James Lucas to answer God's call on Saturday

This weekend, the Rev. Mr. James Lucas will say "Yes" to a call he heard years ago, yet managed to ignore.

Lucas, 33, will be ordained a priest by Bp. Robert Banks at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 10, in St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, 140 S. Monroe St., Green Bay. He will celebrate his first Mass at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 11, in St. Mary Church, De Pere, where he did two summer internships.

"I felt my first call to the priesthood when I was in Catholic grade school," Lucas said. "It was a question that was always there, even when I chose to go ahead with a career in the business world. It was as if something was always missing from my life. I was looking for something deeper. Six years into my career, I again strongly felt God's call and responded by going to seminary. I've been affirmed in my call by the time I've spent in seminary, and I'm confident that this is God's will for my life."

He thinks his background will help him relate with empathy toward people "and the daily pressures they face in their jobs. My experience in business might also help me understand that side of the church a little better than I might have otherwise," he said.

Lucas grew up in Park Falls and graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a degree in chemical engineering, specializing in pulp and paper technology. Next, he worked in marketing and chemical products for the National Starch and Chemical Co., first in Bridgewater, N.J., then in Appleton. His job sent him throughout the United States. But after six years, he entered St. Mary of the Lake Seminary at Mundelein, Ill., where he received a master of divinity degree.

The highlight of Lucas' seminary experience was a 13-week trip to the Holy Land. "It was by far the most enjoyable experience of my training," he said. "I went with 36 classmates and four instructors. It was a rare opportunity, and it did wonders for me spiritually to walk where Christ walked. Some of us then went on to Rome for a week. It was life-changing."

Lucas enjoys outdoor sports, riding roller coasters, writing poetry and attending concerts and theater and spending time with family. His mother, Donna Lucas, lives in Park Falls; his brother, Tom, and his family live in Muskego; and his sister, Jean, and her family live in Racine. His father, William, died in 1991.

"One gift God has given me is the appreciation of beautiful things in life and in the natural world," he said, "and I believe liturgy can be a beautiful experience. I love music and have developed my voice while I was in seminary. I hope I can incorporate that into worship."

Since his ordination as transitional deacon last October, Lucas has assisted at St. Mark and St. Luke parishes in Two Rivers.

Fr. Larry Seidl said of Lucas, "I've been impressed with Jim's phenomenal growth in pastoral responsibility and his sense of spirituality. The Diocese of Green Bay is blessed to have such a fine candidate, and I look forward eagerly to his ordination to the priesthood."

Lucas sees the growing shortage of priests as a challenge. "I'm only one man, and I can only do so much. It's up to me to know myself so I can flourish. I'll have to ask, 'Where am I most needed?' and 'Could someone else do this?' I see more people being involved in the things of the church."

When asked what he is most looking forward to as a priest, Lucas said, "I'm looking forward to really having a spiritual home. I've had a lot of transitions in my life, and I long to be rooted in a community, available for the people and vice versa. I also look forward to celebrating the Mass and bringing the Good News to people's lives, sharing the mysteries of faith and a healing message of hope and forgiveness."