It is with great sadness that we  announce the passing of our 13th Superior General, Very Reverend William Norvel, SSJ, who went to be with the Lord on the morning of Sunday, March 8, 2026.

Father Norvel was a faithful Josephite priest, pastor, teacher, author, and liturgical leader whose ministry spanned more than five decades. Born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1965 and dedicated his life to serving Black Catholic communities across the United States with deep pastoral love and missionary zeal.

Throughout his priesthood, Father Norvel became widely known for his leadership during the Black Catholic Movement, helping to foster the incorporation of Black spiritual traditions within Catholic worship. He traveled extensively across the country assisting parishes in establishing gospel choirs and nurturing vibrant liturgical life. His contributions also helped shape the landmark hymnal Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal, a resource that continues to enrich Catholic worship today.

In 2011, Father Norvel made history when he was elected the 13th Superior General of the Josephites, becoming the first African American to lead the Josephite community and the first Black man to head a Catholic religious community of priests in the United States. His leadership marked a significant milestone in the life of the Church and in the Josephite mission.

Father Norvel's ministry also extended internationally. He played a key role in helping establish a Josephite house of formation in Nigeria, strengthening vocations that continue to support the Josephite apostolate and its mission of evangelization and service.

Those who knew Father Norvel remember him as a unique and gifted priest whose joyful spirit, deep faith, and love for the people of God shaped generations of clergy, musicians, and lay leaders. He was a shepherd who was deeply loved by the communities he served.

We give thanks to Almighty God for Father Norvel's life of priestly service, his courageous witness in the struggle for dignity and inclusion within the Church, and his steadfast commitment to the Josephite mission.

The Josephite community invites all to join us in praying for the repose of his soul: "Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him."

Funeral Arrangements
Washington, DC
March 18, 2026
Viewing: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Funeral Mass: 11:00 AM
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
1600 Morris Rd SE
Washington, DC 20020

Pascagoula, Mississippi
March 26, 2026
Viewing: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Funeral Mass: 11:00 AM
Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church
1715 Telephone Rd
Pascagoula, MS 39567

Burial will follow at Gabriel Cemetery, located next to the parish.

In Lieu of Flowers
Donations may be made in Father Norvel's honor to support the continuing mission of the Josephites and the apostolate he faithfully shepherded and loved. www.wesharegiving.org.