Saint Joseph

Catholic Church

The Oldest Catholic Church of Saginaw Valley, established in 1850
 

St. Joseph Church

1005 Third Street     Bay City, Michigan 48708

Phone: (989) 895.5783  Fax: (989)895.8837  Email: stjosephbcm@att.net

 Our Parish Membership

St. Joseph Parish is the oldest Catholic Church in the Saginaw Valley. Established in 1850, it continues to serve a diverse congregation.  For over 150 years it has been a “melting pot” for thousands of people who have gathered to worship.  Our Mission Statement reads:  “St. Joseph Parish is a diverse congregation of Catholics who commit themselves to draw together as a community and embrace the richness that diversity brings.  We seek to know, love and serve God more and accept the challenge of proclaiming the Good News through word, sacrament, outreach and witness.”

It is in this downtown parish that our people experience the live-giving waters of baptism.  It is here where we come to the table of our Lord as we share in the Eucharist.  It is also here where one seeks forgiveness for sins, and healing in times of sickness, loneliness and need.  It is here where the marriages of our children are celebrated  and where we seek consolation when grief overcomes our hearts as we give our loved ones back to the Lord.  Many of our parishioners are life-long members, having been baptized at St. Joseph and having attended the parish schools.  Presently, there are approximately 412 parishioners; of these, 79 are part of our shut-in ministry.

Our parish is served by Sr. Gail A. Addis I. H. M., Pastoral Administrator, who was appointed by Bishop Kenneth Untener on July 1, 2003 following the death of Fr. Raymond Fron on December 14, 2002.  Sister Joanne Witucki I.H.M. was appointed Pastoral Associate at that time.  Both sisters are members of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Sisters in Monroe, Michigan.  The I.H.M. sisters are Catholic women bound together in faith with a dedication to continue the liberating mission of Jesus by serving the needs of God’s people.  Their ministries include education as well as pastoral care, justice advocacy, church and parish ministry, spiritual and psychological counseling, social service and direct service to those who are poor in the United States and developing nations. 

The parish team consists of Ruth Neitzel, Director of Religious Education.  Cynthia Holysko is the parish secretary and Annette Eilf is housekeeper.  Tom Noonan is maintenance supervisor and Joe Tacey is Village Hall manager.  John VanDenBoom serves as the Minister of Music.

St. Joseph Parish is one of the cluster parishes that also includes St. Boniface and St. John  the Evangelist; our sacramental ministers are Fr. Dale Orlik (St. Boniface) and Fr. Patrick O’Connor (St. John).

Under the patronage of St. Joseph, we pray that we may continue to grow in faith and witness as individuals and as a community to the presence of God in our lives.

Parish Registration Form:

You may download the Parish Family Registration form here.   Please fill it out and drop it by the parish office.

Change of Address:

Due to the mobile nature of our society, we realize that people move within an area as well as move from the area.  In order to maintain current records, we ask that you update your address when necessary.  You can do this by clicking here.   Complete the form and email it to us at stjosephbcm@att.net.

Time and Talent Survey:

As part of our ministry to the people of St. Joseph parish, we ask that each of our parishioners consider what they can give back to the parish community.  To assist you we have provided a “Time and Talent Survey”.  Please download this form here and drop it off at the rectory or mail it to us.