Welcome

You are heartily welcomed to the lake city, St. Joseph, and to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Rich in culture and history, St. Joseph Catholic Church is at the bank of the lifeline river of Mississippi.

History of the Church

Among LaSalle’s stops in his exploration of the Mississippi River was the Tensas Indians of Northeast Louisiana. Fr. Zenobius, who traveled with LaSalle, lost no opportunity to bring Good News of salvation to the savages along the way. This spot where the Word of God was preached for the first time in Louisiana is now what is known at St. Joseph’s Lake.

In 1883, the Catholic directory mentions St. Joseph as a mission of Lake Providence until 1888 when it became a mission of Vidalia. With the exception of 1923-24 (mission of Rayville), St. Joseph remained a mission of Vidalia until 1940.

In 1940, Bishop Desmond requested the Josephite Father to take over the apostolate in Tensas Parish, working in the towns of St. Joseph and Waterproof. In 1941-1942, they extended their mission work to Newellton and Winnsboro. In 1943, the Blessed Martin DePorres center was established in the town of St. Joseph.Their mission extended to hundreds of African American sharecroppers and farm laborers.

In 1957, the parish of St. Joseph and its mission of Newellton and Waterproof came once again under the Diocesan administration. The present St. Joseph Church was built in 1960 and was dedicated by His Excellency Most Rev. Charles P. Greco, D.D., the Bishop of Alexandria. Rev. Msgr. T.J. Lennon was then the pastor of the church.

Organizations and Activities

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament: Each Wednesday at 5:20 pm-6:00 pm and first Sunday of the month.

Novena to St. Joseph: Each Wednesday after mass 6:00 pm.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart: Each Sunday during month of June after 9:30 am Mass.

Devotion to the Blessed Mother: Each Sunday - Rosary 9:00 am.

Litany to the Blessed Mother after 9:30 am Mass in May and October.

Stations of the Cross - Each Sunday during Lent after 9:30 am Mass.

Blessing of Animals: First Sunday in October at 5:00 pm (small animals; - big animals by appointment).

CCD program after Sunday service.

Visiting Nursing Home

Prison Ministry at Waterproof twice a month.

Altar Society: The Altar Society serves the church by cleaning the linens, ordering candles, cleaning the church, working outside flower beds, etc. They also support the youth group of the church. Altar Society is open to any lady of the church.

Other active groups of St. Joseph Church: Parish Council, Finance Council, Choir.

Location