Honoring and congratulating Reverend Joseph Campellone, O.S.F.S. on his 25th Jubilee.

WHEREAS, Twenty-five years ago, Father Joseph Campellone was ordained as a Priest in the Roman Catholic Church. During his ordination to the priesthood, Fr. Joe’s prayer card read, “Strive to see good in all things without exception,” a quote from St. Francis de Sales. Father tributes his parents, grandparents and former teachers for his success, faith and continued passion for life; and

WHEREAS, Fr. Joe, the son of Frank and Mary Campellone, grew up with five siblings in St. Timothy’s Parish, and attended the Ashbourne School from third grade to his completion of high school. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Theology in 1990 from DeSales University and a Masters Degree of Divinity from DeSales Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. in 1996. Father Joe’s conviction and passion for learning enabled him to overcome a learning disability and inspired him to work and minister to youth with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales; and

WHEREAS, In 1996, Fr. Joe became Chaplain of Father Judge High School. In 2001 Father Joe was named President of Father Judge, a position he held for the next 15 years. During his many years of service Fr. Joe brought together students from Lincoln, St. Hubert’s and Father Judge High Schools for annual community rallies and marches; raised over 10 million dollars in assistance for financially challenged families within the Judge community; founded a Learning Center at Father Judge High School to help students deal with learning challenges; established wrestling, rugby, and a robotics programs; founded the Annual Taste of Northeast Philly event and the President’s Challenge Cup; and contributed to the opening of the William F. Mitchell Activity Center, the McGonigal Fitness Center and the field improvements at Ramp Playground; and

WHEREAS, Fr. Joe served the community through his active presence in dozens of civic and community organizations, including the Ancient Order of Hibernians-Division 39, the Youth Leadership Workshop, the City of Philadelphia Anti-Violence Coalition, DeSales University, the Philadelphia Flyers, Crossing the Finish Line, the Overtime with Christ Program, the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Union League, and Wildwood Catholic High School; and

WHEREAS, Fr. Joe believes that before you can touch or have an effect on the mind of a student, you must first touch and motivate the soul, and his service as President of Father Judge High School, Campus Minister of Father Judge High School, and as a faith and community leader has made him beloved and deeply respected. He is known throughout the region as an educational leader, innovator, a community builder and an education activist; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and congratulate Reverend Joseph Campellone, O.S.F.S. on his 25th Jubilee.

RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Father Joe, further evidencing the grateful appreciation and deep admiration of this legislative body

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