St. Joseph to celebrate its 150th anniversary

Several Hispanic families, such as the one above, took part in a “Unity” Mass at St. Joseph Church in Butchertown Nov. 15 to celebrate the parish’s 150th anniversary. The Mass was celebrated in English and Spanish and was followed by a brunch. The Mass was one of three events planned to celebrate the church’s anniversary which will take place next year. Record Photo by Ruby Thomas
Several Hispanic families, such as the one above, took part in a “Unity” Mass at St. Joseph Church in Butchertown Nov. 15 to celebrate the parish’s 150th anniversary. The Mass was celebrated in English and Spanish and was followed by a brunch. The Mass was one of three events planned to celebrate the church’s anniversary which will take place next year. Record Photo by Ruby Thomas

By Ruby Thomas, Record Staff Writer

St. Joseph Church parishioners — including some families that have been members for three generations — gathered Nov. 15 to celebrate the Butchertown parish’s upcoming 150th anniversary, which will begin in 2016.

The liturgy, a “Unity” Mass, was celebrated in English and Spanish and reflected both the parish’s past and its present.

Father David Sánchez, pastor of St. Joseph, said during his homily that in order to “rejoice in the present” it’s important to “reflect on the past.”

“The people from the past brought good values from faraway lands like Ireland and Germany,” said Father Sánchez. The parish is now home to their descendants, as well as a growing community of Hispanic immigrants.

“It’s a diverse parish where all are welcomed to worship together as a family,” said Father Sánchez.

Several parishioners, including Mary Glasscock, used the word “family” to describe the parish. Glasscock, who teaches religious education at the church, graduated from the now-closed St. Joseph School, as did her mother.

“It’s a close-knit family and everyone has worked to make it a good parish,” Glasscock said. As they approach St. Joseph’s 150th anniversary, Glasscock said her wish is for the parish to remain strong. “I don’t think we’ll have a problem with that.”

Glasscock noted that the growth of the Latino presence in the church, which began when Father Sánchez became pastor in 2006, has been a challenge. But, she said, the newer parishioners have integrated into the larger parish.

St. Joseph offers a separate Mass in Spanish, but a bilingual Mass every Sunday at noon enables both groups to worship together.

“We’re not separated,” she said. “When we have a gathering, it’s for both groups.” She added that religious education classes are combined and taught in English.

Samuel Zuniga, a native of Mexico, said he and his family have been parishioners of St. Joseph since Father Sánchez became pastor.

Parishioners attend Mass to celebrate St. Joseph's 150th anniversary. Record Photo by Ruby Thomas
Parishioners attend Mass to celebrate St. Joseph’s 150th anniversary. Record Photo by Ruby Thomas

“I like the way Father Sánchez presents the Word, and the union I feel with the people here,” said Zuniga. He hopes St. Joseph continues to grow, he said.

He and his family were among the many Hispanic families who worshipped at the Mass and attended a brunch afterward, where tamales and smoked sausages were among the various foods served.

During the liturgy, the congregation expressed their gratitude for those who served at the parish. They gave thanks for diocesan priests who have served at the parish in recent years; the Franciscan Friars of St. John the Baptist Province in Cincinnati, whose members administered the parish for 127 years; and the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville, who served as educators at St. Joseph School, which closed in 2003 after 136 years.

“In good and in challenging times they’ve worked with us. They’ve baptized our children, heard our secrets and buried our loved ones. Their love and dedication is still within the walls and spirit of the church,” Father Sánchez said.

Connie Stewart, a lifelong parishioner and chair of the parish’s anniversary committee, said the original building, where the parish hall and gym now stands on Washington Street, was consecrated in January of 1866 and served as both the church and school. The school opened in the fall of 1867 with 236 students and was administered by the Ursuline Sisters.

The current church building was completed and consecrated in 1886. Due to the cost, the twin steeples weren’t constructed until the early 1900s. Except for some minor changes, the interior of the church has been preserved, said Stewart, who was baptized there.

Stewart’s family has belonged to St. Joseph for several generations. She was also married at the church, as were her parents and grandparents.

“It’s not a real prominent church in the city, but we’re a group of hardworking people,” she said. “We want to see our parish thrive and be here for many years to come.”

She said the upcoming anniversary will be a time to reflect on the past, present and future of the church.

In addition to Sunday’s celebration, the anniversary observance will also include:

  • A St. Joseph feast day Mass and festival will be held March 19.
  • A celebration Mass and dinner will take place on May 14.
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