Father James Nash was chosen by the Most Rev. W. Francis Malooly, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, in June 2014, to be the pastor of Saints Peter and Paul Parish and School.
Father Nash was born in Wilmington, Delaware in 1962 and is a graduate of St. Mark’s High School in Wilmington, Delaware and the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He went on to study theology at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland and was ordained on October 29, 1995.
Father Nash’s first experience in Easton was 25 years ago when he was in his first year at seminary and came to speak at the Knights of Columbus, Regina Coeli Council 2274. The Knights of Columbus helped support him through his five years at St. Mary’s Seminary, sending funding yearly.
Father Nash has served as director of vocations for the Diocese of Wilmington for 6 years and then as associate pastor of Holy Family Parish in Newark, Delaware. He then became pastor of Christ Our King Parish in Wilmington, Delaware before going back to Holy Family Parish, this time as pastor.
Father Nash grew up in a large Catholic family and he always made attending church a priority in his life, particularly upon graduation from university when he got his first job as an accountant. Father Nash says he attended many churches in his quest for religious truth and meaning and believes he was called to become a priest.
Father Nash’s ministry has included acting as a chaplain for the Nemours Foundation’s Alfred I. Dupont Children’s Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware. He began as a volunteer with two others ten years ago and now is one among many at the hospital. He also works for Cross Catholic Outreach, an organization that is based in the United States but goes all over the world to help the poorest of the poor.
Father Nash is a believer in many things that are important, but he emphasizes two things: Good Liturgy and Good Preaching, with an emphasis on the Mass as the first step in achieving that. “You need to make sure you are putting your energy and your time with the people.” Nash states. The second is feeding the poor. Father Nash is greatly influenced by Pope Francis and he means a great deal to him.
With his new position as pastor of Saints Peter & Paul parish and schools, Father Nash looks forward to continuing the work he was called to do and work toward fostering an energetic and engaged parish and school for years to come.
Pastor James Nash
Associate Pastor Michael Angeloni
