History of the Church
St. Joseph Church in Donna dates back to the early 1900's. It was built by the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and dedicate on June 18, 1916. Twelve years later on November 12, 1922 it was replaced with a new church.
It became an independent parish in 1928 under the direction of Father James Smith, O.M.I. Father Smith built a parochial school, which was directed by the Holy Ghost Sisters from San Antonio. For a time in the 1950's the parish was placed under the guidance of the Holy Family Fathers. To meet the needs of a growing community, and replace the aging building, a new church was built in 1979.
Its mission church, Christ the King in Colonia Nueva, provides for the spiritual needs of the community in the colonia.