Our Mission Statement
St. Joseph's is a Christ-centred community which aims to promote spiritual growth, live by gospel values and promote justice and peace. We are committed to accepting people as they are, to value and use their gifts and be sensitive to their needs. We will reach out to those who feel and are excluded. We will actively promote unity through respect and tolerance among people of all faiths, cultures and traditions. We will make a covenant with the poor and the vulnerable to do all in our power to protect them and foster their well-being. We will strive to become a more joyful, modern and listening community. We will be ever-mindful of the presence of God in the Blessed Sacrament, in one another and in ourselves.
History
St Joseph’s Church is at the heart of the Catholic community in the town of Upminster. The parish was formed in 1923 and a church was built on the corner of St. Mary’s Lane and Sunnyside Gardens. This church closed in 1932 when a site was bought in Champion Road. Two years later the adjoining site was purchased and the school was built. The foundation stone was laid and blessed for the church in which we now worship by Bishop Doubleday on 25th March 1939. The church was opened and blessed by the bishop on 28th October 1939
Welcome
Parishioners not only have a beautiful church in which to worship but a Catholic primary school and two Catholic secondary schools in close proximity. The congregation consists of those who have watched the parish evolve over many years, people who have moved here for work or simply to enjoy living in a leafy suburb and children whose parents themselves were baptised and attended school in the area. It is a large parish with over 1000 parishioners and it extends into Cranham where we are fortunate enough to have St. Peter's Hall which also serves as a venue for parish activities.
It is always a joy to welcome new parishioners whether they be new to the area or the many babies we see baptised here.
Welcome
Parishioners not only have a beautiful church in which to worship but a Catholic primary school and two Catholic secondary schools in close proximity. The congregation consists of those who have watched the parish evolve over many years, people who have moved here for work or simply to enjoy living in a leafy suburb and children whose parents themselves were baptised and attended school in the area. It is a large parish with over 1000 parishioners and it extends into Cranham where we are fortunate enough to have St. Peter's Hall which also serves as a venue for parish activities.
It is always a joy to welcome new parishioners whether they be new to the area or the many babies we see baptised here.
