In 1899, Father J.B. Limagne, Pastor of the Catholic Church in Plaucheville, petitioned Reverend Mother Florence, Superior General of the Sisters of Divine Providence, to send some sisters to his recently completed school.

The school building was a two-story structure with four classrooms, a music room, and apartments for the Sisters.

Without delay, the Sisters purchased property for $275.00 on which the present St. Joseph High School was erected.

Hundreds of people fled their homes, among them the Sisters of St. Joseph, so the school term was cut short.

The school withstood the depression years and in 1933-34 the enrollment soared to over three hundred students and eight teachers.

Another teacher was needed, and Father Vernon Bordelon, the assistant pastor, volunteered to teach three periods every day.

In the summer months of 1946 the grammar school was remodeled and converted into a cafeteria at one end while the remainder was arranged as an assembly hall.

Under Monsignor's guidance, the existing buildings were remodeled to accommodate the school's changing requirements.

In addition, a typing room was added to the high school connecting the two existing buildings.

Also in 1967, the Brothers of the Holy Eucharist, a local diocesan community, brought their apostolate to help staff the school.

A centrally located science lab, used for large classes, was moved next to the elementary building.

In 1993, The Marianites of Holy Cross sent Sister Joel Sperier to teach English, and religion in the high school department.

In 1995, Father Stephen Scott Chemino became pastor of Mater Dolorosa Church Parish and St. Joseph.

In 2016, Father Martin Laird became pastor Mater Dolorosa Church Parish and St. Joseph.

In July 2017 we happily welcomed the Sisters of the Secular Institute of the Two Hearts to teach religion at the elementary and high school levels.