About St. Joseph Catholic Church · Lakeland, Florida
St. Joseph Catholic Church is a vibrant, diverse parish rooted in over a century of faith in the heart of Lakeland, Florida. United at the altar of Christ, the community worships through the sacraments, forms disciples of all ages, and serves neighbors with the love and mercy of Jesus. The parish is especially known for its active Spanish-speaking community and its long legacy of outreach to the poor, the homeless, and migrant families. It is the oldest Catholic Church in Polk County and sits within the Diocese of Orlando.
- Established
- 1898
- Patron
- St. Joseph
- Diocese
- Diocese of Orlando
Why belong here
A parishioner might love St. Joseph for its deep roots as the oldest Catholic community in Polk County, its warm multicultural worship in both English and Spanish, its strong sacramental life, and its long tradition of serving the poor, the homeless, and migrant families through ministries such as St. Vincent de Paul and Perpetual Adoration.
Mass times at St. Joseph Catholic Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM (English)
- Saturday 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM (Spanish)
Adoration times
- Perpetual Adoration in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel (referenced as a special gift to the community)
History & Heritage
St. Joseph Parish began in 1898 and is the oldest Catholic Church in Polk County. The parish has grown through war-time service, school expansion, major renovation, and a century of sacramental life.
- Founded 1898; centennial celebrated 1998
- St. Joseph’s Academy founded 1938
- Parish Hall used as U.S.O. center during WWII
- Church renovation and bell tower completed 1997
Worship & Sacraments
The parish offers Mass in English and Spanish throughout the week, with regular Confession on Saturdays and Perpetual Adoration in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
- Weekend Masses in English and Spanish
- Daily Mass Monday-Friday at noon
- Saturday Confession in English and Spanish
- Perpetual Adoration
Community & Outreach
St. Joseph has a strong commitment to the poor and marginalized, with several well-known local ministries originating from the parish.
- St. Vincent de Paul Society
- Outreach to migrants and correctional institutions
- Pregnancy Help Center and Talbot House roots
- Ecumenical work through P.E.A.C.E.