About us
The Roman Catholic parish of St. Josef is located in the south-western corner of the canton of Bern and the diocese of Basel. It comprises around 2,800 members from the Saanenland, consisting of the municipalities of Gsteig, Lauenen and Saanen and from Obersimmental, consisting of the municipalities of Lenk, St. Stephan, Zweisimmen and Boltigen.
The life of the parish is shaped by the local Catholic residents, the guest workers from various countries and the large proportion of guests who spend shorter or longer holidays in the area during the summer and winter seasons.
History
The arrival of tourism in the Bernese Oberland at the end of the 19th century saw an increase in the need for Catholic services in the Protestant area.
In 1898 the priest of Thun, Charles Albert Cuttat (1847 – 1932), started to celebrate mass with the guests of the region. Eventually Alphonse Feune, the priest of Thun and Jaquetin-Jouberty, a visiting chaplain from Geneva, arranged for a church to be built in Gstaad. The construction was completed in 1930 and the church was consecrated on 20 July 1930 by Bishop Joseph Ambühl.
Nine years later the parish was recognised by the Great Council of Bern. It initially formed part of the newly created parish of Spiez and the present parish of Gstaad was constituted on 1 January 1973 following the division of the parish of Spiez by the Grand Council in 1972.
Our logo
The new logo was developed in 2021 to interpret the cross as a historical symbol, but in a lively way. Inspired by parts of the parish buildings such as church windows, chancel arches and roof shapes, it radiates diversity and unity both inside and out. The logo unites all people in their personal uniqueness, and reflects the values we express in our slogans:
- St. Josef – a warm welcome
- St. Josef – from everywhere, but at home right here
- St. Josef – bringing people together
- St. Josef – sharing life
- St. Josef – close to you, close to me
The new logo can be used freely by everyone. Children can draw it on the forecourt with street chalk, planted flower beds bloom in the colours red, blue and yellow. The logo can be cut out of coloured paper or stamped with carved potatoes. We hope you have lots of fun!