Br. Carson, S.J. Retiring After Six Decades of Educating Men and Women For Others

Br. Bob Carson, S.J., is retiring from his position as Director of Counseling Services after 15 years into his second term at St. Joseph’s Prep. He had also served as an art teacher at the Prep in 1971.

Born in Trenton, NJ, on Christmas Day, Br. Carson discerned his vocation to become a Jesuit, entering the novitiate in Wernersville in 1965. He earned both his Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Fine Art at the Maryland Institute College of Art before being missioned to the Prep in 1971 as the school’s first Art Teacher. 

For the next four decades, Br. Carson spent time at Georgetown Prep and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. One of the many high points of his career was earning a Master of Arts degree in Bilingual/Bicultural Spanish while engaged with the Archdiocese serving Hispanic youth. He also taught Spanish at the Prep. 

But it was his 21 years at Wildwood Catholic that made him a legend at the Jersey Shore. So many people were impacted by his time there as a teacher, guidance counselor, and assistant principal. He was also ordained as a deacon, furthering his ministry at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Cape May. Brother Carson continues his ministry in Cape May, where he spends summers as the minister of Gonzaga Villa, serving his fellow Jesuits. He remains a cherished figure there, often invited to officiate sacramental ceremonies for his former students and community members—baptizing children, officiating weddings, and comforting those grieving a loved one. 

Since returning full-time to St. Joseph’s Prep in 2010, he has enriched our community in countless ways. His devotion to Jesus and his dedication to our students guide everything he does, from proclaiming the Gospel and sharing homilies to leading paraliturgical services on Monday mornings. 

Brother Carson’s impact at the Prep has been extraordinary. He established the Art Department, helped initiate the Freshmen Advantage program, supported student-athletes as the Lacrosse Moderator, and provided academic support for the football team. Most recently, he has served as Director of the Counseling Services. Because of his compassionate care, steadfast leadership, and devoted ministry, Br. Carson was awarded the 2024 Kathryn M. McKernan Award.

Br. Carson will not be leaving apostolic work as he has been missioned to be a part of the parish staff at Old St. Joseph’s Church in Old City, where he has lived for several years.