Bring Father Joe back!

Bless you Father for all that you’ve done. Blessed Sacrament has never been the same since your absence.

Fr. Joe blessed our marriage , baptized our daughter . He was the reason we made 45 min drive to mass every Sunday .

I’ve known Fr. Joe my entire life. I’ve been alone with him as a boy, a young man, and an adult. Never in my life have I seen him behave in any way that made me uncomfortable or unsafe. Fr. Joe is the kind of priest that makes you excited to go to Mass because he is so personable, caring, and intelligent. Any church would be strengthened by his involvement and anyone that truly knows Fr. Joe considers them happy to call him their friend. I do and I will gladly defend him against anyone who says otherwise.

Father Joe was a wonderful Priest. When I am in Norfolk, I really felt much at home with Father Joe and the Blessed Sacrament community.

As much as I agree that there are things the Catholic Church needs to be truthful about. However, there are good priests....great priests that are removed from their positions for no good reason. Father Joe is one of those priests. We, the parishioners and people that have signed this petition know Father Joe and know, without any doubt, he did nothing deserving of this.

Until the Catholic Church gets completely honest and provides detailed information in regards to the events that caused these "firings" we should not be so ready to jump in and welcome them back. It is clear from the second termination that "Father" Joe has been interacting inappropriately with minors. Wake up and stop baaing like sheep and DEMAND the whole truth.

I am from St. Theresa Church in Farmville. VA. I was lucky enough to know Father Jod when he was the pastor here. In 1996 he confirmed my daughter, and in 1997 presided over my husband’s funeral. I cannot say enough good and wonderful words about him!! Please bring him back!

Please bring back Joe for he is a super priest. We all miss him

I support Father Joe. He is a very dedicated priest.

Saying a prayer for you father joe. You are a wonderful human being and role model

This is an injustice. Stop punishing good priests. Be fair.

Fr. Joe helped so much in baptizing my husband. He then married us. Baptized both my boys. He is a good man with a good heart. He turned people to God and inspired us to live a better faith based life. I drove a hour to church to hear his words. Anyone that powerful will, of course, be criticized. We miss you Fr. Joe. You inspired so many to turn towards Christ. We would love to keep in touch. We pray for you every day. Katie Daley

Miss you Father Joe would love to speak with you.

We support Father Joe 100%.

Father Joe is such a caring, loving, and compassionate priest. I went to Blessed Sacrament from 2002-2008 while my husband was stationed in Norfolk. During this time Father and sister helped me convert. I hope that one day I can return back to Norfolk and to see father preaching. To follow your calling as a priest isn’t an easy calling. As a Catholic we’re always criticized and having to defend our faith.

❤️

Dear Mr Anonymous, I just entered this site again as a friend of mine was asking and wanted to see it. Amazing to me that people are showing a continued interest. I keep sending mail to Fr Joe as we think of him all the time and how much we miss him at Blessed Sacrament. I want you to know is that you posted your message about him right on his birthday. He resides in Richmond now but currently he is stuck in New Hampshire due to the pandemic. The world is missing out on this wonderful person and God's word that he shares with so many. God will continue to bless him and keep him healthy in mind and soul.

I took time away from the Catholic Church, but slowly started going back. I tried many churches in the area and found this one. Father Joe gave the most meaningful and relevant homilies, which made me want to go back every week even though it was a 30-min drive. Unfortunately, the military was moving us soon after I found this Church, but had a long heart-to-heart talk with Father Joe before I left. I was still on the fence about returning to Catholicism and I had been through some difficult times, but the talk with him had a serious impact on me and when I moved, found a Catholic Church and have been going since. I found this petition because, even though it was over 4 years ago, and two duty stations ago, I was hoping to find online masses by him during this coronavirus lockdown time. I am saddened by this news and hope whatever it was gets resolved.

A wonderful human being. Helped me tremendously in my youth.

Wonderful priest !