you continue to join us on Monday nights, and we will continue to give our radical hospitality back to you as you give yours to us.”

Good morning,

My name is Mark Loyet, and I serve as the Director of Faith Formation and Youth Ministry for the Diocese of Belleville. I’m here this morning to share something truly special that’s happening right here at St. Joseph with the partnered support of Corpus Christi Parish—something that your community should be very proud of: that is Joseph House. Each Monday night during the school year, Joseph House welcomes and feeds up to 150 students from McKendree College. And I want to point out that that simple act of hospitality is doing something profound—it’s keeping young people connected to their faith at one of the most critical times in their

lives. The young adult and college years are some of the most important and formative years in a person’s faith journey. These are the years when many either drift away from faith… or discover how deeply they need it.

That’s why ministry to college students is so vital. During this season of independence and exploration, young people need the support, friendship, and witness of the Christian community to help them grow closer to Christ.

As someone who has served in youth and young adult ministry for over 20 years, I can tell you that what Joseph House is doing for the students of McKendree College is exactly the kind of outreach that changes lives—not through pressure or programs, but through presence, welcome, hospitality, and love. Through Joseph House, your parishes are:

Talk at St. Joseph Lebanon about Joseph House

  • Keeping young people connected to their faith,
  • Helping heal relationships with the Church, and
  • Even reaching those who may never have stepped into a
  • church before.

When students come here for a meal on Monday night, what they

hear—without a single word being spoken—is:

St. Joseph and Corpus Christi Parishes are here for me.

  • The Catholic Church is here for me.
  • I have a safe place to belong.
  • I have a place where I can meet others who share my faith.
  • And from that sense of belonging, beautiful things can grow:
  • Reversions and conversions of faith,
  • Deep healing,
  • Lifelong friendships rooted in Christ,
  • Even new vocations and calls to ministry.

In fact, I am told that through this ministry, two students came into

the Church in 2020 and two more may do so this Easter! And those are just the results that can be measured!

This is what evangelization looks like in real life! So, I want to say, from the Diocese of Belleville: Thank you.

Thank you for saying yes to this important ministry. Thank you for opening your doors and your hearts to the students of McKendree College.