Growing
up in Sanborn, NY, Jim was greatly influenced by Father
Herold Nuwer who was then pastor of Immaculate Conception
Church in Ransomville. From the time Jim was about ten years
old until he was well into his seminary studies, Father
Nuwer was the pastor at his hometown parish.
Jim was youngest of the five children born to Judy and Jim
Kirkpatrick. Welcoming him into the world on July 21, 1979
were his sister Jamie and three brothers Dennis, Billy, and
Greg. He attended Colonial Village Elementary School and
Niagara Wheatfield Jr. and Sr. High School. He then went on
to Canisius College and spent one semester as a Biology
major. After that he switched to Political Science. He
thought he would become a teacher or professor some day.
Jim worked the same steady job summers and school breaks
from the age of seventeen until he entered the seminary. He
was employed at Yankee Doodle Brochure Distributors, a local
family owned business. The owner, who was also a
parishioner, asked Father Nuwer if he knew of a reliable
young person who would make a good employee. He recommended
Jim who held that job for the next seven years distributing
brochures all over Western New York.
About halfway through his junior year in college, Jim felt
called to the priesthood. He had thought about it before,
having discussed the idea with Father Nuwer, his mother, and
grandmother. Looking back, he remembered knowing lots of
great priests when he was growing up. It was appealing to
Jim to serve God like they did. He spent time praying about
his future, talking to friends and family, as well as Father
Leon Biernat, the vocation director at the time. After
graduating from Canisius College in May of 2002, he entered
Christ the King Seminary in August of the same year.
Although still somewhat unsure about becoming a priest, he
was willing to give it a more serious look.
Jim's pastoral year was spent at St. John the Baptist Parish
in Lockport. He was assigned as a deacon to St. Benedict
Parish in Eggertsville. His first summer assignment as a
seminarian was to St. Vincent de Paul Parish in North Evans.
He had very positive experiences at all the parishes he was
involved with. On ordination day, May 17, 2008, Father Jim
remembers being very happy. He was just taking it all in,
absorbing all that was going on, and enjoying being in the
moment. Bishop Edward U. Kmiec ordained him and two of his
classmates, Father Jim Fugle and Fathe Bob Zilliox. Father
Jim Kirkpatrick was thrilled to share the day with two of
his good friends.
Father Jim's first assignment as a priest was at SS. Peter
and Paul in Hamburg. Serving in a large parish has given him
lots of experience saying Mass, hearing confessions,
baptizing, and presiding at weddings and funerals.
Father Jim enjoys the company of his fellow priests,
especially his classmates, on his days off. He joins them
for lunch and sometimes a movie. He also spends time with
his parents, siblings, as well as four nieces and two
nephews when he gets the chance. He likes to play video
games, assemble and paint models, read and write short
stories. He enjoys running as a way to stay in shape and
alleviate stress. He follows college football, baseball,
soccer, and auto racing.
To those considering the priesthood, Father Jim advises
listening to God as well as trusted family and friends. He
encourages everyone to develop a good prayer life,
especially those considering priesthood. He feels people
should always take decisions, large and small, to prayer and
not just think about them analytically. If men allowed the
influences of society to pull them away from what they felt
called to be, no one would become a priest! For Father Jim,
the priesthood has given him the opportunity to make a
positive impact on society, particularly those to whom he
ministers. So far it has been a wonderful life and it has
given him opportunities to do things he would not have
otherwise done like ministry to prisoners and the poor. He
finds it a humbling experience to preside at the Liturgy of
the Eucharist.
Having expressed the desire to be a teacher and a writer,
Father Jim has joyfully discovered that through his
priesthood he is able to be both. Being open to God's plan
has led him to great happiness. Father Jim feels that it is
extremely fulfilling to be a priest and that there is
nothing else he would rather do.
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