This was just before the Crowning Rite. 

Michael and Julie Shaw

Father Joe's first Byzantine Catholic wedding; and it was ours! 

Michael and Julie Shaw

I would bet that a lot of people didn't know this, but Father Joe was a Bi-Ritual Priest. Be obtained faculties to celebrate Byzantine-Ruthenian Rite in the late 90s, as St. William's had a Byzantine Catholic Mission. When the Priest  that we had suddenly left, Father Joe stepped in and continued to celebrate the Divine Liturgy every week. When the mission failed, as there were not enough people interested, he made the 50-mile journey to All Saints Byzantine Catholic Church weekly and on major feast days to celebrate the Divine Liturgy for the next 10 years until a new pastor was assigned. He also was the celebrant at my wedding at All Saints. Everyone loved Father Joe. He preached from the heart, and there was no one that he didn't have a kind word for. Axios!, my friend. You are worthy!

We moved to the Sarasota area from the east coast and saw in Msgr. Joe a very kind soul who loved the Lord and his people. Already retired, he continued his mission of serving right to the end helping out in many of the area parishes. I always looked forward to hearing his homilies, short but very sweet. May God bless you with eternal peace and comfort to the loved ones left behind.

I have many happy memories of working with Father Joe. He was a great friend. My sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

My son Ryan Schell was friends with Fr Joe for many years. Fr Joe came to Ryans home on several ocassions and counseled with Ryan.   I am writing this on behalf of my son Ryan who says he lost an Incredible friend and Mentor.  Rest in Heavenly Peace Fr Jo I will miss you more than you know

Our gratitude for Fr. Joe’s faithful priestly ministry is extended by the Secular Order of Discalced Carmelite members of Our Lady of the Angels Parish.  Our hidden ministry is to be love in the heart of the Church and to pray for priests, seminarians and deacons.  Thank you, Lord.   And Fr. Joe, pray for us too.  Well done, good and faithful servant to the very end.💕

Our condolences to all Fr. Joe’s family and to the many others mourning his passing. We remember many wonderful years working in parish ministry with Fr. Joe. Years we are very grateful to have experienced. Our new parish in our new home is St. Joseph’s. We offered prayers for Joe at the  altar of St. Joseph and will continue to do so. May he rest in peace with the Lord whom he served. 
Mike and Debi  Mahr

Farewell, dear Monsignor Joe.  May you rest in eternal peace, knowing that you have touched the lives of so many and left an indelible mark on our hearts. Until we meet again in the kingdom of heaven, you will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Amen.

UJ
So many of the greatest memories of my childhood involved and were because of you.  You were so good to us and you will have a place in my heart forever.  Rest in peace, Unc... I love you,!!
Jodi 🤍

You will be greatly missed.  You provided Jodi & I so many incredible memories and experiences when we were growing up.   I'm so happy I have those memories to hold on to.   Thank you for being you.

We love you Uncle Joe! So glad we were able to spend so many great times with you.
Love- Peter, Erica, Libbey, Liam, Elaina

You were a great brother in law and Uncle too Jodi And Mark. We will miss you.  🙏  😌 Love Nancy Stearns ❤️.  🙏

We will miss you my friend and dear Priest. I hope the have your favorite Lobster Thermador in heaven. God bless you ❤️Hugh and Samina 💔

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Rev. Monsignor Joseph "Fr. Joe" Stearns

7 février 1945 – 14 mars 2024

Robert Toale & Sons Celebration of Life Center

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