Education key for chaplain in the big easy

Fr. Joseph Doyle, SSJ

New Orleans Chapter

Although he brings a diverse background to Legatus, Fr. Joseph Doyle is a teacher at heart. As one of three chaplains for the New Orleans Chapter since it was founded in 2000, he serves as the principal of St. Augustine High School and volunteers at a crisis pregnancy center. Father Doyle is a member of the Josephites, an order of Catholic priests and brothers serving the African American community in the United States.

Tell me how you first got involved with Legatus.

It actually started with a 30-day retreat I was on with Fr. John Hardon in Detroit about 10 years ago. The topic of Legatus came up when we talked about apostolate. I met Legatus’ executive director, which set the wheels in motion. The next thing I knew, the prospect of a chapter was being presented to Archbishop [Francis] Schulte, who approved the foundation of a chapter in New Orleans. He appointed three chaplains: Along with myself, there’s Fr. Neil McDermott and Monsignor Andrew Taormina. I don’t think there’s another chapter with three chaplains. Maybe it’s because we’re known as Sin City! [Laughs.] Really, New Orleans is a very spiritual city. We have lots of adoration chapels. The faith is strong, and Legatus makes it even stronger.

What do you try to bring to the members every month?

The sacraments more than anything else. All three chaplains are available for confession, and we are usually all concelebrating the Mass. It’s come to the point where we’re not just chaplains, but spiritual directors. We see the same people every month, so they begin to open up. We’re there when they need us — whether it’s the death of a family member, sickness or whatever. Our work is very pastoral.

How is your chapter unique?

Diversity. At one time, we had more African Americans in our chapter than they had in all the other chapters combined. We lost a few after Katarina. People don’t realize how devastating Katrina was, especially for businesses and families. Some moved away, and some were severely affected in their business. Construction and banking have done well.

How has your involvement with Legatus affected your ministry?

I have the greatest admiration for the members of Legatus. I try to bring them to our school to speak to our business and entrepreneurship classes. We draw on the talents and gifts our members are willing to share with high school students. We get a lot of support from the members without asking. They see the value of a Catholic education. We’ve had a number of Legatus members graduate from St. Augustine.

Legatus has flourished in Louisiana since your chapter began.

Right. The first one to break away and form its own chapter was Northshore, then Baton Rouge, then Houma-Thibodaux. They’re working on Lafayette right now.

Tell me about your work at St. Augustine.

We have almost 700 students, all African American — about 60% Catholic. We work to ensure that when these young men graduate, they maintain their Catholic identity in college — and after college as professional businessmen. About 90% of our students go on to college after they graduate. We look upon our Catholic education as an opportunity for evangelization and for dealing with the culture. We do that through our Catholic identity … and strong discipline.

What else are you involved in?

I work with the Women’s New Life center here in New Orleans. It’s a crisis pregnancy center located next to an abortion facility. I say Mass there five days a week. I’m involved in post-abortion counseling and supporting right-to-life causes in the city and state. That’s probably more important than anything else.