March 19 was a day of double blessings for members and supporters of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church on East Fifth Street, as they celebrated the St. Joseph’s Feast Day at a mass held in the historic church, and learned that the funding necessary to complete roof repairs had been secured.

Approximately 125 faithful parishioners attended a mass conducted by Father Brendon Laroche, pastor of St. Ursula’s Church, and pastoral assistant Ron Koach, at which Holy Communion was also offered. Special recognition was given to longtime Southside resident and community organizer Susan Vitez, who had secured two religious statues from the former St. John’s Windish Lutheran Church for placement in St. Joseph’s in the altar area.

During a presentation by Paula Kydoniefs, president of The Society of St. Joseph of Bethlehem, the nonprofit that purchased St. Joseph’s from the Allentown Diocese in order to preserve the building and its traditions, the assembly was informed that the $100,000 needed for roof repairs had been raised. She thanked former Bethlehem Magisterial Judge Jim Stocklas for closing the funding gap with his donation.

Kydoniefs later said that the contract would be executed so the roof repairs could begin, and also noted that protective scaffolding over the entrance would remain until sufficient funds could be raised so masonry repairs could be completed in the next phase.

After mass the congregation enjoyed refreshments in the church lobby while socializing with friends and family.