The Servants of Charity Congregation will hold a Memorial Mass for Fr. Joseph Rinaldo, SdC, on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11 a.m. at St. Louis Center, 16195 W. Old US Hwy. 12, Chelsea. The Most Reverend Earl Boyea, Bishop of the Diocese of Lansing, will be the celebrant.
A luncheon will follow the Memorial Mass. Guests are encouraged to RSVP by April 10 online at stlouiscenter.org/event/fr-joe-memorial or by calling 734-475-8430.
Beloved priest led life of service to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Born in Naro, Italy, Fr. Joe, as he was affectionately called, was drawn early in life to the charism of St. Louis Guanella, a priest who founded the Servants of Charity Congregation and its mission of caring for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Ordained in 1967, Fr. Joe spent his life serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). In 1980, he was assigned to St. Louis Center, then a residential home for boys with I/DD. Since 2021, the Center has served adults with I/DD.
“Fr. Joe was known for his creativity and willingness to ask anyone he met for assistance to meet the needs of the Center and its residents,” said St. Louis Center CEO Fr. Satheesh Caniton Alphonse, SdC. “He was known for his genuine care and concern for the well-being of everyone he served.”
After forty-two years of dedicated service, Fr. Joe moved in 2022 to a Servants of Charity retirement community in Bari, Italy. He passed away December 16, 2025, at the age of 85. His passing marked a profound loss for the residents, staff, and supporters of the Center, and his legacy continues to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.
For more information: stlouiscenter.org/event/fr-joe-memorial/
