Epiphany’s New Pastor Father Jeff Nicolas

By Marlene Miller

July first and second was a time to observe the beginning of a new chapter for the Community of Epiphany as we celebrated Father Jeff’s first liturgy with us. On this weekend, to paraphrase Michael Joncas’ song, “We Come to Your Feast,” we begin the “weaving of our stories, the fabric of our lives; the dreams of those before us (and ours), and the promise of our future.”

Since his ordination on August seventh, 1993, Father Jeff’s journey to Epiphany has been paved with many experiences. Prior to the past five years serving as pastor of St. Lawrence Church, Father Jeff also served for two years at St. Barnabas and three years at St. James and St. Ignatius in Elizabethtown.

After Father Jeff begins his pastorship at Epiphany, he will resign from his military service of three years as a Navy chaplain, and as the Region V representative of the Archbishop’s Council (Epiphany is in Region IX). However, he will continue his position on the Priest Personnel Board, as well as finishing his work to acquire a doctorate in preaching from the St. Thomas Aquinas Institute for Preaching at St. Louis University.

Many parishioners were able to welcome Father Jeff and introduce themselves at Epiphany’s 35th Birthday Celebration on June fourth. Be sure to introduce yourself and welcome Father Jeff when the opportunity presents itself! It would be most helpful for Father Jeff if we all wore our name badges when attending Liturgy!

Welcome Father Jeff!