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Preserving historic
St. Joseph Church and our rich history and heritage

Join us in our mission to preserve the legacy of Bethlehem's Southside immigrants that connects us to our past and to each other, and inspires future generations. 

About Us

Our Mission
 

Our mission is to restore and preserve St. Joseph’s Church as a sacred place of worship and a testament to the history and cultural heritage of Southside Bethlehem.

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Our Vision

Our vision is to revitalize St. Joseph Church as a vibrant center for prayer, devotion, and sacred Catholic events, while also serving the community. We honor the immigrant history of Southside Bethlehem, recognizing the contributions of those who sought a better life and enriched our culture. Through educational programs and community events, we aim to preserve the heritage of St. Joseph Catholic Church and celebrate the legacy of immigrants in Bethlehem's story.

Upcoming Events

  • SSJB Monthly Bingo!
    SSJB Monthly Bingo!
    First Sunday of Every Month
    Sun, Apr 12
    Se-Wy-Co Banquet Hall (Nick's BBQ)
    Date changed for April due to Easter! Join us on April 12 for a fun time! Generous payouts!
    Share

Our Services

Funerals

The Society of St. Joseph of Bethlehem has standing permission from the Bishop of Allentown to sponsor Funeral or Memorial Masses for former parishioners and their families in St. Joseph's Church. It is a blessed and meaningful service for those who cherish St. Joseph's Church and its heritage.  

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Weddings

The Society is honored to sponsor wedding ceremonies for the families of former parishioners or for other just cause, with the approval of the Bishop of Allentown. We invite you to celebrate your special day in the beautiful sacred setting of St. Joseph's Church for a joyous and unforgettable wedding. 

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Baptisms

A Catholic baptism in historic St. Joseph's Church is truly a special occasion, blending heritage and tradition with the beginning of a new spiritual life.  The Society is permitted to sponsor baptisms for the families of former parishioners or for other just cause, with the approval of the Bishop of Allentown and the parents' home parish.  

Get Involved

Volunteer

Join us in making a difference! We have numerous volunteer opportunities available,

and we welcome your help. Whether you can spare a few hours or commit to a longer-term project, your support is invaluable

to our mission.

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Become a Member

Become a member to gain exclusive access to our quarterly newsletter with the latest news and insights regarding our society's efforts, and interesting articles. Your support and participation matters, together we can create a positive impact!

Our Initiatives

Making an Impact

The Society of St. Joseph of Bethlehem engages in various projects and initiatives aimed at restoring and maintaining historic St. Joseph's Church, providing opportunities for Masses and sacred use of the church, and participating in community outreach.

Restoration

Architectural Care

Our restoration efforts focus on preserving the church’s architectural integrity, ensuring it remains beautiful and functional for worship and community gatherings.

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Preservation

Honoring Our Heritage

We are building an archive dedicated to preserving the history and honoring the Windish heritage of St. Joseph Church. This effort will celebrate the contributions of all immigrants who have shaped the Southside, ensuring that the multi-ethnic legacy of Bethlehem is remembered and appreciated.

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Fundraising

Sustaining Our Mission

To support our initiatives, we conduct various fundraising activities aimed at garnering community support and resources necessary for our ongoing projects.

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Events

Community Engagement

We host special Masses and social events open to all.  Once we receive our Certificate of Occupancy, we aim to provide regular opportunities for spiritual and community use of the church and church hall. 

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Contact Us

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Send us a message
 and we’ll get back to you shortly.

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