St. Joseph Catholic Church
1375 S. Mickley Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46241
317-244-9002

Fr. Glenn O'Connor, Pastor

Since 1873, there has been a St. Joseph Parish in Indianapolis. The first church was located on East Vermont Street. In 1879, a larger church was built at 623 East North Street. The parish grew, flourished, and eventually declined as the area became industrial and commercial. In June 1949, the parish was officially dissolved.

On September 18, 1949, Archbishop Paul C. Schulte announced the founding of the new St. Joseph Parish at 6041 West Morris Street, with the Rev. Vincent Grannan as pastor. After Rev. Grannan was recalled to service in the Korean War in 1951, the Rev Thomas Carey became administrator. In 1952, he was appointed pastor.

In 1953, history repeated itself. Like the original St. Joseph, which had to relocate several years after its founding, the new St. Joseph after years on Morris Street, also had to relocate. The State of Indiana required the Morris Street property for the construction of Interstate 465.

Eleven acres of ground were purchased on South Mickley Avenue, where a new church-school building, a rectory and a convent were built. The pews in the newest St. Joseph were brought from the old St. Joseph Church on North Street, thus serving as links to the past and a reminder of the history of St. Joseph Parish.

Rev. Carey remained as pastor until June 1962. He was succeeded by the Rev. Flavin Strange, who died three months later. In September 1962, the Rev. William Dorraugh was appointed pastor of St. Joseph.

In June 1970, the parish closed its school, and became part of the consolidated school named All Saints, located in the buildings of St Anthony Parish. Currently, the school portion of the building is used for many parish needs, including RCIA children's religious education programs and providing a facility for many community functions.

At one point the convent at St. Joseph was leased to three Sisters of Charity, who formed the St. Joseph House of Prayer. These sisters were instrumental in establishing a program of religious education for the children of the parish that were in public schools.

After the death of Rev. Dorraugh in October 1970, the Rev. Richard Smith became pastor in January 1971. In 1976, Rev. Smith left, he was replaced by the Rev. Fred Schmitt, who changed the interior of the church from traditional to modern seating arrangements. After one year, Rev. Schmitt was succeeded on July 12 1977, by the Rev. John Elford.

In 1980, the property north of the rectory was sold to a daycare center. The convent building was leased to First Step, an organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of women alcoholics later known as "Seeds of Hope". This organization is dedicated to assisting women recovering from alcoholism and drug addictions.

Renovations made by Rev. Elford include a hip roof in 1984, stained glass windows in 1988, and air conditioning in 1989. It was during this time that Father Mark Xuan Thanh, of the Diocese of Dalat, South Vietnam , took up residence at St. Joseph 's rectory as he miniters to the Vietnamese Catholics in the archdiocese.

Rev. Elford died in February 1991. Rev Glenn O'Connor succeeded him later that year. Under his guidance and many wonderful parishioners who have volunteered their time and talent, the "new" St. Joseph Church and rectory have undergone some major renovations. The renovations include new windows, kitchen cabinets and update of the interior of the rectory. Elford Hall has been renovated to include central air, new windows, drop ceiling, new lighting, renovation of the stage, and walls. Father Glenn ministers to many St. Joseph families, to the public through nursing homes, and saying Mass at the airport for their employees and travelers.

Father Glenn is also pastor of St. Ann, he is also coordinator of the International Airport Chaplains organization and at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the month of May. Father Glenn's direction and leadership have provided many opportunitis for spiritual growth to St. Joseph Catholic Church parishioners.

Top