St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart

The St. Joseph Society of the Sacred Heart (The Josephites) is a congregation of priests and brothers whose exclusive mission is to serve the African-American community. Founded after the Civil War to minister to newly freed slaves, the organization has served the African American community since 1871. The Society supports in parishes and special ministries, spanning across the East and West Coast.

The Josephite Society of the Sacred Heart is an interracial, intercultural community of priests and brothers who work to advance the teachings of the Church in the African American community. The Society is the only community of men in the American Catholic Church that is engaged exclusively in this particular ministry.

St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart, The Josephites, a religious community of Catholic Priests and Brothers, is committed to serving the African American community through the proclamation of the Gospel and our personal witness. Our commitment is expressed through sacramental, educational and pastoral ministry, service to those in need, and working for social justice.

St. Joseph’s Society of the Sacred Heart is an interracial, intercultural community of priests and brothers who work to advance the teachings of the Church in the African American community. The Society is the only community of men in the American Catholic Church that is engaged exclusively in this particular ministry.

Most Josephites work and live in parish settings, with goals of developing warm, welcoming parishes through vibrant worship, solid Catholic teaching and ministries that speak to the needs of the faith communities.