Church History - A Time Of Rebirth

A TIME OF REBIRTH

In 1967 an integrated Parish Finance Committee was established comprised of both

white and black parishioners. Their aim was to plan for capital improvements for the good

of everyone in the church. The weekly parish income increased from $ 489 in 1967 to

approximately $ 1,300 in 1970. The increased income made many improvements possible

including church and school renovations, work on the convent, transforming the old garage

into a combined coffee-house and youth-meeting-room, and most importantly the people�s

deeper commitment to God.�

Organizations became increasingly more open to people of all races and ages. Organizations

and the school grew. One men�s club was formed to serve the church. Many families which

had stopped going to church or changed their membership returned. Religious education

became a top priority. The parish hired a Religious Education Coordinator and C.C.D. and

instruction classes for non-Catholics thrived.

In 1969, the first St. Joseph Altar was constructed in the Cafeteria in honor of a rich Italian

tradition. It was sponsored by the "Ladies Altar Society." People from all around came to

visit and donations collected were give to the parish for its needs. The first Parish Council

was established to give parishioners a voice in the future direction of the parish. In 1970,

Fr. Douglas Doussan replaced Fr. Ruppolo as Pastor. This was to be a time of many

great new changes for the people to St. Joseph the Worker.