A History of St. Joseph Catholic Church
Since 1965, walking together in faith, overcoming trials, and building a community united in Christ's love.
Milestones Along Our Parish Journey
Foundations and Mission Status
The history of St. Joseph Catholic Church began in 1965 with the acquisition of the parish land in Newton, North Carolina. Over the following decade, a dedicated local Catholic community steadily formed, culminating in a formal groundbreaking ceremony for a permanent church building in 1977. On October 15, 1978, Monsignor Eugene Livelsberger, then pastor of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in neighboring Hickory, formally dedicated the newly constructed sanctuary.
St. Joseph’s was initially established as a mission church, operating without a resident pastor to serve the immediate area. However, the community expanded rapidly. In 1979, the Most Reverend Michael J. Begley, Bishop of Charlotte, formally appointed the Reverend John Hoover as St. Joseph’s first resident pastor, marking the community's transition into a fully established parish.
An Era of Growth and Expansion
Under the pastoral direction of Father Hoover, the parish immediately began expanding its facilities to accommodate its growing flock, resulting in the completion of the Holy Family Hall in 1981. Throughout the remainder of the 1980s and 1990s, St. Joseph experienced a sustained period of spiritual and numerical growth. During these two decades, the parish was guided by a succession of pastors who oversaw the expansion of localized ministries, religious education, and regional community outreach.
The physical landscape of the parish grounds also continued to evolve to reflect the community's identity. In 1998, the Knights of Columbus donated the statue of St. Joseph that stands at the front of the church. The monument was dedicated to the “sanctity of all life,” serving as an enduring symbol of the parish's commitment to the care and protection of the unborn, the elderly, and the terminally ill.
Trial, Rebuilding, and Leadership
A historic chapter of pastoral leadership began in the summer of 1999 with the arrival of Father Jim Collins, who initially served as Parish Administrator before being named Pastor the following year. The parish's pastoral team expanded in 2001 when Bishop William G. Curlin assigned the newly ordained Permanent Deacon Scott Giffillan to serve the Newton community.
In February 2002, the parish faced a profound challenge when an accidental fire, sparked by a burning votive candle that was left on, broke out in the Greminger Chapel—a space originally added to the rear of the sanctuary through the generosity of long-time parishioners Franz and Maria Greminger. The fire caused extensive smoke and structural damage to the main sanctuary.
Following the disaster, Father Jim Collins led a monumental restoration and rebuilding effort. Galvanized by Father Jim's leadership and an incredible outpouring of spiritual and financial support from both parishioners and the wider Catawba County community, the parish successfully rebuilt, expanded, and renewed its sacred worship space. Father Jim faithfully led St. Joseph for over a quarter of a century, anchoring the community through decades of shifting demographics and spiritual vitality until his retirement in July 2025.
St. Joseph Today
Following Father Collins’ retirement, Father Julio C. Dominguez was appointed as pastor to shepherd the community into its next chapter, operating under the diocesan leadership of the Most Reverend Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., Bishop of Charlotte.
As the first Hispanic pastor in the history of St. Joseph—a parish with a large Hispanic population—Father Julio has been a profound blessing to the community. Under his leadership, the spiritual and numerical growth of St. Joseph continues to flourish. Father Julio is deeply committed to guiding the parish in the universal tradition of the Roman Catholic faith, ensuring that the church remains a steadfast beacon of truth and sacramental life.
A central hallmark of his pastorate has been a dedicated effort to bring the traditional beauty of a Catholic parish to St. Joseph, focusing on the reverence of the sanctuary and the cultivation of the parish grounds as truly fitting for the House of God. In doing so, he has beautifully unified the diverse cultures within the parish. By introducing the ancient monastic principle of Ora et Labora (prayer and work), Father Julio has brought both the English- and Spanish-speaking communities together to labor side-by-side in tending to and beautifying their spiritual home.
While Father Jim is no longer the active pastor, he remains deeply loved by the community he served for twenty-six years. He continues to reside close by and remains a cherished, familiar presence around the church—frequently spending time in prayer, attending Mass, and, with Father Julio's blessing, celebrating Mass and providing helpful pastoral care to the parishioners.
From its origins as a small faith community, St. Joseph Catholic Church has grown into a diverse and active parish. Today, under the guidance of Father Julio, the people of St. Joseph remain united as the People of God in Newton, deeply rooted in faith, fellowship, and service to the universal Catholic Church.
Pastoral Leadership & Legacy
The pastors and deacons who have lovingly and faithfully guided the flock of St. Joseph through the decades.
Rev. Jim Collins
Previous Pastor
1999 – 2025
Faithfully led St. Joseph for over a quarter of a century, shepherding the parish through the monumental 2002 fire restoration and demographic growth.
Rev. Julio C. Dominguez
Pastor
2025 – Present
The first Hispanic pastor in parish history, focused on traditional liturgical beauty, cultural unity under Ora et Labora, and beautifying the church grounds.
Deacon Scott Giffillan
Permanent Deacon
2001 – Present
Assigned to Newton immediately following his ordination in 2001, serving dynamically in the liturgy, catechism, and parish charity.