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Fr. James Kurzynski

About Fr. James Kurzynski

Fr. James Kurzynski is a priest of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wisconsin and a hobby astronomer. Originally from the small town of Amherst in rural central Wisconsin, Fr. James completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, majoring in Applied Music (Saxophone, Voice, and Composition). After graduating from UW-SP, Fr. James worked at the University of Nebraska at Kearney as a Hall Director and pursued a M.S.ed. in Group Counseling. After a year at UNK, Fr. James left his position to attend the University of Saint Mary of the Lake - Mundelein Seminary to discern his priestly vocation. Fr. James earned a Bachelor in Sacred Theology, a Master of Divinity, and a License in Sacred Theology. While pursuing these degrees, Fr. James also studied Spiritual Theology with the Institute of Priestly Formation at Creighton University and completed the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Fr. James was ordained a priest June 28, 2003. Fr. James’ first assignment was as an Associate at the Tri-Parishes of St. Mary’s - Durand, Holy Rosary Parish - Lima, and Sacred Heart Parish - Mondovi. After two years, Fr. James was assigned as Chaplain and Instructor of Religion at Regis Middle and High School and was also assigned Associate Vocation Director. In his final year at Regis, Fr. James was also appointed Parochial Administrator of Saint Raymond of Penafort Catholic Church, serving south east Eau Claire County. From 2012-2015, Fr. James served as Pastor of Roncalli Newman Parish, serving the college students of Western Technical College and the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. In 2015, Fr. James was named Pastor of St. Joseph's Parish in Menomonie, Wisconsin, which also serves St. Joseph's Grade School (3K thru 6) and the Newman Center at the University of Wisconsin - Stout. In 2017, in addition to his responsibilities to St. Joseph Parish and StoutCatholic, Fr. James was also named Pastor of St. Luke Parish in Boyceville, Wisconsin. In July of 2018, Fr. James was named the Pastor of St. Olaf Parish in Eau Claire. Wisconsin. Fr. James also teaches Introduction to Philosophy for the Diocese of La Crosse’s diaconal formation program. In regard to his interest in astronomy, Fr. James is a member of both the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society and the La Crosse Area Astronomical Society. He taught an Introduction to Astronomy course during his time at Regis High School in Eau Claire. Fr. James' first involvement with the Vatican Observatory came when an inquiry led to the development of the first "Faith and Astronomy Workshop" (FAW), designed for parish educators and clergy that are not professional scientists.

Fantasy and Reality: Vacation Journal Part Three

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As is often the case with good vacations, I’ve been trying to find creative ways to hold onto the joy and peace I found while exploring Portland, Oregon and the area around the city. Since I am a bit of a shutter bug, much of my holding on has been through pictures. As I have shared my pictures on social media, some of my friends have commented that forests I visited look like something out of a fantasy novel. When gazing at towering redwoods, mystic waterfalls, and inviting trails, fantasy and reality easily blend as Washington Park meets Lord of the Rings. This commingling of fantasy and reality also sparked my creative side. I have long desired to write a book on the Catholic perspective on care for creation. Of the many thought experiments I’ve played with, one of them has been to write some type of fantasy story that would include a sacramental view of creation. For fun, I … Continue reading →

Musings from the Sanctuary: Vacation Journal Part Two

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About a year ago, I received a phone call from one of my former students, Kelsey Mattick, with a request I often receive as a priest: “Would you be available to officiate my wedding?” These requests are both an honor and difficult to receive. They are an honor because they communicate that I have made a significant impact in someone’s life as a priest. They are also difficult because the schedule often leads me to decline these requests. Kelsey and Sri’s request would have been ripe for a rejection since it was in Portland, Oregon and I live in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Thankfully, I looked at my calendar and was able to not only say “yes” to officiating the wedding but was able to schedule two weeks of vacation in the Portland area! Last week, I offered a journal reflection about my trip to the Redwood Trail at the Hoyt Arboretum. This week, I want to reflect upon a beautiful grotto … Continue reading →

Like A Cedar Of Lebanon, He Shall Grow: Vacation Journal Part One

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This past week, I have been blessed with the first of two weeks of vacation. Next week, I will explain why I am in Portland, Oregon and the connection I found between Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si’ and my vacation. For this week, I want to share a simple reflection based on the readings from this past Sunday’s Mass and my visit to the Hoyt Arboretum at Washington Park. For starters, let’s get last Sunday’s first reading back in our heads and hearts. Thus says the Lord GOD: I, too, will take from the crest of the cedar, from its topmost branches tear off a tender shoot, and plant it on a high and lofty mountain; on the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it. It shall put forth branches and bear fruit, and become a majestic cedar. Birds of every kind shall dwell beneath it,, every winged thing in the shade of its boughs. And all the trees … Continue reading →

Faith and Science in the Classroom: Class Seven – ET Evangeliation? Sacraments in Space!

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As I have been putting together these reflections on faith and science in the classroom, there has been a topic looming in the background as the proverbial elephant in the middle of the room: What happens to Christianity if we discover intelligent life on another planet? This question is both compelling and loaded. First off, we need to break down this question into a series of clarifying questions.   What do we mean by life? What do we mean by intelligent life? Is intelligent life synonymous with human life? How do we understand the difference between human life and other kinds of life? Can we conceptualize a type of intelligent life that isn’t human life? What does it mean to be made in God’s image and likeness?   From these questions, we can develop another series of clarifying questions.   What is the role of science in defining life? What is the role of philosophy in defining life? What is … Continue reading →

Faith and Science in the Classroom: Class Six – The Catholic Contribution To Science.

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What is the best way to promote a healthy relationship between faith and science? There are many directions we can take when trying to answer this question. In my opinion, one of the clearest ways is to explore Catholics who were and are active in the sciences.   When most people think of people in faith and science, most gravitate toward Galileo and Bruno (topics we will explore in future “classes”). Much could and will be said of these two figures, but what I find interesting is how there are far more examples of Catholics in science that were embraced by the Church as scientists than those who were criticized. Whether it be the “Father” of the Big Bang, Monsignor Georges Lemaitre, or the man whose garden became the crib of modern genetics, Gorger Mendel, what is found in the study of the “Catholics of Science,” both clergy and lay person, is a rich history of key figures that have … Continue reading →

Faith and Science In The Classroom: Class Five – Caring For The Environment And The Ecology That Is Us.

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One of the clearest areas of collaboration between faith and science is care for creation. In the Catholic tradition, care for creation has long been accepted as one of the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching (CST). Though matters of ecology usually spiral into politically driven emotionalism, the approach to care for creation found in CST is quite practical and common sense. For example, as I was out fishing with one of my parishioners, I was reminded of the need for clean water that not only provides for human needs, but builds up healthy ecosystems for the communities we live. As we enjoyed a successful day that included three “keepers” for dinner, I was reminded of a simple fisherman’s ethic that fits nicely with CST: If you want to catch and eat fish from a lake, don’t pollute the lake. The modern theology of ecology derives from three, historic events. On the positive side, the exploration of space and images … Continue reading →

Faith and Science in the Classroom: Class Four – Can A Christian Believe In Evolution?

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One of the more inflammatory subjects in the United States in regard to faith and science is evolution. The mere mention of the topic can lead to a combative atmosphere with little hope for anything healthy emerging. What I find a bit surprising is the number of brother priests who think that evolution is somehow against Catholicism. Whether it be the Catechism of the Catholic Church when it says that “methodological research in all branches of knowledge, provided it is carried out in a truly scientific manner and does not override moral laws, can never conflict with faith” (CCC 159), Pius XII stating that the material origins of our body evolving from preexisting matter is not against Scripture (Humani Generis 36),  St. John Paul II stating the evolution is more than a hypothesis (Message to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences: On Evolution 4), or Benedict XVI stating that it is absurd to think that Biblical creation and evolution are at … Continue reading →

Faith and Science in the Classroom: Class Three – The Limits Of Science And The Exploration Of Truth

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In my previous posts on Science in the Classroom, I’ve presented resources to you on the themes of Awe and Wonder and the question, What does it means to be human? In both sets of resources, what begins to emerge is that a powerful bridge between faith and science is found when the measurable and quantifiable aspects of creation begin to point to a beauty and elegance that sparks a sense of wonder, evoking an organic ethical vision of protecting the dignity of the human person and all of creation. This relationship between “a world of measurements” and “a world of wonder and dignity” reminds me of St. Bonaventure’s classic work, The Mind’s Journey to God. Click here to view a video I did for the Vatican Observatory Foundation, explaining this distinction in the thought of St. Bonaventure. What begins to emerge from the writings of St. Bonaventure is the idea that faith and science explore fundamentally different types of questions, … Continue reading →

Faith and Science in the Classroom: Class Two – What Is Life And What Does It Mean To Be Alive?

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When I was in seminary, one of my professors, Dr. David Fagerberg, explained that you can understand the Sacraments in one of two ways. The first way is to ask, What is it? This is an approach that is analogous to a frog dissection project, looking at definitions that address matter, form, substance, and presence. The second way is to ask, How are the Sacraments effective in our lives? This question explores themes like – What does it mean to say that Baptism removes all sin, personal and Original Sin? What does it mean when Jesus says unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood you do not have life within you? What does it mean to say that Viaticum prepares the soul with the Anointing of the Sick and the final reception of the Eucharist to take life’s ultimate journey from this life to eternity? An insight I gained was that we need to ask both type of questions … Continue reading →

Faith and Science in the Classroom: Class One – Awe and Wonder and Pastoral Applications

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In the weeks to come, I will offer brief reflections on two projects to bring science into the seminary classroom. Seminary, for those who do not know, is the name given to the school that future priests attend. The name “seminary” means “a seedbed.” Therefore, a seminary is not only a school of academics, but it is an environment of formation in which the soil of our hearts is tilled to receive the seeds of faith. As I have written about in the past, one of the deficiencies I experienced in my seminary education was instruction on questions of faith and science. Whether it be writing for The Catholic Astronomer, participating in wonderful experiences like the Faith and Astronomy Workshop, or being a guest on Slooh, God has allowed me to embark on a unique “independent study” that has borne a great deal of fruit to help address this deficiency. Recently, I was honored to meet Jennifer Wiseman, Director of … Continue reading →

Decay and Change: The Collision of Two Concepts of Time

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The Lenten and Easter Seasons are of great significance in the Christian life. The call into the spiritual desert to embrace the practices of fasting, penance, and almsgiving are meant to transform the human heart to be more conformed to the love of Jesus Christ. When this purification has concluded, we are to embrace a celebratory disposition of heart as we remember Christ’s resurrection and the empty tomb. Central to these seasons is a rather unique understanding of time. We began Lent on Ash Wednesday, marked with the ash from burned palm branches as a reminder of our call to repentance (Repent, and return to the Gospel) and to embrace humility (Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return). This starting point marks the beginning of a forty day journey, give or take a couple days based on when Easter falls, to focus intently on the themes of penance and purification. The period of forty days and … Continue reading →

A NASA Communications Expert, A Nobel Laureate, and a Parish Priest Walk Into A Bar… Highlights from the 2018 Logan Visionary Conference

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Back on March 11th, I had the honor of keynoting the 2018 Logan Visionary Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. This past weekend, the presentations were published online. Below, I will share two presentations and a prerecorded interview with you. The first is my own presentation, exploring the question of cosmological and theological heaven. The second is the presentation that came after me by Michelle Thaller, exploring our understanding of the universe’s origins from a scientific perspective. Lastly, I will share a prerecorded interview with Nobel Laureate John C. Mather that was shown at the conference, covering a range of topics from the James Webb Telescope to his thoughts on God. Enjoy!                       My keynote presentation. One correction: Toward the end, I speak of Fr. Coyne’s analogy of 13.7 billion years reduced to a calendar year. I say that the human person emerged in the last two minutes on “January 31st.” That … Continue reading →