Fr. James is a Catholic Priest and member of the Dominican Order (Western Province in the United States of America) where he currently serves as Vicar Provincial for Advancement and is on the Provincial Council. Fr. James holds a DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) in Sacred Music (choral music) from the Catholic University of America in Washington DC.
Fr. James is from the small town of Coalinga in Central California. Fr. James did his undergraduate studies at Santa Clara University where he majored in music (organ performance) and double minored in History and Catholic Studies. He graduated cum laude in 1998. During his years at Santa Clara, Fr. James worked as an organist and member of the choir at St. Dominic’s Church in San Francisco under Mr. John Renke. Fr. James earned the Master’s in Music (organ performance) from the University of Notre Dame in 2000 where he studied organ with Dr. Craig Cramer and worked as a graduate assistant organist at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. In the fall of 2000, Fr. James entered the Dominican novitiate in Oakland, CA to begin his formation for the Priesthood. In 2004, he earned the MA degree in Philosophy – writing on music and morality. In 2008, he was ordained to the Priesthood and served for two years as a College Chaplain at the University of Arizona, Tucson.
Fr. James did his doctoral work at the Catholic University of America in Washington DC under Dr. Leo Nestor. During his time in DC, Fr. James was the director of the Schola Cantorum – an all male choir composed of Dominican seminarians and Priests at the Dominican House of Studies. In November 2013, the Schola released their first CD „In medio ecclesiae: Music for the New Evangelization.” In the fall of 2014, the Schola released their second album „Ave Maria: Dominican Chant for the Immaculate Conception.” His dissertation is entitled “Episcopal Tradition in the Midst of Reform: The Liturgical Works of Richard Wayne Dirksen.”
Fr. James’ musical interests include study of the Sacred Music of Mexico in the 17th and 18th centuries, study of Anglican Choral Music (especially in the 20th century), and music of the Portuguese Baroque. He also currently serves on the liturgy committee for the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
From January 2016 to July 2017 Fr. James served as Director of the Shrine of St. Jude at St. Dominic’s Church in San Francisco. There he helped provide pastoral care for people from all walks of life who were seeking help where help was almost despaired of. This ministry included a heavy component of work with the Hispanic Community which regularly worshiped at St. Dominic’s.
During 2016 Fr. James was also a Professor of Homiletics and Music Director of St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park, CA.
In July 2016, Fr. James was appointed the Vicar Provincial for Advancement for the Western Dominican Province – a job which helps promote and support the Mission of Preaching for the Salvation of Souls in the Western United States. Begging is a central and original part of the Dominican charism, and today the fruits of this begging go in large part to support the 35+ men in formation for the Western Province.
He resides at St. Dominic’s in San Francisco where in his spare time he enjoys ministry in the very thriving Parish.
He loves preaching and teaching as well as directing music for the liturgy. One of his greatest joys is being a family Priest to his large extended family and his many Godchildren. He has been very active in marriage preparation and in accompanying young adults in their faith journey.