Installation of Jeremy Joseph as President of Archbishop Curley High School
Feast of St. Josephat
November 12, 2026
Introduction
At the corner of Erdman and Sinclair, you have a phrase that defines everything you do: “Where Brotherhood Begins”. Anyone who has walked these halls knows that brotherhood is not just a slogan printed on a banner or a t-shirt. It is something you live. Brotherhood is forged in the classroom, on the athletic fields, on the stage, and above all, in the chapel.
And today we celebrate an historic milestone in that brotherhood, as we install Mr. Jeremy Joaeph, Class of 1996, as the new President of Archbishop Curley High School. For the first time since our founding in 1961, a layperson—one of Curley’s own sons—steps into the presidency to carry forward the mission entrusted to the Conventual Franciscan Friars. It’s a mission the friars continue to accomplish with dedication & effectiveness, a mission epitomized by Fr. Donald Grymski, an alumnus, who served Archbishop Curley as Principal & President for a total of 28 years, by Fr. Robert Twele who served for more than 14 years, and by Friar Chris Dudek who continues to serve here at Curley.
St. Josephat
Providentially, the Church gives us the feast of St. Josephat to frame this moment of transition. Who was he and what does he have to say to us on this occasion?
St. Josephat was a 17th century bishop and martyr who gave his entire life – and ultimately shed his blood – for one overriding passion: the unity of the Church. He lived in a time not too different from ours – a time of divisions, factions, bitterness, and rivalry. Back then, and sometimes now, many seem to forget that they belong to the same Lord and are meant to be united as one body in Christ.
Josephat lived the Gospel we just heard – the High Priestly Prayer of Christ: “I pray not only for them but for all those who will believe in me through their word, so that they may be one, as you, Father, are in me and I am in you.” Jesus is not praying for uniformity – we are all unique individuals. He does not ask that we look alike, or that we always agree, or that have the same talents. What Jesus does pray for is unity, for brotherhood, the hallmark of this great school.
St. Paul on Unity
In today’s reading from his Letter to the Ephesians, St. Paul unpacks for us what the unity Christ prayed for looks like. He urges us to live in a manner worthy of our calling – our calling to be disciples and your calling to be Archbishop Curley Friars. He tells us to be humble and gentle – just as Jesus was. He tells us to be patient with one another – just as Jesus is patient with us. And in brotherly love to work hard “to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Paul goes on to say that the Spirit has given each of you gifts and talents – some of you are musicians, some athletes, some outstanding scholars – the list goes on – but the point is that the Lord is calling you to use your gifts and talents to build up the body of Christ right here at Curley.
The Charism of the Conventual Franciscans: Caught Not Merely Taught
What St. Paul is telling us this morning fits perfectly with the spirit of the Conventual Franciscans who served this school so long and well. 800 years ago, Christ spoke to Francis from the Cross of San Damiano: “Francis, go and rebuild my Church.” And that’s what Francis of Assisi did – not by seizing power – but through humility, gentleness, peace, and brotherhood. For 65 years, the Franciscan Friars have planted that spirit in East Baltimore.
Today the charism of the Franciscans continues but in a new way. When Jeremy Joseph’s appointment was announced, Fr. Michael Heine, the Minister Provincial, said that “the Franciscan charism is caught, not merely taught.” Jeremy Joseph caught that spirit as a student here in the 1990’s, and it has deepened in him for the past twenty-six years, as an English teacher, a coach, a mentor, and a principal – and he has transmitted that spirit to generations of Curley students.
The transition we are marking today is, in many ways, a big change. But in reality, we are simply beginning a new chapter in our story. Whether the person sitting in the President’s Office wears a Franciscan habit or a suit and tie – the mission remains unchanged: “one Lord, one faith, one Baptism” – one Curly Family!
A Word of Encouragement
President Joseph, as you take on this new responsibility alongside Principal Pipkin, our Friars, faculty, staff, and board, you do not step into this role alone. You are part of a community that knows you, respects you, & stands behind you. And as you know so well, your task is “to guard the unity of this house” and to help the men of Curley attain maturity in Christ Jesus. You are to be a leader who listens with humility, corrects with gentleness, builds bridges of peace, and ensures that every student on this campus knows that he is seen, valued, and loved as a brother in Christ.
And students, gentlemen of Curley: This installation is not just about Mr. Joseph; it is about you. Jesus prayed that the world would know God the Father’s love by the way we treat one another – with respect, friendship, generosity. When you respect one another, help one another, build unity & school spirit, you are helping Curley live up to its motto: “Where Brotherhood Begins.”
Through the intercession of St. Josephat, St. Francis of Assisi, and Our Lady of the Angels, may God bless and watch over our new President, his wife, Angela, and their family, and the entire Archbishop Curley High School Community. May the Lord bless you, President Jeremy in your leadership and that of your co-workers and keep Archbishop Curley HS united in the Holy Spirit & the bonds of peace. May this school always be that community “Where Brotherhood Begins”.