Saint Joseph The Worker Church

In 1956, a seed of faith was planted in the West San Fernando Valley. This seed blossomed into St. Joseph the Worker Church. Before St. Joseph the Worker, local Catholics had quite a trek to attend Mass. They journeyed to either San Fernando or Ventura. St. Joseph the Worker was established to accommodate the burgeoning Catholic community in the valley. Initially, services were held in borrowed spaces. Then in December 1957, the current Msgr. Austin J. Greene Conference Center became their first real home. The parish thrived under the guidance of its first pastor, Father Austin J. Greene. The growth was evident with the completion of St. Joseph the Worker School in two phases. The first phase was finished in September 1957. The second phase followed in January 1960. The school was staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. A convent, finished in April 1964, now serves as the Parish Center. St. Joseph the Worker Church itself was dedicated in August 1968. Cardinal James Francis McIntyre presided over the dedication Mass. The church continued to grow. In 1968, the St. Joseph chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was formed. This group continues to champion social justice initiatives at St. Joseph the Worker. Their food pantry operates every Saturday. They offer groceries and supplies to those in need. They also provide warm meals three times a week to the homeless and hungry. In 1982, Spanish Mass was introduced. A Hispanic ministry soon followed. In 1983, the Vietnamese community joined St. Joseph the Worker. They began celebrating Mass in their native language. St. Joseph the Worker Church has also shown a strong commitment to music. The church boasts eight choirs that enrich the worship experience with songs in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. From its humble beginnings to its vibrant present, St. Joseph the Worker Church has been a beacon of faith and community in the West San Fernando Valley.