"The one mediator, Christ, established and ever sustains here on earth his holy Church, the community of faith, hope, and charity, as a visible organization through which he communicates truth and grace to all men." The Church is at the same time: a "society structured with hierarchical organs and the mystical body of Christ; the visible society and the spiritual community; the earthly Church and the Church endowed with heavenly riches." These dimensions together constitute "one complex reality
which comes together from a human and a divine element" CCC 771

St. Joseph Parish was established in 1849 and is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the Downriver area. In the early days of Michigan there were very few Catholic churches. The Catholic settlers of Truago - a region that included an are that eventually would become Trenton. The Parishioners would have to walk to Ecorse to attend Sunday Mass at St. Frances Xavier. As the community grew, a priest, The Rev. Charles L. DePreiter, was sent to found a station in what is now known as Trenton in 1849.  And thus began the 165 year history of St. Joseph Catholic Church. 

In February 1948, St. Joseph School was opened, educating students in grades first through eighth. Since that time, thousands of community members have graduated from our school. In 1999, with the renovation of our Parish Church and school we now offer Preschool 3 and 4 program and added a computer lab and smartboards in every classroom as well to ensure our students have access to modern technology.