Our Mission
"The Catholic Church of St. Joachim is a people of many cultures, diverse but united through Baptism. Empowered by the Holy Spirit & by the love of Christ. As disciples of Jesus – we seek to respond daily to God’s love & strive to imitate the life of Christ. Our mission is to be signs and instruments of truth, peace, justice, & love. And to advance God’s kingdom here on earth."
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Our History
In 1876, Catholic settlers of northeastern San Joaquin County bought the United Brethren Church of Christ building in Lockeford. Archbishop Joseph Alemany blessed the Chapel as St. Joachim's Church.
A storm in the winter of 1980, made the 125-year old building unsafe for use. The community of St. Joachim's relocated temporarily to the Harmony Grove Church. Parishioners then decided to save their original church building and St. Joseph's Guild immediately went to work. As work began in restoring the church friends and members of other denominations worked together by going door to door, and having rummage sales. Parishioners did all the painting, acoustical work, and they put in the ceiling and installed the carpeting. The foundation was replaced and the walls and the ceiling were strengthened. The use of the historic church began again in 1981.
Ten years later in 1991, Bishop Donald Montrose said that a new church was needed. The new church is designed to allow expansion. The original cross, which was cut from local oak, was highly damaged and went to dust because it was infected with borers. A new crucifix, also built locally, has now replaced it.
A storm in the winter of 1980, made the 125-year old building unsafe for use. The community of St. Joachim's relocated temporarily to the Harmony Grove Church. Parishioners then decided to save their original church building and St. Joseph's Guild immediately went to work. As work began in restoring the church friends and members of other denominations worked together by going door to door, and having rummage sales. Parishioners did all the painting, acoustical work, and they put in the ceiling and installed the carpeting. The foundation was replaced and the walls and the ceiling were strengthened. The use of the historic church began again in 1981.
Ten years later in 1991, Bishop Donald Montrose said that a new church was needed. The new church is designed to allow expansion. The original cross, which was cut from local oak, was highly damaged and went to dust because it was infected with borers. A new crucifix, also built locally, has now replaced it.
