Saint Joseph (Diocese of Harrisburg, Berwick)
| Saint Joseph | |
| City: | |
| Website: | https://www.stjosephberwick.com/ |
| Email: |
stjosephberwick@hbgdiocese.org |
Saint Joseph is in Pennsylvania (United States) and is part of the Diocese of Harrisburg.
It is dedicated to Saint Joseph.
Location
It is located at 730 Washington St, Berwick, PA 18603.
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| This map created from a Cargo query () |
[[Category:Diocese of Harrisburg]]
History
Saint Joseph Parish in Berwick, Pennsylvania, was established in 1921 to serve the Italian Catholic community in the area. The founding of the parish was spearheaded by Father Leonard S. Baluta, who recognized the need for a church where Italian-speaking Catholics could worship in their native language. Initially, services were held in rented halls until a chapel was established in May 1921, which operated until August 15, 1926. Father Baluta's efforts culminated in the construction of a dedicated church, which was completed and dedicated on August 15, 1926, by Bishop Philip R. McDevitt.[1]
The original church was destroyed by fire in 1955, but the community rallied to rebuild. The new church was dedicated on March 24, 1957, by Bishop George L. Leech. During the interim, Masses were held in the Temple Theater and other local churches, demonstrating the parish's resilience and commitment to its mission. The parish also had a school under construction at the time of the fire, which was blessed on the same day as the new church.[2]
Over the years, Saint Joseph Parish has evolved to become a district parish for West Berwick following the suppression of ethnic parishes in 1995, reflecting the changing demographics and needs of the community. The parish has been known for its cultural celebrations, particularly around the Feast of Saint Joseph, where the community comes together to honor its patron saint through Mass, processions, and communal meals.[3]
The parish engages in various community activities, including social justice initiatives, religious education, and support for local charities. Saint Joseph Parish does not operate a school currently but focuses on providing religious education through its programs, ensuring the Catholic faith is passed on to future generations.[4]
The parish has had numerous pastors, each contributing to its spiritual and communal life. Saint Joseph remains a vital part of Berwick's religious landscape, offering a place for worship, sacraments, and community service in the spirit of its patron saint.[5]
Related parishes
- Immaculate Conception, Berwick, PA
- Saint Columba, Bloomsburg, PA
References
- ↑ "Saint Joseph - Berwick". https://www.hbgdiocese.org/parishes/saint-joseph-berwick/.
- ↑ "About - St. Joseph Catholic Parish". https://www.stjosephberwick.com/about.
- ↑ "News - St. Joseph Catholic Parish". https://www.stjosephberwick.com/news.
- ↑ "Ministries - St. Joseph Catholic Parish". https://www.stjosephberwick.com/ministries.
- ↑ "Saint Joseph". https://discovermass.com/church/saint-joseph-berwick-pa.