About St. Joseph · Fortuna, California
St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fortuna, California, is a Roman Catholic community dedicated to living according to the Gospel, strengthened by the Eucharist to love and serve God and neighbor. The parish serves both Fortuna and Loleta, with Masses celebrated at both locations. It also operates a food pantry and offers a range of sacraments and ministries. Founded in 1909, the parish has a rich history rooted in the Catholic mission of Humboldt County, with its first Mass held in 1911. The current pastor is Fr. Gabriel Sanchez Navarro, and the parish is part of the Diocese of Santa Rosa.
- Established
- 1909
- Patron
- St. Joseph
- Rector
- Fr. Gabriel Sanchez Navarro
- Diocese
- Diocese of Santa Rosa
Why belong here
Join St. Joseph Parish to be nourished by the Eucharist and inspired to serve God and neighbor through active participation in Mass, sacraments, and community ministries. The parish offers a welcoming, bilingual environment with Spanish and English services, a food pantry, and opportunities for spiritual growth and service. You’ll find a strong sense of community rooted in Catholic tradition and Gospel values.
Mass times at St. Joseph
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- 4:00 pm on Saturday at St. Joseph Church
- 11:30 am on Sunday
- By appointment. Please call the Parish Office.
History
St. Joseph Parish was formally established in 1909 by Father Michael Gaffney, who also served as its first pastor. The first Mass was celebrated in 1911 in the new church building. The parish was part of St. Bernard’s Parish until 1889, when the area was divided. St. Patrick’s Church in Loleta was built in 1925 as a mission church to St. Joseph’s. The Diocese of Santa Rosa was formed in 1962, and the parish became part of it. A school was built in 1964 and closed in 1971. The parish pantry was established in 1980.
Sacraments
Sacraments offered include Reconciliation, Baptisms, and Marriage. Appointments are required for Baptisms and Marriages. Reconciliation is available at specific times or by appointment.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Gabriel Sanchez Navarro2025
- Father Edilberto Ramon2018 - 2025
- Father Manuel Chavez2012 - 2018
- Father Ramon Pons2010 - 2012
- Father Louis Coddaire2006 - 2010
- Father James Trent1999 - 2006
- Father Norman Simoneau1995 - 1999
- Father Michael E. Kelly1994 - 1995
- Father Michaelraj Philominsamy and Fr. Mark Mosher1994
- Father Michael Cloney1988 - 1994
- Father Timothy O'Sullivan1985 - 1988
- Father Thomas W. Devereaux1979 - 1985
- Father Vincent Radvina1974 - 1979
- Father Norman Van Sile1970 - 1973
- Father John T. Butler1968 - 1970
- Father Daniel McCarthy1966 - 1968
- Father Michael Manogue1952 - 1966
- Father Michael Gaffney1940 - 1952
- Father James John Hynes1932 - 1940
- Father Patrick E. Meehan1931 - 1932
- Father Michael Gaffney1909 - 1931