Our History

The St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church of Coatesville parish pastoral council was organized by Rev. Cyril Ponisciak in August 1992. Parish Pastoral councils were established in all parishes in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia at that time.

Training of the coordinating committee took place in early 1993 and the council began its work in ernest in April 1993. The first task of the council was to define the parish mission. This process resulted in the parish Mission Statement, which was completed in April 1994.

Following the creation of the mission statement, a parish self study was undertaken in April 1994. Results of self study reviewed and a Parish Pastoral Plan was published in May 1995.

The Mission Statement and Parish Pastoral Plan were officially presented to the parish in October 1995. A Special Mass of Celebration was held at that time with Msgr. James T. McDonough, Regional Vicar for Chester County as the main celebrant. A brunch and meeting of the pastoral council was held following the Mass. The Plan was reviewed with the Vicar at this time.