St. Joseph Catholic Church in Palm Bay is the oldest Catholic Church in Brevard County and a welcoming parish family rooted in the love of Christ and the rich traditions of the Catholic faith. Located in the heart of Palm Bay, the church serves as a spiritual home for individuals and families from all walks of life.
Whether you’re a lifelong Catholic, returning to the Church, new to the area, or simply exploring your faith, you are warmly invited to join the parish for Mass, prayer, fellowship, and service. Together, parishioners seek to grow in holiness, serve their neighbors, and live out the Gospel message in their daily lives.
Mass schedule
Weekend Mass
| Day | Mass time |
|---|---|
| Saturday Vigil | 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM, 9:45 AM, 11:30 AM |
Weekday Mass and Rosary
Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM Rosary followed by 8:30 AM Mass. Saturday: 8:00 AM Rosary followed by 8:30 AM Mass.
Eucharistic Adoration and Confession
Eucharistic Adoration is held Thursday after 8:30 AM Mass until 4:45 PM. Confession is available Saturday after 8:30 AM Mass until 10:00 AM.
| Devotion or sacrament | Schedule |
|---|---|
| Eucharistic Adoration | Thursday: After 8:30 AM Mass until 4:45 PM |
| Confession | Saturday: After 8:30 AM Mass until 10:00 AM |
Office hours
| Day | Office hours |
|---|---|
| Monday-Thursday | 9:00 AM-4:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM-12:00 PM |
The office is closed for lunch from 12:00-1:00 PM.
A welcoming parish community
At St. Joseph Catholic Church, we are a vibrant and welcoming parish family rooted in the love of Christ and the rich traditions of the Catholic faith. Located in the heart of Palm Bay, our church is a spiritual home for individuals and families from all walks of life.
Whether you’re a lifelong Catholic, returning to the Church, new to the area, or simply exploring your faith, you are warmly invited to join us for Mass, prayer, fellowship, and service. Together, we seek to grow in holiness, serve our neighbors, and live out the Gospel message in our daily lives.
We look forward to welcoming you into our parish family. Come and experience the peace, hope, and joy of the Catholic faith at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Parish life and activities
Ministries
Interested in serving at our parish? Our ministries provide opportunities to participate in parish life and support the church community.
Parish bulletin
At St. Joseph's, our parish bulletins are your go-to source for the latest news, events, and inspiration. Each week, we share important updates, spiritual reflections, and opportunities to connect with our vibrant community.
Stay informed and engaged with us!
Parish calendar
Check out our Calendar to see more events!
Parish registration
New to the area or just visiting? We would be thrilled to welcome you to our church community! Join us for a Mass to experience the warmth of our congregation and learn about our parish and activities.
If interested, you can easily register through the link below. We look forward to getting to know you!
History of St. Joseph Catholic Church
In the early twentieth century, the North Dakota-based Florida Indian River Catholic Colony corporation advertised it was starting a Catholic community in central Florida. By 1914, the land company helped settle nearly 100 midwestern families, mostly of German and Slavic descent, in the area of Tillman, situated on the banks of the Indian River and Turkey Creek.
During this time, Brevard County did not have a resident Catholic priest and services were administrated by clergy who traveled among rural communities. The corporation failed to deliver on a promise to build a proper church, so the parish members built one themselves.
Bishop Michael J. Curley dedicated the church in 1914. Following the ceremony, 78 local children received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Named St. Joseph's, the church served the nearby communities of Melbourne and Eau Gallie. Residents traveled by wagon or boat to attend services.
In 1923, a rectory was built and the church's first resident priest arrived a year later. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987, St. Joseph's Church of Palm Bay is the oldest Catholic Church.
First Roman Catholic Church in Brevard County marker
The historical marker identifies St. Joseph's as the first Roman Catholic church in Brevard County. It was erected in 2018 by Brevard County Historical Commission, Brevard County Tourism Development Council, and the Florida Department of State.
The marker is listed as Marker Number F-1037. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.
| Historical detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Church dedication | 1914 |
| Confirmation following dedication | 78 local children |
| Rectory built | 1923 |
| First resident priest arrived | A year after 1923 |
| National Register of Historic Places | 1987 |
| Historical marker erected | 2018 |
Location of the historic marker
The marker is in Palm Bay, Florida, in Brevard County. It is at the intersection of Northeast Miller Street and Pollack Avenue Northeast, on the right when traveling south on Northeast Miller Street.
The marker is at or near this postal address: 1422 Northeast Miller Street, Palm Bay FL 32905, United States of America.
Its coordinates are 28° 2.027′ N, 80° 35.174′ W. Regionally, this marker is in Florida’s Space Coast.
Nearby historical markers
At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies:
- United States Merchant Marine and U.S.N. Armed Guard, approximately one mile away;
- Old Melbourne Beach Town Hall, approximately 2½ miles away;
- Union Cypress Sawmill, approximately 2½ miles away;
- Billy Wallace House, approximately 2.6 miles away;
- Melbourne Beach Pier, approximately 2.7 miles away;
- Melbourne & Atlantic Railroad, approximately 2.7 miles away;
- The Villa Marine, approximately 2.7 miles away;
- The Ryckman House, approximately 2.7 miles away.
Connection with the Brevard County community
St. Joseph's Church served the nearby communities of Melbourne and Eau Gallie. Residents traveled by wagon or boat to attend services.
The church remains associated with Palm Bay, Brevard County, and Florida’s Space Coast, combining an active parish schedule with a history that reaches back to the establishment of the first Roman Catholic church in the county.