The Reverend Bill Norvel | |
|---|---|
| Superior general | |
 | |
| Installed | 2011 |
| Term ended | 2014 |
| Predecessor | Fr Edward J. Chiffriller, SSJ |
| Successor | Fr Michael Thompson, SSJ |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1965 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1935 Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Parents | Velma and William Norvel Sr. |
| Occupation | Administrator, pastor, liturgist, and author |
| Education | St. Joseph's Seminary (Washington, DC) Epiphany Apostolic College |
William Leonard "Bill" Norvel, SSJ (c. 1935–) is an African-American Catholic priest who served as the 13th and first Black superior general of the Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, also known as the Josephites.[1] The society was founded to serve African Americans in 1893. Norvel, ordained to the priesthood in 1965, became superior in 2011—the first Black man to head a Catholic religious community in the United States.[2]
He is also known for his work during the Black Catholic Movement, in which he helped spread the use of Black Gospel music and other elements of Black spirituality in African-American Catholic parishes throughout the country. He is said to have established the first Catholic gospel choirs in history.
- ^ Review, Catholic (January 19, 2012). "Former Baltimore pastor first black to lead Josephites". Archdiocese of Baltimore. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
- ^ "Rev. William Norvel, SSJ". National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus. Retrieved October 5, 2022.