In 1900, early parishioners gathered in Hainesville to discuss forming a new parish. By 1911, 250 local Catholics petitioned Archbishop Quigley, and Saint Joseph Catholic Church was officially established. John Rosing donated the land, and on September 10, 1911, the church’s cornerstone was laid. By March 24, 1912, the wooden church was completed, with Fr. Anthony Berger as the first pastor.
Fr. Berger lived with parishioners until he could rent a small cottage. He faithfully served until his passing in 1923, and his memorial remains at St. Joseph Cemetery on Route 120.
With Fr. Aloysius Schmitz as pastor (1923–1951), the parish flourished. A parish hall was built, and land was purchased for a school. Post-World War II, Round Lake evolved from a summer retreat to a permanent community, increasing demand for Catholic education and worship space.
By 1950, fundraising began, and permission was granted to build a school and temporary church in the gymnasium. In 1951, Fr. Edward Liebrich was appointed to oversee construction. The Sisters of the Holy Ghost initially staffed the school but were later replaced by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary due to growing enrollment.
On November 16, 1952, Cardinal Stritch dedicated the new church and school, marking a major milestone.
As the parish grew, so did its needs. The rectory was remodeled, and in 1964, a school expansion and a convent for the sisters were completed under Fr. John Hayes.
In 1972, Fr. Paul McArdle was appointed pastor. He established a Parish Council and led efforts to construct a new church, converting the former worship space into a gymnasium. The groundbreaking took place on May 20, 1979, and the new church was blessed in 1980.
Fr. McArdle passed away in 1984, and subsequent pastors, including Fr. Ray Skriba (1985), expanded lay ministry and Hispanic outreach. Additional school buildings and ministries were established.
Leadership continued under Fr. Tim O’Malley (2007 – 2015), Fr. Julio Jimenez Soto (2015 – 2016), and Fr. Michael L. Zoufal (2016 – present).
Saint Joseph Catholic Church has been blessed with dedicated priests, deacons, and lay ministers who continue to shape our parish. We are a vibrant, multicultural community that welcomes all to grow in faith, serve others, and share in God’s love.
Our mission remains strong: to spread the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments, and build a faith-filled community dedicated to stewardship, prayer, and service.
