Please Welcome the Basilica’s Newest Visiting Priest: Father Chris Goodwin

The Basilica was blessed to have Msgr. Michael Morgan be a visiting priest at our parish. As you may know, he just retired. We are now equally blessed to have another visiting priest come help out with Masses during daily Mass during the week and Sunday Masses during the weekend. In fact, he is scheduled to preside at his first Mass at the Basilica this Sunday, March 10, at the 1 p.m. Mass. I will let him introduce himself:

Hi, St. Mary’s! My name is Fr. Chris Goodwin. I’m 47 years old and in my 20th year as a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska. A native Midwesterner and the second of six kids, I come from an extended family full of educators and sports enthusiasts. I’ve played and followed all kinds of sports my whole life. These days I go for runs, as much for mental as for physical health. I also enjoy exploring the city looking for cozy coffee shops, bookstores, and other nooks and crannies.

Currently, I am in my second stint of service at the Apostolic Nunciature in northwest D.C. We are a staff of about a dozen people who assist Cardinal Christophe Pierre in his role of representing Pope Francis to the Church in the United States and being the liaison between the U.S. dioceses and the Holy See.

The priesthood has been an exciting adventure for me: I started out as an assistant pastor and Catholic school teacher, then became a pastor and Catholic school administrator, have now served at the Nunciature for a total of five years, and served my Bishop for awhile as vicar for clergy and minister to priests. About ten years ago, I received a deep experience of the Father’s love and inpouring of the Holy Spirit which began a process of inner healing and growth. Since then, I have enjoyed helping others experience God’s healing love in the context of retreats, preaching, and spiritual direction.

I’m excited (even if a little nervous!) to be joining St. Mary’s as a visiting priest. I look forward to sharing God’s word and the Bread of Life with you.

+ Father Chris