An Introduction to Fr. Jim

St. Eugene has a long history of very good pastors. I am honored to follow in their footsteps. As I begin this assignment, I ask for your prayers for me and for Father Krug. I have been seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in order to do my duty here faithfully and joyfully.

I have been ordained thirty years. I began my priesthood at Christ the King as associate to Father Jerry Mayfield (rest his soul). I have served in various parishes in the Archdiocese, of late twelve years at St. Thomas More University Parish in Norman. I have a JD from the University of Oklahoma, although I do not currently practice law.
I come with an Airedale (Laddie Boy) and a cat (Nova). Trust me, I am a happier person when I have a dog. I was never a cat person until Nova, who rescued me from a mouse infestation. I trust you will be kind to and patient with them. Laddie Boy can be a bit loud, but we’re working on that.

One thing I want you to know is that I will never ask you to give to a cause or fund raising effort unless I give to it as well. I believe in tithing (I was once a Baptist), and will continue to do that here at St. Eugene. We have a great opportunity here to build for the future and reclaim space for present needs. I am more than happy to give to this campaign and to promote it. I’m sure I will be talking to many of you personally about this. Par- ishes that dream big accomplish big things. Other things to know about me: I have a devotion to African American spirituals and will ask our choir to sing them on occasion; I don’t believe that Mass should go past an hour; I don’t tend to preach long homilies; I can speak Spanish but am rusty because I haven’t used it in twelve years; I very much enjoy doing Bible studies with my parish; I am addicted to golf; I often lead pilgrimages and pilgrimage is a core feature of my personal spirituality.

Finally, I don’t have a public persona and a private persona. I am known as a rather transparent priest. What you see is pretty much who I am. I am always in search of new friends and hope that I will find many here.

In Christ, Lord and Savior,
Fr. Jim Goins

To learn a little more about Fr. Jim, check out his video from the Serra Club below.