Around The Diocese For Jan. 18
Happy Birthday!
Father Joseph Kane, retired priest of the Diocese of Evansville, celebrates his birthday on Jan. 23.
Deacon Albert Frabutt of St. Mary Parish in Sullivan and St. Joan of Arc Parish in Jasonville celebrates his birthday on Jan. 24.
Happy Anniversary!
Father Sudhakar Bhastati, associate pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Evansville, was ordained to the priesthood on Jan. 29, 2009.
Father Simon Natha, associate pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Vincennes and St. Philip Neri Parish in Bicknell, was ordained to the priesthood on Jan. 29, 2009.
Father Gries becomes a canon lawyer
Last week, The Catholic University of America formally notified Bishop Joseph M. Siegel that Father Jason Gries, pastor of Holy Redeemer Parish in Evansville, has completed his studies in Canon Law and will receive his degree at the end of this month.
“I started studies in the summer of 2013,” Father Gries told The Message. “Every June and July since, I was in D.C. for summer studies. In each of the fall and spring semesters in between, I took an online class while in the parish. Completion of the JCL required a one-hour oral comprehensive exam with three professors from the School of Canon Law. They were free to ask any question over the course of studies. I then wrote a thesis this fall for completion of the degree.
"When then-Bishop (Charles C.) Thompson first asked me about my interest in studying canon law, it was much like my call to priesthood,” Father Gries added. “Initially, I thought, 'there's no way I can do this.' After prayer, discussion with others and looking at my own gifts though, I could see God at work and accept the invitation. Studying while continuing as a pastor wasn't always the easiest; but God blessed me to be a good student, and I've had much support. Starting studies 10 years after I had been ordained, I was a little more ‘advanced’ in my priesthood than others with whom I studied. This priestly experience gave me a unique view and understanding of the parish and diocesan implications of canon law. Thank you to all of my family, friends, parish and diocesan staff that have supported me in this journey. I couldn't have done it without them."
