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Fr. Peter Weiss, SSJ
Vocation Director

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Fr. Peter Weiss, SSJ
202-832-9100

Josephite Vocations Dept. 1200 Varnum St., NE Washington, DC 20017
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Father Weiss

The Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart of Jesus has many wonderful, gifted, and talented men who serve the African American Community as dedicated Religious Brothers. These men make a promise to observe the Mission Statement of the Josephite Community, which calls for the promotion of the Gospels of Jesus Christ to the African American Community with an attitude of faith, justice, and charity.A Josephite Brother's vocation is firmly rooted in a total dedication to live the will of God through the various works of the Josephite Apostolate.

The Josephite Brother is called to serve in the full ministerial capacity of the Society. Brothers are called to assist the priests in the parish in ministry to the people and to the larger community. While Brothers are not ordained to the ministerial priesthood, they are still committed to bring the Gospel message of Jesus to the People of God. The Brother is called daily to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit; participates in the celebration of the daily Eucharist; and is encouraged to develop a personal prayer life. Brothers also join the priests of the Community for the annual Community retreat.

In what capacities may a Josephite Brother be called to serve within the African American Community?

Parish Ministry:

- Parish Associates and Administrators
- Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
- Lectors
- Instructors in or Directors of Religious Education Programs
- Pastoral Care for the elderly, the sick and shut-ins

Education:

- Instructors at St. Augustine High School, New Orleans, LA

Outreach:

-Involvement in Justice and Social concerns within the African American Community
-Assisting with programs for those dealing with personal addictions
-Involvement in Youth Ministry Programs on the parish and diocesan levels

These are just a few possibilities where a Josephite Brother can share his gifts in Ministry.

Requirements To Be A Brother:

If you are discerning whether God is calling you to be a Josephite, you may want to prayerfully consider the major requirements for our Community and our work.

- A willing Spirit of Service in God's Church
- Zeal to work in the African American Community
- Good Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health
- Openness to deepen a Personal Prayer Life
- Preparedness to Live and Work with others in a Community Setting
- Capability to do College Work
- Openness to pursue Theological and Pastoral Care Studies
                                                                    - Ability to work with the Laity

For over a hundred years, the Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, an interracial community of men, has been ministering within the African American Community. As a Community of Priests and Brothers, the Josephites have brought the Good News of Christ to urban and rural parishes to people of all ages. The Josephite Community is looking for faith-filled men who are open to the working of the Holy Spirit, and filled with the Love of God, men determined to bring Jesus' message of Hope to the African American Community. Consider joining a tremendous team of men; Brothers, in The Society of Saint Joseph of the Sacred Heart.

Prayer For Brothers:

Good and great God, shower your Church with men eager to follow in the footsteps of Christ as a Josephite Brother. Give them the courage to stand as an example of hope and love in service to the African American Community. Grant them the wisdom to be open to the calling of the Holy Spirit in their ministries. Grant them grace to be humble in the likeness of St. Joseph the Worker who worked diligently in all things. Grant this prayer through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Savior. Amen.