Parishioners and other guests attended an anniversary mass at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church Oct. 28, commemorating the church’s 108th anniversary of its consecration in 1917. About 75 people attended the 11 a.m. service.

Reverend Brendon Laroche, pastor at St. Ursula Church and chaplain for the nonprofit Society of St. Joseph of Bethlehem, conducted the mass and served communion. The organist was Jeffrey Raub, who conducted a choir comprised of choir members from Our Lady of P1erpetual Help, Sacred Heart and Miller Heights.

Paula Kydoniefs, president of the nonprofit Society working on facility and programming restoration, gave attendees an update on repairs and funding.

She said the roof and flashing work had been completed and funding was now needed to install a fire alarm system. The society has been working with city code enforcement officials toward getting a certificate of occupancy. Through special exceptions the city has been cooperating with the Society to allow special events.

Kydoniefs said that a number of funerals for parishioners and baptisms have been held at the church in 2025. More recently, a wedding was conducted at St. Joseph’s. “We have built a strong foundation for our church,” she said.

Anyone interested in supporting the restoration and code correction efforts may do so by contacting the Society at SSJB.email@gmail.com or at SSJB, PO Box 1367, Bethlehem, PA 18016.

A luncheon was held at the SeWyCo Banquet Hall following the service.