St. Joseph Catholic Church is a growing rural Catholic parish in Plain City, Ohio, on the northwest side of Columbus. It is known for a compact, well-maintained brick church that seats about 150, a second worship location in the Parish Activity Center, and a parish life reaching from weekday and weekend Mass to Eucharistic adoration, education for children, youth service, Scripture study, and Communion for homebound parishioners. Founded as a Pleasant Valley congregation in 1864, St. Joseph keeps longtime Catholic commitments close while welcoming families into a growing rural community.
Mass at 140 West Avenue and 670 West Main Street
St. Joseph worships at two Plain City locations. The older church stands at 140 West Avenue at Gay Street, while the Parish Activity Center, or PAC, stands at 670 West Main Street. The parish offices and most meetings, classes, and other activities take place at the PAC. The Mass schedule includes:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: 5:30 PM Mass.
- Friday: 8:00 AM Mass.
- Saturday morning: 9:00 AM Life and Mercy Mass.
- Saturday afternoon: 4:30 PM Mass at St. Joseph Church.
- Sunday: 8:30 AM Mass at St. Joseph Church and 11:00 AM Mass at the Parish Activity Center.
The Saturday 4:30 PM Mass is identified as the parish's YouTube livestream. The 11:00 AM Sunday Mass is held at the PAC rather than at West Avenue, an important distinction for visitors. The West Avenue church seats about 150 people and remains a well-maintained place of prayer after more than a century of use.
Confession is offered at the church on Saturday at 9:30 AM after the Life and Mercy Mass and from 3:30 to 4:00 PM before the later Saturday Mass. Appointments are also possible. Parishioners may request a Mass intention for a special intention or for the soul of a departed family member or friend.
From Pleasant Valley to the 1900 Brick Church
Only six Catholic households were known in the Pleasant Valley area in 1860. Priests from St. Patrick Church in Columbus visited the station occasionally as early as 1861, and priests also traveled from London and West Jefferson by horse and buggy. That small beginning gave St. Joseph an unusually broad early mission territory. By 1869, the congregation served mission communities in Marysville, Milford Center, Woodstock, Mechanicsburg, and St. Paris. Plain City received canonical status in 1904, ending the era when priests traveled to the area from larger Catholic centers.
Rev. Edward Fitzgerald, pastor of St. Patrick, organized the Pleasant Valley congregation in spring 1864. On April 1, he made a $300 down payment on two lots east of Church Street and south of Main Street. A one-story frame house was built facing south and soon converted into a church. The founders were primarily humble workingmen, and the railroad connected them with Columbus, Urbana, and other county seats. Their work also made them mobile, which is reflected in the early register: of nearly 80 adult men recorded between 1864 and 1870, no more than half remained at any one time.
The need for a permanent church became urgent under Father Martin A. Heintz, who arrived on Christmas Day 1898. At a meeting on January 16, 1899, twenty-six families decided to build. They purchased the West Avenue property for $375 and broke ground on August 21. The cornerstone box held an old coin, a copy of the town paper, a church history, and one of the brick books sold by parish women.
The completed building was a forty-by-eighty-foot Roman-style brick church. It was dedicated on August 28, 1900, at a cost of $9,000, with only $800 still owed. Lawn fetes, ice cream socials, bazaars, dinners, picnics, and sales in parishioners' homes supplied much of the money. The congregation once saved $1,800, only to lose it when the bank failed, but the building effort continued. In 1958, a basement was excavated beneath the entire church for a meeting hall, kitchen, and other facilities. A severe storm on July 12, 1966 toppled the steeple, and later liturgical needs led to changes inside the sanctuary. The 1900 church remains in use, with Father Joseph J. Trapp Jr. serving as pastor.
What a First-Timer Will Follow at Mass
Holy Mass is divided into the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The service begins as the priest and other ministers enter the sanctuary. The Penitential Rite and Kyrie acknowledge human brokenness and ask for God's mercy. During the Liturgy of the Word, the congregation hears readings from the Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament, and Gospel, followed by the priest's homily.
After the homily, the congregation stands for the Apostles' Creed or Nicene Creed and joins in intercessory prayers. The second major part of Mass is the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Bread and wine are brought to the altar, and the priest consecrates them. In the Catholic understanding of transubstantiation, the bread and wine become the true Body and Blood of Christ while remaining fully what they are in the sacramental mystery. The faithful are invited to kneel, venerate Christ, and receive Holy Communion when properly prepared.
Non-Catholics and people who are not yet ready to receive the Eucharist are invited to come forward for a blessing, indicated by placing one hand across the opposite shoulder. The Mass concludes with prayer, silent meditation, thanksgiving, and the priest's blessing. St. Joseph's own explanation to first-timers emphasizes that unfamiliar parts of the liturgy do not have to create a barrier. The Word is heard, Christ is encountered at the altar, and visitors are welcomed into either the 8:30 AM church service or the 11:00 AM PAC service.
Parking on Gay and West Avenue
Parking is available on nearby streets, in the lot behind the church, and, when needed, at the Bob Dhume and Sons Autoworks lot between Center Street and Knapp Alley. Gay Street is one-way southbound, and the church parking lot can be entered from Gay Street only by southbound vehicles. Drivers approaching from West Avenue can use the alley beside the Knights of Columbus' white house or the alley extending from South Chillicothe Street to Gay Street.
From Columbus, drivers enter Plain City on U.S. Route 161, turn left at the main traffic light onto Gay Street, follow the right fork, and continue to West Avenue. From the west on U.S. Route 42, drivers turn right at Der Dutchman onto West Avenue and continue to Gay Street. The church will be on the left. Drivers are asked to respect neighboring lawns and property and not block driveways, sidewalks, crosswalks, or fire hydrants.
The PAC has a separate address at 670 West Main Street. Its driveway is directly past the fire station when traveling through Plain City on U.S. Route 161. Because Sunday's 11:00 AM Mass, parish offices, PSR classes, and many meetings are at the PAC, visitors need to distinguish the two Plain City locations.
PSR Learning from First Grade Through Eighth
The Parish School of Religion welcomes children from first through eighth grade and regards parents as the primary educators of their children's faith. St. Joseph supports that responsibility with a curriculum based on the Diocese of Columbus graded course of study and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Sustained participation in Sunday Mass, service to others, and daily prayer are presented as authentic expressions of faith, while the PSR classes prepare children for Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.
- Grades 1 through 6, Session I: Monday from 4:30 to 5:30 PM.
- Grades 1 through 6, Session II: Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 PM.
- Grades 7 and 8: Sunday from 9:40 to 10:50 AM.
Classes meet at the PAC and are limited to between 10 and 13 students. Families can reinforce classroom teaching at home through downloadable Family Catechesis materials for each elementary grade. The parish also provides access to Formed, a Catholic collection of on-demand videos, books, and audio resources for adults and families. Children's Liturgy of the Word and Vacation Bible School are additional parts of St. Joseph's ministry to children.
The PSR program treats religious education as a continuing relationship rather than preparation isolated from parish life. Classroom learning is paired with weekly worship, family prayer, service, and the sacramental life of the Church. Parents, catechists, and aides also work under diocesan policies for safeguarding children and youth.
Young Disciples and Adult Friendships
St. Joseph's Youth Ministry is led by Rob LaTour and invites confirmed teens in eighth grade and older to deepen their relationship with God. The regular Sunday gathering runs from 7:00 to 8:00 PM at the PAC. It combines snacks, prayer, games or themed activities, and thought-provoking discussion. Friends are encouraged to attend, including on Ignite nights, which are designed around laughter, friendship, and holy leisure rather than a demanding lesson.
Service Saturday gives young people an opportunity to learn and practice the Corporal Works of Mercy. Youth also take part in Blest Day Ever, a gathering for children in grades five through eight with games, speakers, food, worship music, and the sacraments. Blest Week Ever extends that spirit into a week focused on serving family, community, and the wider world. Catholic summer camp and high-school conferences provide additional settings for young people to encounter Catholic teaching and community life.
Walking with Purpose is a social Bible study for women age 18 and older. Denise Brickner and Lisa Grywalski coordinate the group, which meets at the PAC on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM. Its Scripture study is intended to help women know Jesus, remain faithful, recognize contemporary spiritual influences, and live freely in Christ rather than being defined by the culture around them.
That Man Is You! gives men of all ages a similar opportunity for Catholic formation. It meets at the PAC on Saturdays from 7:30 to 9:00 AM and combines research about modern life with Catholic teaching and the wisdom of the saints. The program focuses on male leadership in the family, parish, and wider society, with an emphasis on Jesus as King and on bringing Catholic faith into everyday decisions. It is offered without charge.
Knights of Columbus Council 12772 is open to Catholic men age 18 and older. The council meets socially at the PAC on the fourth Wednesday of each month and supports both the Church and the surrounding community. Its four principles are Charity, Fraternity, Unity, and Patriotism. The parish Knights participate in parish life beyond parish dinners and are active in service, fundraising, and community support.
Serving at the Table and in the Choir
Deacon Tony Bonacci and Gregory Elchert coordinate St. Joseph's many Mass ministries. Choir practice is held at the PAC on Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:45 AM, and singers as well as instrumental musicians are invited to participate. Lectors proclaim the Word of the Lord at Mass and other liturgical events, with training available for confirmed parishioners. Eucharistic ministers help prepare the bread and wine and distribute the Body and Blood of Christ.
A Communion to Homebound team carries Communion, prayer, and news of the parish community to parishioners who cannot attend weekend Mass. Servers assist the presider with sacred vessels, liturgical books, incense when used, and candles. Ushers and greeters welcome people, direct seating, assist with collections, guide the congregation toward Communion, and distribute parish materials. The parish is also building a sacristan team whose members prepare the altar, sacred vessels, and other needs before weekend Mass.
Training is offered for several of these roles. Whether serving as a lector, musician, usher, server, Communion minister, sacristan, or greeter, parish ministers are invited to participate in the prayer of the Church according to the responsibilities and gifts God has given them.
Adoration, Rosary, and Mercy
Eucharistic Adoration is held at the church Monday through Thursday from 6:00 to 11:00 AM and again from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. Friday hours are 6:00 to 8:00 AM, 9:00 to 11:00 AM, and 4:30 to 6:30 PM. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament flows from the sacrifice of Mass and is intended to deepen hunger for Communion with Christ and the Church. The rite concludes with an ordained minister's blessing. Adorers are invited to commit to a regular hour and to participate in monthly Rosary potlucks held on the last Saturday from 5:45 to 7:00 PM at the PAC.
St. Joseph also joins Our Lady of Peace in praying for a different seminarian or priest of the diocese each day of the month. A monthly prayer calendar and the USCCB Prayer for Priests support this intercession. The Rosary Garden provides another place within the parish's prayer life for Scripture, silence, and devotion to Mary.
The Bereavement Committee recruits volunteers for funeral luncheons at the PAC. Its work can include setting up and resetting tables and chairs, preparing food and desserts, serving meals, and completing kitchen duties when needed. The St. Martin de Porres ministry has also been paired with a Works of Mercy project that teaches about the organization's needs and provides support. Other parish groups include Bible study, the parish library, Vacation Bible School, and Labours of Love.
Sacraments for the Whole Parish
St. Joseph presents all seven sacraments as parts of one continuing Catholic life rooted in Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders.
- Baptism: Baptism is the basis of Christian life, making a person a son or daughter of God and a member of the Body of Christ while freeing that person from sin. Parents, and often godparents, receive preparation for an infant's sacramental journey. Adults and teenagers preparing for entry into the Church normally participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
- Reconciliation: Also called Penance or confession, Reconciliation offers grace and the remission of sin. St. Joseph describes it as a sacrament people can receive at every age. Children normally make their first confession around age seven or eight, often in second or third grade, while regular confession remains part of the Catholic life throughout adulthood.
- Eucharist: First Holy Communion is one of the sacraments of initiation through which a person becomes a full member of the Church. At Mass, the consecrated host and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ. The parish welcomes children approaching this milestone and adults seeking to complete their sacramental initiation.
- Confirmation: St. Joseph celebrates Confirmation each year with eighth-grade students who, together with their parents, determine that they are ready. It is described as a mature adult affirmation of the promises made at Baptism, with the candidate receiving guidance from parents and a sponsor.
- Matrimony: Marriage is a sacred covenant between husband and wife. Preparation begins during engagement and includes Pre-Cana and the FOCCUS premarital inventory. Weddings at St. Joseph are available without charge to active parishioners and are generally scheduled no later than 2:00 PM on Saturday so that preparation does not interfere with the later Mass.
- Holy Orders: Ordination continues the apostolic mission entrusted by Christ to the Apostles. It consists of diaconal, presbyteral, and episcopal degrees. Priests participate in Christ's priesthood, while deacons serve through their ministry of service. Formation and experience are part of preparation, but the parish emphasizes that Christ works in and through those who are ordained.
- Anointing of the Sick: This sacrament strengthens people facing grave illness, serious operations, or critical health concerns and may be received more than once. It unites the suffering person with Jesus and the Church. Father Trapp can anoint a person after Mass or arrange a hospital visit.
The Good News at the Center
St. Joseph's beliefs center on Jesus Christ, the Son of God and second person of the Trinity. The parish believes in the Incarnation, Jesus' death and resurrection, the forgiveness of sin, and reconciliation with God through Christ. It understands the Church as the universal family formed by the Holy Spirit, using the Greek word katholikos to explain the word Catholic. Its mission is stated plainly: to love God and to love others.
Parish registration is a declaration of commitment to a Catholic faith community and the life of the parish family. The fillable registration form can be completed and returned during office hours, which are Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Registration supports infant Baptism, PSR enrollment, weddings, sponsor requests, parish affidavits, and funerals.
The Diocese of Columbus defines an active parish member as someone who celebrates weekly Mass, volunteers time and talent, and gives financial support. That standard is not based on one required dollar amount or number of hours; people offer their time, talent, and treasure according to their circumstances. Father Joseph Trapp describes the Word of God as alive in the mind, on the lips, and in the heart, and connects hearing that Word with loving others and praying for those who persecute us. Giving is also available through online giving.
St. Joseph's history remains visible in the Roman-style brick church at 140 West Avenue, while its active life continues through the PAC, PSR classrooms, youth gatherings, choir rehearsals, men's and women's groups, Eucharistic prayer, and service to others. The parish that began with six Catholic households in Pleasant Valley remains centered on the same mission: to love God and to love others.