About St. Joseph · Saint Johns, Michigan
St. Joseph Catholic Church in Saint Johns, Michigan, is a vibrant parish community rooted in over 160 years of Catholic tradition. Founded in 1857 with Mass celebrated in a private home, it became a formal parish in 1871 and has grown from 60 families to over 1,000 registered families today. The parish offers a wide range of ministries, sacramental preparation, and worship services in English and Spanish, serving both youth and adults through religious education, faith formation, and community outreach. It is a sacramental community guided by the Holy Spirit, committed to living the Gospel and serving others as Christ’s hands, feet, and voice.
- Established
- 1857
- Patron
- St. Joseph
- Rector
- Fr. Michael Williams
- Diocese
- Diocese of Lansing
Why belong here
Join a parish that welcomes you as part of a spiritual family committed to living out the Gospel through worship, service, and community. Experience faith formation for all ages, sacramental preparation, and opportunities to serve locally and beyond. Whether you’re new or long-time, you’ll find a warm, supportive community dedicated to deepening your relationship with Christ and each other.
Mass times at St. Joseph
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday – 4:00 p.m.
Adoration times
- Every first Friday after 8:30 AM Mass, ending with Benediction before 8:30 AM Mass
Our Parish History
The first Mass in Saint Johns was celebrated in 1857 in the home of Jeremiah Dooling by Fr. George Godez. Services later moved to the village school, and by 1859, the community became a mission attached to Assumption Parish in Corunna. Ground was broken for the first church building in 1866, and the parish was officially named 'St. Joseph' by Bishop Caspar A. Borgess on May 7, 1871. The current church was dedicated on October 25, 1908. The parish school opened in 1924 with 70 students, and the parish has grown steadily, reaching over 1,000 families by the late 20th century.
Sacraments
The parish offers the full range of sacraments including Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Penance, and Reconciliation. Preparation for Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation is available for children and adults through RCIA and RCIC programs. Sacraments are celebrated regularly, with Baptism on the second Sunday of each month (except Lent), First Eucharist in spring, and Confirmation in winter.
Ministries & Faith Formation
The parish offers religious formation for all ages, including youth and adult programs. Eucharistic Ministers serve the homebound and hospitalized. The parish also provides opportunities for community service and outreach, encouraging parishioners to live out their baptismal call as Christ’s hands, feet, and voice in the world.