Fr. Jim Van Vurst, OFM has been a Franciscan Friar for 50 years and a priest for 43 years. After ordination, he received his graduate degree in psychology and taught 15 years in his Province’s Franciscan college seminary. He has done Pastoral Counseling in mental health clinics. His ministries also include 15 years as chaplain at a maternity home, 11 years as Pastoral Care Director in a large midwestern retirement and nursing center as well as administration in his own Franciscan Province.

Fr. Jim currently is involved in retreats and recollection days and spiritual direction. His travels have taken him to Rome and Assisi, as well as to Nicaragua, El Salvador and Peru. He has been on the staff at St. Anthony Messenger Press and Americancatholic.org for the past two years in the ministry of evangelization.