St. Joseph Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish at 532 Avenue M NW in Winter Haven. It is known for a multilingual worship life, with Mass in English, Vietnamese, Spanish, Creole, and Filipino, and for ministries that pair Catholic formation with practical service through Catholic Charities and parish volunteers.
Fr. Glenn Lopez describes the parish's aim as an “inclusive and loving environment where each individual can deepen their faith, grow in the love of Christ, and serve others.” His welcome extends to celebrating Mass, joining parish activities, or simply spending time in quiet prayer, giving the church a place for both active participation and contemplative visits.
Sunday Mass Across Several Language Communities
Sunday begins with English Mass at 7:30 a.m., followed by Vietnamese Mass at 9:00 a.m., another English Mass at 11:00 a.m., and Spanish Mass at 1:00 p.m. The four-part Sunday rhythm makes the multilingual character of the parish visible in its regular worship. English-speaking Catholics can attend either the morning or late-morning Mass, while the Vietnamese and Spanish communities have a designated Sunday celebration.
Saturday extends the weekend pattern. English Vigil Mass is celebrated at 4:30 p.m., and a Creole Mass follows at 7:30 p.m. in the chapel. On the first Friday of each month, Filipino Catholics gather for a 6:30 p.m. Rosary followed by 7:00 p.m. Mass, with a potluck meal afterward in Family Life Center Room 2. Together, these Masses form the multilingual pattern of regular worship at St. Joseph.
Weekday Mass, Adoration, and Reconciliation
Monday through Saturday at 8:15 a.m., English Mass is offered in the chapel. Monday through Friday, the chapel is also the place for Eucharistic Adoration from 9:00 a.m. until noon. This morning sequence places Mass and adoration close together for people who come to the parish on weekdays. On the first Wednesday of each month, bilingual Eucharistic Adoration is held at 6:30 p.m. in the chapel, and everyone is welcome.
Confession is offered Saturday from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the church, with the confessionals near the statue of Mary. It is also available after daily Mass in the chapel and by appointment. Fr. Lopez's welcome names quiet prayer as a legitimate reason to spend time at St. Joseph, and the weekday rhythm makes room for both sacramental prayer and adoration.
Preparing for Confession
Before receiving the sacrament, preparation includes prayer and an examination of conscience since the previous confession. The Ten Commandments or Beatitudes can guide that review. The process then moves through the priest's greeting, the Sign of the Cross, confession of sin, the priest's proposal of penance, an Act of Contrition, absolution, and dismissal. The penance proposed may be prayer, a work of mercy, or an act of charity.
The parish provides this suggested Act of Contrition: “My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy.”
Arriving at 532 Avenue M
A first visit includes straightforward access to the church grounds. The large parking area is north of the church on Highway 17, with accessible parking and a ramp entry directly behind the parish center. Additional parking is available across Avenue M on the south side, in the chapel and Family Life Center lot. Restrooms are at the front of the church in the narthex, with accessible and baby-changing facilities and a water fountain outside. More restrooms are in the Parish Center near the gift shop.
Clothing can be relaxed. Casual summer wear is considered appropriate, while some people wear their Sunday best, and both are welcome. A light sweater may be useful because the church can be cool. These practical details reflect the same inclusive welcome Fr. Lopez describes: people are invited to celebrate Mass, take part in parish life, or spend quiet time in prayer.
Mass is also available through the Mass live stream, and financial contributions can be made through online giving. The parish's Communion practice reserves Communion for fully initiated Catholics, meaning people who have been baptized or received into the Church through profession of faith. The parish explains its belief in the Eucharist as the actual body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ.
Faith Formation from Childhood to Adulthood
Sunday faith formation classes meet from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and begin in September. For children, the program covers Catholic teachings in age-appropriate lessons and prepares for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation. Parents remain the primary teachers of faith, and classes include a home-based element that supports family prayer, attendance at Mass, and learning by example. The classes also give young Catholics a place to learn together with peers.
Baptism is the first of the three sacraments of initiation, alongside First Holy Communion and Confirmation. Infant baptism is generally for children from birth until about their seventh birthday. At least one godparent is required, parents must intend to raise the child in the Catholic faith, and parents and godparents attend baptism preparation. The baptism packet includes registration and a list of required documents. Children age seven and older take catechism classes before receiving Baptism, followed by the completion of the required paperwork.
Godparents and Confirmation Sponsors
The parish asks families to reflect with prayer and discussion before choosing a godparent, describing the role as an honor and sacred responsibility. One Catholic godparent is required, although a family may select two, one godfather and one godmother; parents cannot serve. A Catholic godparent must be at least 16, fully initiated, and actively practice the faith, including weekly Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. A member of an Eastern Church Catholic may also serve, while an Orthodox Christian may stand as witness and a baptized member of another recognized Christian denomination may serve as Christian Witness alongside a Roman Catholic godparent. A proxy can stand in when a godparent cannot attend, with the same requirements and written permission.
First Holy Communion is normally prepared for in second grade or above. A child with one full year of prior faith formation may begin sacramental preparation the following year. A child without prior formal formation completes two consecutive years of religious education before receiving Communion. Preparation combines religious education classes, preparation for Reconciliation before First Communion, Mass attendance, active parish participation, parent meetings and take-home materials, and retreats or special liturgical events.
Confirmation completes the third part of initiation. The rite includes the renewal of Baptismal promises, the laying on of hands, and anointing with sacred chrism, and it is ordinarily received in early adolescence. The parish explains that these signs call upon the Holy Spirit and strengthen the confirmed person for a mature Christian life. A Confirmation sponsor should be at least 16, baptized, confirmed, receiving the Eucharist, and practicing Catholic faith with weekly participation in Mass. A parent cannot serve as sponsor. Confirmation classes meet on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
Adult options include OCIA classes, Bible study, retreats, and workshops. Spanish-language options include marriage support and prayer groups, while the Legion of Mary and Bible Study are offered in English and Spanish. These programs combine teaching about Catholic belief with Scripture, prayer, service, and participation in the wider Catholic community.
Joining the Parish Life
Parish registration is available for new parishioners and for updates to current parishioners. It includes household and sacramental information, languages spoken, and areas of interest such as religious education, faith formation, sacraments, music, men's and women's ministries, youth and children's ministries, Vacation Bible School, event volunteering, extraordinary ministry, and prayer chain. The range reflects the many ways people can belong, from sacramental life to service.
Marriage, Anointing, and the Shape of Catholic Belief
Marriage is presented as a sacred, lifelong covenant and a path of holiness rather than a single arrival point. Preparation begins with an appointment 6 to 12 months before the intended wedding date and a preliminary interview with a priest. The process continues with a marriage preparation program approved by the Diocese of Orlando, meetings with a facilitator couple, submission of required documents, and planning with the wedding coordinator and director of Liturgy and Music. Catholic couples also participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation before the wedding, and a final date is set only after the assessment and preparation process is complete.
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament for people who are ill or aged. A priest traces the sign of the cross with blessed oil on the forehead and palms, using the Church's sacramental form. The parish connects the rite with pardon for sin, faith in God's mercy, and strength for suffering. It may be celebrated in a person's home, in a hospital, or during a Mass of Anointing. When a family member or friend becomes seriously ill, prompt notification allows time for confession, anointing, and Viaticum, the reception of Holy Communion.
Together, these sacramental teachings give a clear expression of the parish's Catholic identity. Baptism incorporates a person into Christ and into God's people, First Communion is the first reception of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, and Confirmation completes initiation through the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Matrimony is a lifelong covenant, while Anointing offers the healing grace of God to the infirm and aged.
Food, Utilities, and Support for Winter Haven
Catholic Charities Food Bank is part of St. Joseph's outreach at 532 Avenue M NW. It is located inside Catholic Charities between the Family Life Center building and the chapel, with parking behind the Family Life Care building near the fence. The pantry is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and distributes food to people in need. The pantry is also looking for food resources and personal care supplies, including canned vegetables, fruit, tuna, chicken, soup, dry cereal, shelf-stable milk, peanut butter, jelly, granola bars, pasta, rice, beans, oatmeal, bottled water, and canned milk.
Personal care donations include socks, washcloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, deodorant, shampoo, lip balm, insect repellent, and hand wipes. Donations are received at the pantry's side door during operating hours so they can be stored and organized safely. Catholic Charities also assists with utilities, housing, and senior programs through its own service line. The pantry, financial support, and donation network form a practical expression of the parish's call to serve people beyond the church building.
Knights, Columbiettes, and Service Teams
The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic men's organization centered on charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. The organization, founded by Father Michael McGivney in 1882, supports Catholic causes, provides insurance benefits, and organizes charitable and parish service. Its activities include food drives, support for Special Olympics, assistance to mothers choosing life for their babies, and service within local parishes and communities. Membership is open to practical Catholic men age 18 and older who are in good standing with the Church.
The Columbiettes are a sisterhood of Catholic women age 18 and older who work in charity alongside the Knights. Their patronesses are Blessed Mary Our Mother, St. Thérèse the Little Flower, and St. Joan of Arc, and their work includes volunteering time and talents for charitable causes and strengthening communities. The parish describes membership as a way to build friendships, share faith, and serve with other women.
The parish's spiritual ministries include Bereavement, Welcome and Bienvenido, the Legion of Mary, English and Spanish Bible Study, a Spanish Marriage Support Group, and a Spanish Prayer Group. Social ministries include the Gift Shop, Coffee and Donuts hospitality, and Stitchery. Volunteers for social ministries, catechists, faith formation, and Vacation Bible School must complete a background check.
Liturgical Service Led by Lay Ministers
St. Joseph has several ways to serve directly in the liturgy. Lectors are fully initiated, active Catholics in good standing who have received Confirmation and participate in practical training for proclaiming Scripture and the universal prayers. Altar servers may be adults or children in grade four and above; they receive training, arrive 15 minutes before Mass, and assist with the cross, candles, liturgical books, offerings, altar preparation, and washing the priest's hands.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion share the Body and Precious Blood of Jesus with the priest and deacon at Mass. They must be confirmed parishioners who attend Mass every Sunday, complete a background check, finish diocesan training, and hold a valid mandate from the bishop. The mandate is valid for five years and is renewed before expiration. Ministers to the sick and homebound apply for that separate ministry, which carries the Eucharist to people unable to attend Mass.
Sacristans prepare the altar and its vessels, maintain the candles and lamps, and care for the altar after Mass. Ushers help people find seats, collect offertory donations, and hand out parish materials. These roles turn attendance at Mass into concrete service while giving trained lay people meaningful roles in the parish's worship.
Music and Youth Building Community
Music ministries include the St. Joseph Adult Choir, which sings at Saturday Vigil Mass and on Sundays; the Resurrection Choir, which primarily sings at funeral Masses; a Children's Choir; and a Handbell Choir. Children's Choir practice is held in the chapel at 12:15 p.m. on the second and fourth Sunday of each month, except during summer. Handbell practice takes place in the church on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. Some skill is helpful for handbells, but training is provided.
The EDGE youth ministry serves students in grades six through eight. It meets from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday twice each month in Family Life Center Room 2 and sometimes in the St. Joseph Catholic School gym. A typical evening includes games, skits, themed activities, food, worship music, Bible study, and prayer. EDGE uses Life Teen's curriculum and Catholic teaching to build friendships, deepen understanding of the faith, and help students encounter Jesus Christ. Nathan Hayes serves as Youth Ministry Coordinator.
A Parish Rooted in Faith and Service
St. Joseph Catholic Church's life is visible in its recurring patterns: Sunday Mass in five language communities, weekday chapel Mass and adoration, formation from childhood through adulthood, family sacraments, and service through Catholic Charities and parish organizations. The parish centers on deepening faith, growing in the love of Christ, and serving others. This is the continuing shape of St. Joseph Catholic Church at 532 Avenue M NW in Winter Haven.