St. Joseph Church in Bridgton plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary Saturday, Aug. 21. Contributed photo

BRIDGTON — St. Joseph Church’s 50th anniversary celebration is planned to kick off with a Mass at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21.

The 225 South High St. Mass, also to be livestreamed at cluster30.org, will be followed by a eucharistic procession and a barbecue sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

Visitors can enjoy historical picture displays and other entertainment at the barbecue, which will begin at 5:30 p.m.

On Sunday, Aug. 22, a Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 a.m. followed by a reception in the church hall. All are welcome at any of the events.

In addition, a nine-day novena will be offered to St. Joseph from Aug. 13-21, with nightly adoration at the church at 7 p.m. A novena is a Catholic practice of prayer, typically completed over nine days.

Though Catholics have gathered in Bridgton for Masses for more than a century, it was in 1971 that the current St. Joseph Church was dedicated. Large crowds, particularly in the summer months, forced the need for a larger building and ground was broken in the fall of 1970. The parish was established the next year, with St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Fryeburg a part.

In the last half century, St. Joseph Church has become known throughout the community for its commitment to social justice and helping neighbors in need as well as drawing parishioners and worshippers from as many as 15 nearby towns.

For more information about the anniversary celebration, call the parish at 207-647-2334.