Father Joseph Moreno: How the Death of His Wife Led to the Priesthood

Father Joseph Moreno’s life is a testament to God’s ability to weave grace and purpose through even the most unexpected paths. Born in Reno, Nevada, Father Joseph was baptized Catholic but grew up with minimal exposure to the faith. His mother’s catechesis consisted of pointing to pictures of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary and saying, “That’s Jesus, that’s Mary—they love you, and you’re Catholic.”

It wasn’t until college that Father Joseph began to take his faith more seriously. His Catholic roommate at Texas Tech invited him to Mass, and though he didn’t understand much of what was happening, something stirred within him. When he learned that receiving Communion required confession, he resolved to prepare himself properly. At 18, he made his first confession—a thorough 45-minute experience that opened his heart to the Eucharist.

Marriage, Loss, and God’s Plan

After college, Father Joseph moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where he began working in the restaurant industry. It was there that he met his future wife. After welcoming their daughter, and only child, into the world, they settled down to live normal family life. Married for 20 years, Father Joseph’s wife faced a long battle with cancer, which she fought for 14 of those years. Through her unwavering faith and strength, she inspired him to deepen his understanding of Catholicism.

Though she was protestant, Father shares how his wife encouraged him to embraced his Catholic faith with greater fervor. “She shamed me into learning my faith,” he shared. “Her faith was so strong, and I wanted to grow to match that.” Together, they prayed, leaned on God, and grew closer through their trials. Her passing left him at a crossroads, and in the quiet moments of prayer, he asked God what he was meant to do next.

Discovering the Call to Priesthood

At first, Father Joseph thought he might be called to the diaconate. But after a providential conversation with the diocesan vocations director, it became clear God had something more in mind. After a year of discernment—including heartfelt discussions with his daughter, who initially had mixed emotions about her father’s potential vocation—he entered the seminary at age 43.

Father Joseph described seminary life as both challenging and transformative. Surrounded by younger seminarians, he found their youthful energy sometimes clashed with his life experience, but it also taught him patience and humility. “I learned to be more open and accepting of other viewpoints,” he reflected.

Serving Three Parishes

Today, Father Joseph serves as pastor of three parishes in Texas near the Oklahoma border: St. Jude Thaddeus in Burkburnett, Christ the King in Iowa Park, and St. Paul in Electra. His days are filled with Masses, confessions, spiritual direction, and even the occasional plumbing repair.

Despite the busyness, his joy in serving God’s people is unmistakable. “I love teaching the faith,” he said. “Whether it’s through homilies, catechesis, or simply talking with parishioners, I want to help people know and love God better.”

A Priest with a Unique Perspective

Father Joseph’s life experiences, particularly his time as a husband and father, give him a unique ability to connect with his parishioners. From marriage counseling to walking with families through grief, he ministers with empathy born of personal understanding.

“I see my parishioners as family,” he said. “I want them to grow together, to support each other, and to deepen their faith as a community.”

A Message for All

Father Joseph’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to listen to God’s call. Whether as a husband, father, or priest, his life has been shaped by a willingness to trust in God’s plan and embrace His grace.

“To anyone discerning their vocation, don’t be afraid to ask the question, ‘Lord, what do you want me to do?’” he said. “And to parents, encourage your sons to ask if they might be called to the priesthood. It’s an incredible life, filled with love, joy, and purpose.”

Father Joseph’s journey shows how God can bring light and meaning through every season of life, turning even the darkest moments into opportunities for His glory to shine.