We are grateful to God for the many blessings bestowed on Saint Joseph Parish during theone hundred fifteen years of its existence. One hundred fifteen years ago there were just over 1,000 people living in Fort Collins. Missionaries offered Mass in private homes in the early days for the Catholic pioneers.

The Parish was established in 1879 by Father Abel LaJEnunesse, who was pastor for 37 years. The cornerstone was laid in 1900, and the new church was dedicated August 4, 1901.

In 1925, the cornerstone for Saint Joseph School was laid and the school opened in 1926. The school was staffed by the Sisters of Loretto with an enrollment of 117 students. The Sisters lived in a portion of the school until 1955 when the convent was constructed. Later the building became the present Parish Center.

In 1960, the Church building was renovated and expanded to double its capacity from 300 to 700. The basement was also remodeled. The remodeled Church was dedicated April 27, 1960. In 1980 the pipe organ was purchased; in 1986 an elevator was installed in the Church; in 1998 air conditioning was added. All of these improvements were made possible by the wonderful women of Christmas Tree Lane Bazaar and the proceeds from the bazaar over the years.

In 2000, a new educational wing was dedicated for the use by Saint Joseph School and Religious Education Programs. In the 2000-01 school year the Saint Joseph Junior High School was begun with the opening of the Seventh Grade. Eighth Grade was added in 2001-02.

Over the years many persons have been baptized into the faith; received the gifts of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation; professed their wedding vows; received absolution in the Sacrament of Reconciliation; received the Bread of Life at the Table of the Lord; and received the final blessing of the Church in the Mass of Christian Burial.

The parish, as always, has continued to grow through the years and remains an active vibrant part of the Fort Collins community.