Father Joseph, the newly appointed priest at Bishop Gorman High School, brings a fresh spirit and renewed sense of community to the school’s campus. With a passion for youth ministry, a reputation for compassionate pastoral care, and a commitment to deepening faith through service and worship, Father Joseph steps into his new role ready to inspire students, faculty, and families alike.
Although he has only been on campus for just under two weeks, Father Joseph has already found joy in the energy of Gorman’s study body.
“I’ve only been here for 12 days, so I am still adjusting to the lifestyle here,” Father Joseph said, “but one of the things I love the most here is the atmosphere of the young people. You guys are very active, you’re busy with school, you’re young, you have dreams, so it reminds me of my younger years.”
For Father Joseph, working with young people is not just an assignment, it is a calling shaped by his own journey of faith, which began in a household of mixed religious traditions. Raised by a Catholic father and a Buddhist mother, he experienced both church and temple as a child.
“I was born and raised in a family of mixed religions,” Father Joseph explained. “My dad’s family side is Catholic, but my mom’s side is Buddhist, so when I was young, I not only went to church, but also went to a Buddhist temple with my mom.”
He was not baptized Catholic until he was 10 years old and admits that at first, he “had no clue about Catholicism.” That changed when his family moved to the United States when he was 12.
“My best friend’s father ended up taking me to church almost every day,” Father Joseph said, ”he was a man of sacrifice, he sacrificed a lot for the family.”
As a teenager, he attended a “come and see” retreat in Houston to discern whether he might be called to religious life. For most of the week he felt unmoved, until the final night.
“I had a dream during the last night,” Father Joseph said.” I saw Mary appear to me and she invited me to join the congregation. So after I woke up, I decided to join. I just gave myself a chance, and I stayed until today.”
His devotion to Mary continues to shape his spirituality. Inspired by Saint John Paul II, one of the figures he most admires, Father Joseph often reflects on the saint’s motto, Totus Tuus, meaning “All yours.”
“He offered all his success, all his problems, even his daily life to Mary,” Father Joseph said. “Sometimes I use that phrase too. Whenever I feel burdens or face struggles in life, I come to Mary and offer all my struggles, and she answers my prayers.”
Saint John Paul II’s love for young people also influences Father Joseph’s ministry. “He was a holy man, and he was a man for the youth,” Father Joseph said.
Before arriving at Bishop Gorman, Father Joseph’s ministry took him across the globe. “I worked at Central Mass Moore for a year and a half, and after that, I had a new assignment. I went to the Czech Republic for almost two years,” Father Joseph said.
There, he helped serve Vietnamese immigrants and worked within a parish community. “So after two years, I went back, and now I’m here.”
His international experiences and multicultural background give him a unique perspective as he steps into his role at a diverse Catholic high school. Yet, at the heart of his message to students is something simple and deeply personal: hope.
“One of the ways that I overcome struggles and challenges is I go to the chapel and just be there with Jesus, and I pour out my heart,” he said. “After I talk to Him, somehow the burdens feel lighter.”
In addition to prayer, he emphasizes the importance of healthy habits and friendships. “Whenever I feel sad or lonely, I hang out with good friends. Maybe play tennis or pickleball. It helps relieve stress.” Father Joseph said.
He hopes students will discover similar anchors in their own lives.
“My only hope or wish is that whenever you feel down, sad, or stressed, you would have something to hold on to, and that’s your faith, God,” Father Joseph said. “A lot of kids nowadays, when they face struggles in life, sometimes they don’t know where to turn.”
Father Joseph acknowledges that Catholic education today faces unique challenges, especially for younger generations navigating academic pressures and a rapidly changing world. While schools support students intellectually, he believes his mission lies in strengthening them spiritually.
“I know that school helps you more with academics. But for something related to faith, that’s something that I’m hoping to contribute to,” Father Joseph said.
If he could leave Bishop Gorman students with one final message, it would be this: “Be yourself and do not lose hope. Have hope, and that hope should not be put just in a human person. As human beings, we are not perfect. Put your hope in something more profound, like God. Do not lose hope, continue on your journey of faith, and be strong.”
With his global experiences, heartfelt devotion, and deep love for youth ministry, Father Joseph begins his ministry at Gorman ready to walk alongside students, encouraging them to grow not only in knowledge, but in faith, resilience, and hope.
