Established in 1886, the congregation was founded "to serve Omaha's German-speaking Catholics."

St. Joseph's continues with parishioners of German heritage comprising a large percentage of the church's membership.

[2] The complex includes a church, a friary, a convent, and two school buildings.

The friary, built in 1886, was planned by the same Brother who designed the convent and school in 1901.

In 1928 a second school building was designed by Omaha architect Jacob Nachtigall.