History of St. Joseph Catholic Church

The history of San Jose Church began on September 19, 1948, when Father John Lucassen began to raise funds among the Latin American people to build a church.  Rev. Lucassen came to Odessa to minister to the Spanish speaking population.  San Jose Parish came into existence as a mission of St. Mary’s Parish then located on North Washington and 5th Street. 

In December 1950, an army barrack was purchased for $800 and remodeled by the men of the Parish.  In July 1951, the renovated barrack was dedicated and used for Mass, instructions, and social activities.

In February 1952, a small house was purchased and moved to the church property to serve as the rectory.

In October 1953, a second water well was drilled.

In November 1954, the men of the Parish built an outdoor stage and altar so Mass could be celebrated outside during pleasant weather.

In May 19556, an outdoor mission was held.  The church could no longer seat those who attended special functions.  St. Mary’s old church and rectory were moved to 907 S. Dixie Boulevard where San Jose Church is now located. 

Rev. John Lucassen was the first Priest responsible for San Jose Parish.  He began construction on the Parish Hall, rectory, and catechists house.  He also began on the front of the present San Jose Church.

In 1956, Rev. Lucassen began remodeling and enlarging the church to accommodate the growing congregation.  He also established San Martin Mission at South Ranchito and the San Juan Mission at North Ranchito.  The Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Victory are given credit from their catechetical work among the Latin American population in Odessa.  Contributions came from many sources within our community.

In 1964, Rev. Lucassen was transferred to Fort Stockton to replace Rev. Franchi who retired. 

On February 16, 1964, Rev. Louis Moeller was transferred to San Jose.  San Jose was raised from a Misson to a parish, a new church was built for San Martin, and Saint Anthony was established as a new Mission on the southwest side of town.  Saint Anthony was dedicated on May 1, 1965.

Bishop Thomas A. Tschoepe dedicated San Jose Catholic Church on May 1, the Feast of St. Joseph.  San Jose Catholic Church is considered one of the largest in the Diocese of San Angelo and continues to grow.

In 1973, Rev. Fred Narwaskas built the Religious Education Building.  A school bus was purchased to help transport the CCD children to church.  The bus was also used for many other church events.  On October 7, 1973, Bishop Stephen A. Leven, dedicated the Religious Education Building.

In 1977, Rev. Nawarskas expanded the rectory and Parish Hall kitchen.  Plans are on the way for a new Church tower.

In 1978, Rev. Michael Fernandez erected the Church tower.  A shrine for the Virgen of Guadalupe Statue is presently being built.

 

Rev. Frank Chavez became the Pastor of San Jose and San Antonio in 2012.

Rev. Carlos Felipe Rodriguez serves as our Parochial Vicar.