St Joseph's Society has been an integral part of St. Mary's Parish in Fredericksburg, Texas since its establishment by Fr. Joseph Roch in February of 1899. Fr. Roch knew it would be best for the Society if it had its own home, so he set about the difficult task of building the St. Joseph's Halle, which stands today as a memorial to his zeal. Construction of the Halle was completed and it was dedicated in 1900. The Halle has been the site of meetings of various Parish organizations, Parish and School gatherings, and socials and entertainment of all sorts.

Membership is open to any male person over the age of 18 years. Being a practicing Catholic and leading a good life, not belonging to any Lodge or Society forbidden by the Church, having fulfilled his religious duties, and having his children attend a Catholic School if at all possible.

The purposes of the St Joseph’s Society are:

• Promotion and support among its members of a strong religious life consistent with the teaching of the Catholic Church
• To aid its members in sickness and distress, and honor their memory after death
• Inculcate in its members love and esteem for the German tongue, customs, and mode of life.

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St. Joseph's Society Members on the Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of St. Mary's Parish in 1921	General Assembly of the Catholic League of Texas, Cameron, 18-19 July 1905
Catholic State League Meeting 1908	Catholic State League Meeting 1913
Catholic State League General Assembly in Fredericksburg, 1914	Father Joseph Roch and members of the Society at the formal opening of the Halle in 1900.
Father Joseph Roch's Grave Site	2009 St. Joseph's Society Members