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Pastorfrnickstmarymtvernon.orgMy name is Fr. Nick Junker. I am excited to be here with you at St. Mary and St. Barbara Parishes. Here’s a little about myself: I was born and raised in Belleville in Cathedral of St. Peter Parish. I attended Althoff Catholic High School in Belleville, DePaul University in Chicago and Mundelein Seminary.
I am blessed to have a close, tight-knit family who visits me often, no matter where my priestly adventures take me. I am sure you will get to meet them also. My father is a piano tuner and my mother is a recently retired nurse. My sister, Ashley, lives in Florissant, MO, with her husband and six children. I like to spend my spare time visiting with them. I also enjoy reading, 80’s films and music, swimming, playing cards, and sports.
In my 13 years of priesthood, I’ve served at St. Teresa in Belleville, Sacred Heart Parish in DuQuoin, the Newman Catholic Student Center at SIU Carbondale, and most recently Holy Trinity Parish in Fairview Heights. Currently I serve as Director of Seminarians for the Diocese of Belleville. Journeying with our seminarians over the past few years has been a highlight of my priesthood. In my priesthood I’ve also been very involved in retreat ministry – Cursillo, TEC, Quest, Awakenings, Luke 18, etc. I love working with youth!
I have been looking forward to joining your faith communities about which I have heard so many good things. I know that many challenges and opportunities await as I begin. I will be relying on your advice and your patience as I tread these new waters. Most of all, I will rely on God’s Spirit of love that is poured out into our hearts and makes all things possible. Thank you in advance for welcoming me!
LOOK FOR MESSAGES FROM FR. NICK IN THE WEEKLY PARISH BULLETIN!
