About St. Joseph · Huntington, West Virginia
St. Joseph Parish in Huntington, West Virginia is a vibrant Catholic community dedicated to serving the spiritual needs of its parishioners through regular Masses, sacraments, and various ministries. The parish has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century and continues to provide education and pastoral care within the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston. It offers multiple language options for worship and active involvement in local Catholic life.
- Established
- 1872
- Patron
- Saint Joseph
- Rector
- G. Borgmeyer
- Diocese
- Wheeling-Charleston
Why belong here
The parish offers a variety of ministries including liturgical roles, faith formation for all ages, and community service. Active participation in Sunday Masses, sacraments like Reconciliation and Holy Communion, and events such as the Anointing of the Sick at all Masses provide meaningful engagement. The parish also supports Catholic education through its schools.
Mass times at St. Joseph
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Anointing of the Sick at all Masses for the First Sunday of the Month
History
The parish began as a temporary church established by Father Thomas Quirk in 1872 after he gathered Catholics in Cabell County. The first Mass was held on October 30, 1872, at a building on Eighth Avenue and 20th Street. In 1884, the current location on 6th Avenue and 13th Street was purchased to avoid flooding. Father John W. Werninger built the present church in 1889, which housed both the church and school.
- Father Thomas Quirk established a temporary church on Eighth Avenue at 20th Street in 1872
- The parish purchased land on 6th Avenue and 13th Street to avoid flooding after high water in the early 1880s
- Father John W. Werninger built the present church building in 1889
Ministries
The parish offers various ministries including Liturgical Ministries, Faith Formation, and Music. Each Mass has its own unique character with different styles of worship.
- Liturgical Ministers: Readers, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, Altar Servers
- Faith Formation for all ages
- Music ministry led by the Parish Choir during specific Masses
Sacraments
The parish provides sacraments including Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination, and Anointing of the Sick.
- Baptism for infants and adults
- First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion for children
- Confirmation for young adults
- Marriage preparation and celebration
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Thomas Quirk1872-1884
First pastor; established temporary church on Eighth Avenue and 20th Street
- Father John W. Werninger1884-1899
Built present church in 1889; oversaw mission churches
- Father Henry Altmeyer1899-1916
Enlarged church and modernized building