Rev. Joseph Aloysius McLaughlin, O. Praem.

A graduate of Bishop Neumann High School in 1961, Father McLaughlin entered the Norbertine Community at Daylesford Abbey in 1962, responding to a lifelong call to prayer, learning, and service. He was vested in the white habit of St. Norbert on August 28, 1962, and ordained to the priesthood at Daylesford Abbey on May 16, 1970.

Father McLaughlin earned a Master’s degree in English from the University of Wisconsin in 1972 and a Master’s degree in Religious Studies from Villanova University in 1973. His academic preparation supported a ministry that would span more than five decades in Catholic education and pastoral leadership.

He spent the majority of his priesthood teaching high school students—first at Bishop Neumann High School and then at Archmere Academy—where he taught English, theology, and speech, and moderated the Speech and Debate Club. In 1983, he was appointed Headmaster of Archmere Academy, a position he held until 1997, and again from 2006 to 2010. Over more than 55 years at Archmere, he also served as Director of Mission and Heritage and chaplain.

In his later years as chaplain, Father McLaughlin was the spiritual anchor of the Archmere community. He celebrated daily Mass, guided student retreats, and offered pastoral care always with warmth, humility, and gentle humor. Students knew he was always available—ready to listen, to pray, or simply to be present. His ministry reflected a deep conviction that faith is lived through kindness, consistency, and care for others.

His presence shaped generations of students, faculty, and alumni. He celebrated marriages for former students, baptized their children, presided at family funerals, led alumni liturgies, and participated faithfully in school and community gatherings. He remained steadfastly available to former students and their families whenever there was a need, offering counsel, comfort, and prayer with quiet generosity.

Beyond Archmere, Father McLaughlin continued to serve the wider Church. At the time of his passing, he was chaplain at Villa Maria House of Studies, Archmere Academy, and St. Aloysius Academy. He also played an integral role in the life of the Daylesford Abbey Community, serving as Master of Novices and Professed from 1973 to 1983. A gifted musician, he led the community in prayer through his organ accompaniment for daily Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, and Mass.

Father McLaughlin’s early education was spent as a resident student at St. Aloysius Academy, where he developed a deep affection for the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. That bond endured throughout his priesthood, and he served as chaplain at their Motherhouse for many decades.

Though a man of small stature, Father McLaughlin possessed remarkable energy and commitment. He lived a disciplined spiritual life, rising well before dawn each day to begin private prayer before communal devotions.

Rooted deeply in the Norbertine charism of communio—a life shared in prayer, service, and mutual responsibility—Father McLaughlin understood vocation as a call to relationship. Through his daily presence, faithful teaching, and gentle care, Joe built communion among students, alumni, families, and fellow Norbertines. The community he fostered endures as his lasting legacy.

In the final hours of his life, Father McLaughlin asked to be taken off all life-support measures, saying simply, “I want to go to Heaven.”

He will be missed and remembered by his Norbertine brothers, his family, the Archmere community, the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the many students, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched.

Services will be held at the Daylesford Abbey (220 S. Valley Road Paoli, PA 19301)

Monday, January 12th

4:30 p.m. – Reception of the Body and Vespers

5:00–8:00 p.m. – Visitation

Tuesday, January 13th

8:30 a.m. – Morning Prayer

9:00–11:00 a.m. – Visitation

11:00 a.m. – Mass of Christian Burial, followed by interment in the Abbey Cemetery

Memorial Donations In memory of Father McLaughlin may be made to:

Daylesford Abbey Development Office (220 S. Valley Road Paoli, PA 19301) Or Rev. Joseph McLaughlin, O.Praem. Memorial Scholarship Fund: Archmere Academy (3600 Philadelphia Pike Claymont, DE 19703)