History of St. Joseph's

In 1990, local Catholics devoted to the traditional Latin Mass and Sacraments consulted with Bishop Foley, then Auxiliary Bishop of Richmond, about a weekly Tridentine Mass according to the guidelines of our Holy Father, John Paul II's 1988 indult, Ecclesia Dei.  In a subsequent meeting, Bishop Walter F. Sullivan (now retired) responded in December of 1990 that he would allow a weekly Tridentine Mass. This permission was initially granted for its celebration in an existing parish, but was soon extended to the creation of a separate Latin Rite community. In 1991 the previously abandoned St. Joseph's Villa Church was proposed and accepted as the new site of St. Joseph's traditional ministry of the Roman Catholic Church.

Father Adrian W. Harmening, OSB, graciously accepted the assignment as Pastoral Vicar and has been our spiritual leader ever since. Under his leadership, many souls have converted or returned to the faith. He has obtained for us other Sacraments according to the traditional rites, including Baptism, Penance and Matrimony. He instructs newcomers and old-timers in matters of faith and inspires us to live Catholic lives according the laws of God and His Church. 

Our church experienced rapid growth in the first few years of its existence. It has continued to expand as new individuals join us and families raise their children in the Catholic life and worship of St. Joseph's. We began a new chapter in our own building when we relocated to an extensive facility on 20 acres of land on Buford Road in 2002.  At this time Bishop Sullivan announced that he was creating St. Joseph's as a true parish and we would no longer be a mission.

In 2011 Bishop DiLorenzo announced that the Fraternity of Saint Peter would be continuing the work begun by Father Adrian.  In July, the FSSP sent Father Novokowsky to become the second pastor of St. Joseph's parish.