St. Joseph’s Catholic Church is a historic Roman Catholic parish located at 255 North 8th Street in Ponchatoula, Louisiana. Established in 1875, the church has served generations of Catholic families in Ponchatoula and throughout Tangipahoa Parish, becoming an important part of the community’s religious and cultural heritage.
Mass Schedule:
- Monday-Tuesday at 8:00am in the Chapel
- Wednesday at 8:00am in the Church
- Thursday at 8:00am in the Chapel
- Saturday at 5:00pm in the Church
- Sunday at 8:00am and 11:00am in the Church
Holy Days of Obligation Masses will always be in the Church
Confession:
- Tuesday and Thursday in the Chapel at 8:30am
- Saturday in the Church at 4:00pm
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
225 North 8th Street
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
St. Joseph’s Church Office
330 West Pine Street
Ponchatoula, LA 70454
A History of Faith Since 1875
The parish’s history began in the early 1870s when Father John Scollard traveled throughout the region to minister to Catholic families. In 1875, a small wooden church was constructed on land donated by Charles Yokum, marking the beginning of St. Joseph’s enduring presence in Ponchatoula.
In the late 19th century, Benedictine priests expanded the church’s facilities, built a rectory, and established a cemetery. St. Joseph School was founded in 1896, extending the parish’s mission into Catholic education. Spanish Dominican priests later served the parish, followed by American Dominican priests in 1938.
As Ponchatoula grew during the early 20th century, a larger church was built in 1927Â at a cost of $30,500. When adjusted for inflation to modern values, that construction cost would equal roughly $540,000 to $570,000 today. Today, the historic building serves as the parish’s weekday chapel and remains an important landmark in Ponchatoula. The grave of Father John Scollard, St. Joseph’s first pastor, lies beneath its sanctuary.
The parish’s present church was dedicated in October 2006, providing seating for more than 800 worshippers.
Today, St. Joseph’s continues its tradition of worship, education, fellowship, and community service, preserving a legacy of faith that spans more than 150 years in Tangipahoa Parish.
