We at Joseph House are thrilled to welcome Fr. Yozefu-Balikuddembe Semakula (Fr. Joseph). Fr. Joseph was ordained to the priesthood in 1993 in Kampala, Uganda. After a few years of service in his home country, Fr. Joseph served for ten years in Darfur, Sudan where he witnessed horrific genocidal violence. He dedicated his time there to serving the needs of the Sudanese people, especially those affected by such grave political unrest. Later in 2009, Fr. Joseph became a priest of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. Fr. Joseph studied Clinical Psychology at Notre Dame University from 2010 to 2012.
Afterwards, he embarked upon a new ministry called Healing of Families, which over the course of 11 years he conducted international seminars. After his immense international travels, Fr. Joseph is thrilled to be back serving in the diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. As we will soon open the doors of our new house to serve more brothers returning home, the need for another Pastoral Caregiver to serve in our house became apparent.
Each Joseph House requires a Pastoral Caregiver who helps create a culture of hospitality and mutual living in community to model a safe and healing environment. This role for our community provides care and support for the residents during their stay at Joseph House and beyond. The Pastoral Caregiver is also the responsible person for the household.
When it comes to crisis and the needs of the residents, the PC will take care to ensure the overall care of the house. The PC works closely with the Senior Social Worker to ensure all the needs and concerns of the community are being met or addressed. Fr. Joseph will join our dedicated staff as we continue to create safe pathways for our brothers reentering society.
