Fr. James King, C.S.C., religious superior of Holy Cross priests and brothers at Notre Dame, will begin his term as director of the Office of Campus Ministry on April 2.
Appointed by Fr. Tom Doyle, C.S.C., vice president of student affairs, King will replace Interim Director Fr. Joseph Carey, C.S.C., who has served in the position since July 2010.
King said he is a three-time Notre Dame graduate, having earned an undergraduate degree, a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Nonprofit Administration from the University. After graduation, he said he chose to stay and serve the Notre Dame community.
"I've spent 21 years living in residence halls after graduating since entering [the Congregation of] Holy Cross," King said. "I was the rector at Sorin College from 2003 to 2010 and vocation director for Holy Cross from 1997 to 2005. I've taught business ethics, first year seminars, and pastoral practice and ethics for the [Masters of Divinity] program."
Doyle said King's "strong vision and broad worldview" will serve him well as director of Campus Ministry.
"The University community is lucky to have the pastoral leadership of Fr. Jim King," he said. "As an administrator, Fr. Jim has served and earned the respect of his fellow priests and brothers on campus."
Carey said the director's duties include organizing campus-wide events and supervising Campus Ministry and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
"It's the director's responsibility to respond to the needs of the Notre Dame community, sacramental preparation, retreats, faith sharing, and overseeing all that goes on in the Basilica," Carey said. "Also, he takes care of things like the memorial Masses we've had for students who have died and the September 11 anniversary Mass this fall. Things just happen, and then he responds to them."
Carey said his experience as interim director was "a joy of his life."
"I've been at Notre Dame for a long time, and working in Campus Ministry confirmed what I believe - that the students, faculty, and staff at Notre Dame are among the finest people any of us will ever meet," Carey said.
Carey said he is confident King will positively affect Campus Ministry.
"I hope that through his leadership, he will continue to inspire the wonderful staff of Campus Ministry and continue to make God known, loved and served," Carey said.
Doyle expressed similar confidence in King.
"His gifted mind and generous heart will bless students, faculty and staff at the University of Notre Dame," he said.
King expressed his excitement to begin working as director.
"Campus Ministry fulfills a vital role in the spiritual and liturgical life of Notre Dame that helps to define it as a place where the Holy Cross charisma of living and working among students is at the core of its mission," King said. "I am excited and blessed to have the chance to work with such great people dedicated to furthering that mission and growing together in faith."
