Remembering Fr. Joe Nolen, C.Ss.R.

By Fr. Dick Mevissen, C.Ss.R.
Provincial Vicar

Joseph Clifford Nolen died September 12, 2009 at the age of 59. He never regained consciousness after sustaining a head injury in a fall.

Joe was born in Alliance, OH but grew up in Detroit, MI. I first came to know Joe while he was a student at Holy Redeemer College at Waterford, WI. Joe professed his vows as a Redemptorist in 1970 and was ordained a priest in 1976.

Joe was a multi-talented person who served well in various areas of ministry over the years: parish, publications, formation, and retreat. He twice served as parish priest at St. Joseph's Parish in Wichita, KS; and also served as pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, an African-American parish in Chicago, IL. He served twice on the editorial staff of Liguori Publications. He served in formation ministry at all three levels. In January 2007, Joe joined the retreat ministry at the Redemptorist Retreat Center at Oconomowoc, WI, where he was serving at the time of his death.

Joe faced serious health concerns during his last years but he never complained. He was a renowned preacher, especially revered by the numerous Sisters groups whose retreats he directed over the years.

Joe was a bright, affable, witty, and gracious person who was a blessing to know, live with, and minister with. His family, confreres, friends, and those with whom he ministered will miss him, but we can testify that our world is better for his having lived among us. Rest in peace, Joe.