United in Service, Faith, and Mission

Very Reverend Cornelius Ejiogu, SSJ

AREA ONE (including Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, and Nigeria)

Father Ejiogu was born in Lagos, Nigeria in 1979. He came to the United State in August 2008 to continue his priestly training and theological studies at the Washington Theological Union. He graduated in May 2013 with two Master’s Degrees (Master in Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology). Father Ejiogu was ordained to the priesthood in June 2013 at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. He was then assigned the responsibility of pastoring the faithful of St. Luke Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Washington. In addition to his pastoral ministry at the parish, he is also the Academic Dean at St. Joseph Seminary in Washington, D.C.

VICAR GENERAL

Very Reverend Ray Bomberger, SSJ

Father Ray Bomberger is Vicar General. He former Director of Novices and had been pastor of parishes in Houston, Beaumont, New Orleans and Baltimore.

OUR SUPERIOR GENERAL

Most Reverend John H. Ricard, SSJ

Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ, is Superior General. He was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee on March 13, 1997 by Pope John Paul II. Bishop Ricard moved from the Archdiocese of Baltimore where he served as Auxiliary Bishop. He is the former Chair of Catholic Relief Services where he served from 1995 to 2002. Bishop Ricard was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and upon completion of high school entered the Josephite College Seminary in Newburgh, New York. He completed his theological training at St. Joseph Seminary in Washington, D.C., and was ordained to the priesthood on May 25, 1968. Since ordination, Bishop Ricard continued his studies, receiving a Master’s Degree from Tulane University in New Orleans in 1970 and a Ph.D. from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., in 1984. Bishop Ricard currently serves as the President of the National Black Catholic Congress. He most recently served as rector of St. Joseph Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Very Reverend Oswald Pierre-Jules, SSJ

AREA TWO (including Alabama, Mississippi and part of Louisiana)

Very Reverend Joseph Benjamin, SSJ

AREA THREE (including Mississippi and Southwest Louisiana)

Father Benjamin is pastor of St. Peter the Apostle parish in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Very. Rev. Stephen Sohe, SSJ

OFFICE OF THE TREASURER

Very Reverend Kenneth C. Ugwu, SSJ

AREA FOUR (including Texas and California)

Very Rev. Kenneth C. Ugwu, SSJ, has been a devoted member of the Josephite Fathers since 2000 and was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood in 2010. Throughout his pastoral ministry, Fr. Ugwu has faithfully served in diverse African American communities across the United States, including Washington, Baltimore, New Orleans, Breaux Bridge, Houston, and Mobile. Currently serving in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Fr. Ugwu is the Pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Parish. He also serves as the Deanery 15 Priest-Liaison for the Racial Justice Ministry, promoting unity, advocacy, and the dignity of all people within the Church. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, Fr. Ugwu currently serves as the Area IV Director on the General Council of the Josephite Fathers, continuing his commitment to leadership, evangelization, and service to the people of God.