About St. Joseph · Cordova, Alaska
St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Cordova, Alaska, is a small parish serving the local Catholic community with regular Masses, faith formation for children and youth, and various ministries. The parish is led by Parochial Administrator Rev. Fr. Balaraju, who is currently on vacation in India and will be temporarily replaced by Fr. Bill from the Diocese of Orlando. The church offers weekday and weekend Masses, Adoration, Confession, and community events like the 'Blessed is among women' gathering. It is located at 220 Adams Ave, PO Box 79, Cordova, AK 99574, and is accessible via phone or email.
- Patron
- St. Joseph
- Rector
- Rev. Fr. Balaraju
Why belong here
Join a welcoming parish that offers children’s faith formation classes, youth confirmation, and regular community events like the 'Blessed is among women' gathering. The parish provides spiritual support through daily Mass, Adoration, and Confession, and encourages participation in the Annual Catholic Appeal to support local and diocesan ministries.
Mass times at St. Joseph
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 5 pm
- By Appointment
Adoration times
- Every month 1st Friday 5:30 to 6:30 pm
- Thursday 5:30 pm
Faith Formation
Children’s faith formation classes are held Monday (Grades 1-5), Sunday (Grades 6-8), and Wednesday (Grades 9-12). First Communion is available for 2nd grade and up, and Youth Confirmation is for 6th grade and up, both requiring registration for the respective classes.
- Grade 1-5: Monday, 3:45-5:00pm
- Grade 6-8: Sunday, 9:00 am
- Grade 9-12: Wednesday, 7:15-8:15 am
- First Communion: 2nd grade and up, registered for Monday Faith Formation classes
- Youth Confirmation: 6th grade and up, registered for Wednesday Faith Formation classes
Community Events
The parish hosts monthly gatherings such as 'Blessed is among women' on the 3rd Tuesday, with soup and bread and a speaker. Adoration and Confession are available regularly, and the parish participates in the Annual Catholic Appeal.
- Blessed is among women: Tuesday, 6:00 pm (soup and bread served)
- Adoration: Thursday 5:30 pm, 1st Friday 5:30-6:30 pm
- Confession: Saturday 5 pm or by appointment
- Annual Catholic Appeal: Goal $5,691.89 as of July 23, 2026
Leadership & Staff
The parish is led by Parochial Administrator Rev. Fr. Balaraju, who is temporarily replaced by Fr. Bill from the Diocese of Orlando. The parish staff includes Music Director Paoola Vargas, Bookkeeper Jackie Harris, Collection Counter Laurie Philips and Laura Bowman, and Pastoral Council President Debra Adams and Sarah Lytle.
- Parochial Administrator: Rev. Fr. Balaraju
- Music Director: Paoola Vargas
- Bookkeeper: Jackie Harris
- Collection Counter: Laurie Philips, Laura Bowman
- Pastoral Council President: Debra Adams, Sarah Lytle
- Faith Formation Director: Debbie Collins
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Fr. BalarajuJuly 2026 - September 2026 (vacation)
Going on vacation to India; will return September 29, 2026. Temporarily replaced by Fr. Bill from Diocese of Orlando (July 28 - August 24, 2026).