In 1927, the Sylvestrine Benedictines organized Arma as their 8th mission in southeast Kansas. Father Philip Bartocetti purchased the former church of the First Missionary Baptists of Arma at a cost of $1,350.00. The Extension Society gave $1,000 toward the purchase. The church had been newly built just three years earlier.

In 1929, the Capuchin Fathers assumed parish duties in Arma. On Sep. 6, 1932, Father Thomas Petrie acquired the reliquary case and the sacred relics of St. Francis and St. Anthony of Padua for St. Joseph’s Church. In October, 1937, Father Alvin Werth acquired a church building in Arcadia and had it moved to Arma where it was placed near the church. His total cost was $80. Gradully, the building was renovated and enlarged into a parish hall for socials. In 1949, plans for a new rectory were drawn up and the building of it began late that year.

In August of 1950, the status of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church changed when a permanent pastor was assigned. Father Clifford Landis became the first diocesan priest to serve St. Joseph’s Church. In 1955, Father Colin Boor arrived in Arma and remained for six years.

Father John Reinkemeyer settled in as the new pastor in 1961. A fire destroyed the parish hall during his pastorate, leading to the formation of plans to build a new parish plant. The transfer from the old church near downtown Arma to the new site just east of the U.S. 69 Bypass was accomplished in December, 1964; the first Mass celebrated on Christmas Eve. The parish plant was dedicated on May 18, 1965 by Bishop Leo Byrne who confirmed a class of 70 in the new church following its dedication. Of these, 40 were adults, all of whom were converts of Fr. Reinkemeyer. The new church’s triangular shape is symbolic of the Blessed Trinity.

Soon after Father James Spexarth’s arrival as pastor, the parish hosted a joyous occasion – a first Mass from Father Joseph Gorentz, who was ordained March 26, 1966, at the Cathedral in Wichita. Fr. Gorentz returned to St. Joseph’s the next day for his first Mass for family and friends to celebrate this memorable event in our parish. On August 30, 1967, the new rectory was blessed. Fr. Spexarth remained for two years followed by Father Raymond Whelan for seven years.

Father Charles Middleton came on June 3, 1975. He was to spend twelve years at Arma. During his time here, a fire began in the old church at Fourth and Main. The only item saved was the cast iron bell with a diameter of 35 inches. The date on the bell was May 16, 1927. In 2006 a framework to house the old bell was built at the entrance of St. Joseph’s.

Fathers serving the parish were Philip Bradley, David O’Leary and Andrew Seiler, our last fulltime pastor. In 1993, we began what would be an enjoyable fourteen years with Father Donald Thissen, pastor of St. Michael’s Church at Girard. He began a relationship with former parishioner of Arma, Lawrence Filosa, residing in Scottsdale, Arizona, who on behalf of his family enhanced the parish grounds over a period of years. The giant lettering “St. Joseph’s Catholic Church”, flowering trees, Stations of the Cross Meditation area and the Grotto of Mary have enriched our church property greatly.

Serving the parish were Fathers Bob McElwee, Lawrence Carney and Roger Lumbre. Under Fr. Roger the 50th anniversary of our move from downtown Arma to the present location was celebrated with many events during 2014 and closing with an event on January 3, 2015. Following Fr. Roger, were Fathers Maximilian Biltz, Floyd McKinney, Mike Klag and current pastor, Daniel Vacca.” (excerpts from a parish history by parishioner Marcel Normand).