William Norvel Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Bill Norvel
Superior general

Enthroned	2011
Reign ended	2014
Predecessor	Fr Edward J. Chiffriller, SSJ
Successor	Fr Michael Thompson, SSJ
Orders
Ordination	1965
Personal details
Born	1935 or 1936 Pascagoula, Mississippi, U.S.
Died	March 8, 2026 (aged 90)
Parents	Velma and William Norvel Sr.
Occupation	Administrator, pastor, liturgist, author
Education	St. Joseph's Seminary (Washington, DC) Epiphany Apostolic College

William Leonard Norvel Jr. (born 1935 or 1936 – died March 8, 2026) was an important American Catholic priest. He made history as the first Black leader, called "superior general," of the Josephites. The Josephites are a special group of priests who have served African Americans since 1893. Father Norvel was ordained in 1965. He became the superior general in 2011. He was the first Black man to lead a Catholic religious community in the United States.

Father Norvel is also remembered for his work during the Black Catholic Movement. He helped bring Black Gospel music and other parts of Black spirituality into African-American Catholic churches. Many say he started the very first Catholic gospel choirs.

The Life and Work of Father William Norvel
Community Involvement
Books by Father Norvel
Related Topics

The Life and Work of Father William Norvel

The Early Life of Father Norvel

William Norvel Jr. was born in the mid-1930s in Biloxi, Mississippi. He grew up in Pascagoula, Mississippi. He attended St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. Young William went to St. Peter's Elementary and Our Mother of Sorrows High School. As a teenager, he wanted to become a priest. However, he faced challenges because of his race. At that time, it was difficult for Black men to join Catholic seminaries in the United States.

Joining the Josephites

Later, his Josephite pastor encouraged him. The Josephites are a religious community specifically dedicated to serving African Americans. William Norvel decided to join them. He studied at Epiphany Apostolic College in New York. Then he went to St. Joseph's Seminary in Washington, D.C. There, he earned his Master of Divinity degree.

Priesthood and Early Challenges

Father Norvel was ordained as a priest in 1965. His ordination took place in New Orleans, Louisiana. His first assignment was at Holy Family Catholic Church in Natchez, Mississippi. In this role, he faced opposition and difficulties. He later served in churches in many cities. These included Washington D.C., Mobile, Alabama, and Baltimore, Maryland. He also taught at St. Augustine High School in New Orleans. This was an all-boys Black Catholic school. He also taught at the University of Notre Dame and Loyola Marymount University.

Bringing Gospel Music to Church

Father Norvel is well-known for his work in bringing Black cultural traditions into the Catholic Church. He traveled across the country. He helped start gospel choirs in African-American Catholic churches. He also helped create Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. This hymnal, released in 1987, was the first of its kind.

The Black Catholic Movement

His work with church music happened during the Black Catholic Movement. This movement began in 1968. It started after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.. Father Norvel was one of many who worked to fight unfairness in the U.S. Catholic Church. They also wanted to celebrate a unique Black Catholic way of practicing Christianity.

Expanding the Josephites' Mission

Later in his priesthood, Father Norvel led efforts to help the Josephites grow. He focused on Nigeria, where many young men wanted to become priests. He lived in Nigeria for five years. During this time, he helped introduce African-American church traditions to Nigerian Catholics. He also opened a training house for new priests. His efforts helped the Josephites attract many new members.

Becoming Superior General

After his work in Nigeria, Father Norvel became a pastor in Washington D.C. Then, he was asked to become the Josephites' superior general. This was a very important leadership role. For 118 years, only White leaders had held this position. Father Norvel was 75 years old. He had been planning to retire. But he accepted the request. He became superior general in 2011. He served one term and retired in 2015. This was his 50th year as a priest.

A Life of Service Ends

Father Norvel passed away on March 8, 2026. He was 90 years old. He left behind a legacy of service and leadership.

Community Involvement

Father Norvel was a member of several important groups. These included the Knights of Peter Claver and the Knights of Columbus. He was also part of the National Association of Superiors General.

Books by Father Norvel

A Hallelujah Song!: Memoir of a Black Catholic Priest from the Jim Crow South

William Norvel facts for kids

Contents