I came to this church as a non-catholic, following the man I was dating. Father Joe accepted us, and my son, with open arms. My son has grown up in this parish, under Fr Joes wisdom and guidance, he was baptised, received his first communion, and most recently confirmation. My husband and I were married here, I became catholic and have never felt more at home than I do at Blessed Sacrament. And this is because of the leadership, friendship and influence of Fr Joe. He is not just a friend to the parishioners at Blessed Sacrament, he is family!! The church would not be what it is, if not for him. Please, bring him back to his family!
R
Ralph voyers
7 years ago
Please bring Father Joe back to Blessed Sacrament
D
Donna voyers
7 years ago
Please bring Father Joe back my family attended mass when we were in Norfolk and walked away hoping we could find a priest like him I’m our home town
J
John Masterson
7 years ago
I believe in Father Joe without reservation. Bring him back for all Catholics.
S
Sheryl Foss
7 years ago
He helped my daughter get her first communion despite logistics.
P
Peter Fries
7 years ago
Bring back Father Joe!
T
Tara MacCall
7 years ago
I grew up in Roanoke two doors down from Father Joe. When he heard my son was accepted to ODU, he encouraged Daniel to attend Mass, and was there if he needed anything. As a fellow FIGI brother, Father Joe worked with my son’s fraternity to help them serve the ODU/Norfolk community. He made such an impression on the college students that they invited him to speak at their annual FIGI dinner. Please let Father Joe get back to doing what he does best, serving God, and helping others serve God.
K
Kathleen McLaughlin
7 years ago
Father Joe has been a blessing to me and my family. I would like to see him returned to active ministry as soon as possible.
D
Dottie Jo and Jay Whalen
7 years ago
He has been a wonderful pastor and has done so much for the parishioners and the growth of our parish. To lose him would be disastrous for us, his faithful flock. Fr. Joe is a perfect fit for this parish family. We love him, we support him, and we want Fr. Joe back home as our celebrant.
J
J gilmore
7 years ago
Bishop Knestout at your introduction you expressed your desire for renewal of faith by the young people. I ask then how could you possibly believe that removing Father Joe would accomplish that task. Father Joe is a champion of our youth at Bleased Sacrament all you have accomplished is emptiness within our church and our hearts.
F
Faith Keczan
7 years ago
If this wonderful priest has not been found guilty of any misdeed bring him back to his church. His parishioners love and need him.
L
Louise Woolridge
7 years ago
What a disappointment the diocese and bishop have proven to be. In a time when the Catholic church is suffering and arguably dying, a priest that has fought for our faith and lead a church that has grown in population, is being treated unjustly. What a shame.
I have always been amazed at how Father Joe interacts with the youth of our church, the future of the Catholic church. Father Joe came to Blessed Sacrament when I was in high school and what a life changing moment his arrival was for me. Aside from the growth of our parish that began almost immediately, his ability to connect with me and my fellow young Catholic parishioners was unexpected and very welcomed. He made me feel that despite my age, I was as much an important part of my church as the adults. I became empowered as a teenager, to feel in charge of my own relationship with God and the church. I could be just as involved as the oldest member of the church, or I could stand by and go through the motions. Father Joe is the reason I felt alive with a renewed love for my catholic faith. My confirmation class was very involved and close with one another. We went "all in" as far as really allowing ourselves to grow individually and collectively in our faith. I know this would not have happened had Father Joe not been sent by God to rescue our hurt and suffering parish.
I left Norfolk and headed to Northern Virginia to attend college in 2001 but never truly left Fr. Joe and my beloved parish. Although Northern Virginia remains my home today, I have and will always return to Norfolk. I returned to be married by Fr. Joe in 2009. I returned for my first borns baptism in 2008. I returned in 2010 for my first daughter's baptism, and one more time for my youngest's baptism in 2014. There were many visits in between throughout the years, those were not complete unless we were able to spend time with Father Joe, whom my children adore.
I could not be more frustrated with the diocese. You did
P
Pattie Gambardella
7 years ago
I miss you, love Pattie
P
Patti Younkins
7 years ago
I hope I'm not too late to sign this petition. I was not aware of it until today.
H
Heather Howard
7 years ago
We love Father Joe and miss him terribly, please bring peace back to our Parish
N
Nathan E Houser
7 years ago
Father Joe has been an influential figure not only to myself but also to my peers, siblings, parents, and grandparents. It would not only be a shame to see his continued suspension without the proper warrant but also a disgrace.
N
Nancy Malone
7 years ago
He is a good man bring him back!
M
Morris beitinjaneh
7 years ago
Father Joe a great men of God we need him back as soon as possible
I am praying that Fr. Joe will be reinstated.
Great and inspiring priest
I came to this church as a non-catholic, following the man I was dating. Father Joe accepted us, and my son, with open arms. My son has grown up in this parish, under Fr Joes wisdom and guidance, he was baptised, received his first communion, and most recently confirmation. My husband and I were married here, I became catholic and have never felt more at home than I do at Blessed Sacrament. And this is because of the leadership, friendship and influence of Fr Joe. He is not just a friend to the parishioners at Blessed Sacrament, he is family!! The church would not be what it is, if not for him. Please, bring him back to his family!
Please bring Father Joe back to Blessed Sacrament
Please bring Father Joe back my family attended mass when we were in Norfolk and walked away hoping we could find a priest like him I’m our home town
I believe in Father Joe without reservation. Bring him back for all Catholics.
He helped my daughter get her first communion despite logistics.
Bring back Father Joe!
I grew up in Roanoke two doors down from Father Joe. When he heard my son was accepted to ODU, he encouraged Daniel to attend Mass, and was there if he needed anything. As a fellow FIGI brother, Father Joe worked with my son’s fraternity to help them serve the ODU/Norfolk community. He made such an impression on the college students that they invited him to speak at their annual FIGI dinner. Please let Father Joe get back to doing what he does best, serving God, and helping others serve God.
Father Joe has been a blessing to me and my family. I would like to see him returned to active ministry as soon as possible.
He has been a wonderful pastor and has done so much for the parishioners and the growth of our parish. To lose him would be disastrous for us, his faithful flock. Fr. Joe is a perfect fit for this parish family. We love him, we support him, and we want Fr. Joe back home as our celebrant.
Bishop Knestout at your introduction you expressed your desire for renewal of faith by the young people. I ask then how could you possibly believe that removing Father Joe would accomplish that task. Father Joe is a champion of our youth at Bleased Sacrament all you have accomplished is emptiness within our church and our hearts.
If this wonderful priest has not been found guilty of any misdeed bring him back to his church. His parishioners love and need him.
What a disappointment the diocese and bishop have proven to be. In a time when the Catholic church is suffering and arguably dying, a priest that has fought for our faith and lead a church that has grown in population, is being treated unjustly. What a shame. I have always been amazed at how Father Joe interacts with the youth of our church, the future of the Catholic church. Father Joe came to Blessed Sacrament when I was in high school and what a life changing moment his arrival was for me. Aside from the growth of our parish that began almost immediately, his ability to connect with me and my fellow young Catholic parishioners was unexpected and very welcomed. He made me feel that despite my age, I was as much an important part of my church as the adults. I became empowered as a teenager, to feel in charge of my own relationship with God and the church. I could be just as involved as the oldest member of the church, or I could stand by and go through the motions. Father Joe is the reason I felt alive with a renewed love for my catholic faith. My confirmation class was very involved and close with one another. We went "all in" as far as really allowing ourselves to grow individually and collectively in our faith. I know this would not have happened had Father Joe not been sent by God to rescue our hurt and suffering parish. I left Norfolk and headed to Northern Virginia to attend college in 2001 but never truly left Fr. Joe and my beloved parish. Although Northern Virginia remains my home today, I have and will always return to Norfolk. I returned to be married by Fr. Joe in 2009. I returned for my first borns baptism in 2008. I returned in 2010 for my first daughter's baptism, and one more time for my youngest's baptism in 2014. There were many visits in between throughout the years, those were not complete unless we were able to spend time with Father Joe, whom my children adore. I could not be more frustrated with the diocese. You did
I miss you, love Pattie
I hope I'm not too late to sign this petition. I was not aware of it until today.
We love Father Joe and miss him terribly, please bring peace back to our Parish
Father Joe has been an influential figure not only to myself but also to my peers, siblings, parents, and grandparents. It would not only be a shame to see his continued suspension without the proper warrant but also a disgrace.
He is a good man bring him back!
Father Joe a great men of God we need him back as soon as possible