Parishioners pictured include Gail Gilmore, Tony, Mildred, and David Hamerka, Hazel Sanders, Alex and Joyce Bass, Father Saxon, Pope John Paul II, Jan Chapell, Ken and Evelyn Buettner. As well as others who are as yet unidentified.
St. Joseph Catholic Church has the distinct honor of being the Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa. The focal point of the shrine is an authentic Icon of the Madonna, which was brought to our parish from Poland by members of the Polish community. The Icon was enshrined and consecrated by the Most Reverend F. Joseph Gossman, Bishop of Raleigh, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8, 1987. Three years later, on December 12, 1990, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the icon was blessed by our Holy Father, Pope John Paul II at the Vatican during a private audience.
The faithful gather from the Raleigh area as well as from parishes throughout the diocese to honor Our Blessed Lady and invoke her maternal protection at our weekly novena and Mass on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM.
The devotions in honor of Our Lady of Czestochowa are held for all members of the faithful in English. Please join us in honoring the Mother of God and invoking her protection over your family. All are welcome.