The birth of SJ Parish came at an exciting time in SE Nebraska. In the early 1880's, the railroad was growing like a strong healthy child, and many communities experienced bulding and employment booms as the rail lines stretch toward them.

As more and more people, many of them Catholics, moved to the growing area, it became apparent their spiritual needs were not being met. Priests from Nebraska City occasionally visited to say Mass in homes or a school building, but there was no official church for the two dozen or so Catholic families in the Calvert-Sheridan area.

The situation began to change when the Lincoln Land Co donated a half-block of land in Calvert for the church and rectory. Father James B. Fitzgerald was appointed pastor for the new spiritual community on June 2, 1881. Plans were made to construct the new frame church and rectory. The first mass was held in the new church, which had been Christened St. Joseph in July, 1882. The total cost of both buildings was $3, 921.53 - all donated by the twenty-five families who were charter members. By 1884, the parish had grown to 50 families.

In 1894, under Father Fitzgerald's leadership, St. Joseph ahd it's first major expansion program. Thirty feet was added to the sanctuary, and an 80 foot bell tower was constructed. Other improvements included stained glass windows, new carpets, and a bell. The total cost of renovations was $1, 582.00.

In 1895, Father Feeney was appointed pastor and spent 35 years at St. Joseph. One of his first projects was to build a parochial school. The schol was staffed by the Sisters of Loretto. The school burnt down in 1936 and the decision was made to not rebuild.

The flourishing parish experienced its first major setback on August 17, 1905. The new steeple was struck by lightning, and the church was destroyed by fire. Parish officials began to make plans immediately to replace the church on the same site. On May 15, 1906, the cornerstone for the new brick church was put into palce, and a little over a year later - June 9, 1907 - the new church was dedicated. This is the building which has been St. Joseph Church to four genereations of Auburn Catholics. The cost of the new church was $17,672.24. The entire community was intrigued with the new tower clock which faced north, south, and west - a gift of Bernard Ottens. Other gifts included the beatiful stained glass windows, and the stations of the cross, imported from France. Both remain as important parts of the church interior.

Under the leadership of Father Halligan a Religious Education Center was added to the church in 1984. It was dedicated to Father Halligan in 1994.

The current rectory was completed in 1932. It was completely remodeled in 2007.

Throughout this past 100 years, St. Joseph has served the spiritual needs of five generations. From the original 25 families our parish has grown to its present 175+ families. From these roots our parish continues to grow in faith.