Father Joe is a native of Greenville, Mississippi and fiercely proud of his Lebanese heritage. He's a graduate of Delta State University and spent a short time in the business sector before following a calling to the priesthood. After graduating from Mundelein Seminary, he was ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Jackson in 1994. In the past, he has served as director of youth ministries and vocations for the diocese and was appointed as the pastor of St. John's in 2004.