ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH
Garrett, IN
OUR HISTORY
About 15 miles north of Fort Wayne, the town of Garrett was plotted in 1875, with the extension of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. From its earliest days, a priest served the burgeoning Catholic community, where Mass was first celebrated in a tent. Father August Young became the first pastor of SS. Peter and Paul Parish, dedicated by Bishop Joseph Rademacher in 1893. It wasn’t until 1929 when Bishop John F. Noll dedicated the new church building on the corner of Houston and Ijams Streets that the parish name changed from SS. Peter and Paul to St. Joseph.
Father Young worked actively to attend to the needs of his new flock. In 1879, he purchased land several blocks west of the church to establish Calvary Cemetery, open to burial for both Catholics and Protestants. He also opened the first hospital in Garrett, Sacred Heart Hospital, in 1905. The building remains across from the church and serves as apartments today. After his retirement, Father Young resided at the hospital until his death and was buried in the cemetery he founded. To date, a beautiful Marian grotto sits next to the old hospital building.
The school was established in 1888, with Sisters of the Precious Blood teaching 180 students at the beginning. It quickly expanded to 226 students in grades 1-12 by 1905 and by 1927, the Sisters of St Francis of the Sacred Heart, who already staffed the hospital, took over as educators. A new school opened in 1958, and still serves students from kindergarten to fifth grade, with a separate building across the street for preschool classes.
St. Joseph Parish ministers to the needy in the town of Garrett through its soup kitchen and clothes closet and meets the spiritual needs of its parishioners through Bible studies, a rosary team and youth and young adult ministries within the parish.
VIDEO PODCASTS
PATRICK SCHORTGEN - LAY FAITHFUL
Patrick’s inspiring journey has shaped him to be a faith-filled leader and husband. His current mission is to bring more young adults closer to the community in Christ here at St. Joseph’s. We hope you enjoy hearing his many stories from Catholic Cristero summer camps, to his military service as a Marine, to how he’s leading his family and church community closer to Christ.
~ Funding for this episode is provided by L-A Electric ~
BOB AND BETH NOVY - LAY FAITHFUL AND CHURCH PILLARS
Bob and Beth Novy are long-time St. Joe’s parishioners. They are the keepers of the oral history of this great parish. Mrs. Novy was a long-time school teacher at St. Joe’s grade school and has impacted thousands in the community. Hear their beautiful story of love and devotion to Christ, the Garrett community, and to their beloved parish, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
~ Funding for this episode is provided by FINANCIAL FOCUS ~
EILEEN SARRAZINE - HUMBLE SERVANT, CHURCH PILLAR
Eileen is one of the handful of folks at St. Joe’s that keep the church going strong. She is behind the scenes, wants no recognition for her service, but is critical to the church’s continued strength. Here about her love and dedication to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.
~ Funding for this episode is provided by NOTRE DAME FCU ~
FR. BRIAN ISENBARGER - PRIEST LIFE
Fr. Brian is the Pastor here at St. Joe’s. We already learned his journey from childhood to priesthood in an earlier episode. Now get to know his journey from Parachial Vicor at St. Vincent’s to Pastor at St. Joe’s. In this episode we’ll also learn about his new role and what it’s like day-to-day as a pastor.
~ Funding for this episode is provided by BOB BUESCHER HOMES ~
ELLY TULLIS - LAY FAITHFUL
Elly is a Catholic “convert",” a loving wife & mother, and a Catholic artist. Her story is both beautiful and relatable. Her earthly mother’s love for her allowed Elly to understand and trust Our Heavenly Mother’s call to follow Christ Jesus and His Church. At the end of this interview is a unique music video with over thirty pictures of Elly’s paintings of Our Mother, Mary.
~ Funding for this episode is provided by GUADALUPE’S MEXICAN GRILL ~
LAURA YARDE - LAY FAITHFUL
Laura is a parishioner of St. Joe’s, the mother of three children who attend St. Joe’s Grade School, and a School Board Member. Hear her love for this beautiful parish and school and how it is a strength and the epicenter of her family.
~ Funding for this episode is provided by KLEMM’S KAFE ~
KATHLEEN MULLIGAN - ST. JOE’S SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
Mrs. Mulligan is the School Principal at St. Joe’s Catholic School. Learn more about her as a person, her vision for the school, and about the school community here at St. Joseph’s Catholic School
~ Funding for this episode is provided by SUMMIT FINANCIAL GROUP ~
TONY BLOMEKE - KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, CHURCH PILLAR
Tony is a long-time St. Joe’s parishioner. He currently leads the Knights of Columbus men’s ministry and is devoted to building and strengthening the community in Garrett and at his beloved parish, St. Joe’s
~ Funding for this episode is provided by GARRETT STATE BANK ~
SARAH BUUCK - SCHOOL PARENT AND BOARD MEMBER
Sarah has children who attend St. Joe’s grade school and is a School Board Member. Hear her experiences, perspective, and love for St. Joseph’s Catholic School
~ Funding for this episode is provided by HOME HELPERS HOME CARE ~
FR. BRIAN ISENDBARGER - CHILDHOOD TO PRIESTHOOD
Fr. Brian is the Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Garrett, IN. Is it possible for mischievous boys to become priests? Yes, it is. Learn about Fr. Brian’s humorous yet profound journey from childhood to priesthood.
~ Funding for this episode is provided by BEN’S SOFT PRETZELS ~
PRAY THE ROSARY WITH FR. BRIAN ISENBARGER
Joyful Mysteries (Monday & Saturday)
Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday & Friday)
Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday & Sunday)
Luminous Mysteries (Thursday)
OUR LOCAL PARISH PRODUCTIONS
OLP Productions aims to provide high-quality, inspiring, long-form commercials for Catholic projects. If your parish, Catholic school, or ministry would like to learn more, please contact us at marketing@ourlocalparish.com
