When the Rev. Justin Rigali, the archbishop of St. Louis Diocese, recently visited St. Joseph's and St. Maurus Catholic churches in Perry County, he brought with him special blessings for the two historic congregations.

The archbishop's visit commemorated a weekend of special services and Masses for the fifth week of Easter and marked a remodeling project at St. Joseph's Church.

St. Joseph's Church in Apple Creek is most widely known for its summer picnics that serve as a family reunion for the congregation. The church marked its 115th year as a Catholic parish.

The first church used by the St. Joseph's congregation was built in 1828 and was named in honor of its builder, W. Joseph Schnurbusch. Over the years, bells and stained glass windows were added.

The church was remodeled in 1998, and a new marble sanctuary was installed.

Rigali thanked the congregations, both of which are led by the Rev. Mark Bozada, for their dedication and continuing faith.

Rigali told parishioners that he enjoys visiting the churches in the archdiocese. Perry County's Catholic churches fall into the St. Louis Archdiocese while Catholic churches south of the county are a part of the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese.

Rigali also was instrumental in arranging the January visit of Pope John Paul II to St. Louis, which included events for youth and adults.