Deacon Joseph Assaf has been selected as Christian Brothers Academy’s Lasallian Educator of the Year. Assaf was honored at Honors Night on April 16.
Each school year, CBA faculty and staff select an individual who exemplifies the ideals of St. John Baptist de La Salle. An eligible nominee must have been a part of the staff for at least five years, be actively involved in fostering the mission of Lasallian education and demonstrate an enthusiasm for the Lasallian tradition.
Assaf has been at CBA since 1990. For 36 years, he hasn’t just taught religion, he has lived it. To CBA, he is the Religion Department chair, and a pillar of the community. To the Diocese, he is Deacon Joseph Assaf.
In May of 2024, Assaf was ordained as a Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Syracuse, after he felt “heart tugs” from God that led him to this path. He now assists with school liturgies and actively renews his vows alongside the CBA community.
“His presence as a Deacon has enriched our liturgical life at CBA and deepened our spiritual roots,” shared Susan Major, Vice President of Mission and Director of Campus Ministry. “Whether he’s leading a classroom discussion on morality or the Hebrew Scriptures, serving as the chair of the religion department, or mentoring a student in the hallway, Joe has always been an example of what it means to be a true servant of God.”
Assaf has degrees from Franciscan University and Le Moyne College. He is a spiritual leader both at CBA and in home, where he shares his life with his wife, Katie and their four children; Julie, Michael, Peter and Billy.
