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Father James Rodriguez: Hearing the Call in the Silence of the Sacrament
Life of Priest
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Jan 11, 2025
Father James Rodriguez serves as pastor at St. Rose of Lima Parish in Rockaway Beach, Queens, a community as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. With Masses offered in English, Spanish, and Polish, Father James has embraced a ministry deeply rooted in service and a love for the Eucharist.
From his early days as an altar server to 15 years of priesthood, Father James’ story is a testament to how God works through the everyday moments of life, calling each of us to live out His mission by drawing strength from the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Foundations of Faith
Raised in Queens by devout parents who immigrated from the Dominican Republic, Father James grew up in a household steeped in prayer. His parents’ nightly rosary and daily devotion to the Eucharist laid the foundation for his own faith journey.
“My parents didn’t pray to inspire me—they prayed because they loved God,” Father James recalls. This consistency became a cornerstone of his vocation. From his earliest memories of attending Mass with his father to altar-serving and working in the parish rectory, his experiences nurtured a deep love for the Church.
Discovering the Call
As a teenager, Father James began to sense a potential call to the priesthood, thanks in part to a close friend who entered the seminary. This friend’s example made the idea of priesthood tangible and real.
Though Father James initially assumed he’d get married, his time in prayer and conversations with his spiritual director revealed a different plan. Father explained that the seminary isn’t just for those who are certain about their vocation. “It's for discernment… You're in a community of guys just like you who are thinking about it. Some are more sure than others, but it's not a place for 100% certainty and clarity.”
It was through his steady progression through the seminary that solidified the sense that God was placing a call to the priesthood on heart, ultimately leading him to embrace the diocesan priesthood in his home diocese of Brooklyn.
A Life of Service
Over the years, Father James has served in parishes, taught at a high school seminary, and pursued studies in mental health counseling. Each experience has deepened his love for the Eucharist and shaped his pastoral ministry.
His counseling background, in particular, has been invaluable. “People come to their priests first when they’re struggling,” Father James shares. “Having tools to listen and guide them in moments of anxiety or sadness has been a great gift.”
Anchored in the Eucharist
The Eucharist is the heartbeat of Father James’ priesthood. Growing up at Blessed Sacrament Parish and later discovering the writings of St. Peter Julian Eymard ignited a lifelong devotion to the Real Presence.
“What people often misunderstand about the Eucharist,” Father James says, “ is very simply, He is there. It's not a question of doctrine or dogma or even theology, even though there's so much of all three of those involved and beautifully so. But at the end of the day, the Eucharist is a person.”
This love for the Eucharist permeates his daily life, whether he’s celebrating Mass, sitting in quiet adoration, or sharing Christ’s presence with others.
Words of Wisdom
For those discerning a call to the priesthood or seeking to deepen their relationship with God, Father James offers simple yet profound advice:
Spend Time with Jesus: “Prayer is like any friendship—you have to spend time together. Be intentional, whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour. The more time you spend with Him, the clearer His voice becomes.”
Don’t Be Afraid: “The seminary is a place to discern, not a place for certainty. Trust God enough to take the first step.”
Embrace Consistency: To parents hoping to pass on their faith, Father James emphasizes the power of simple, consistent prayer. “Bring your kids to church, pray together, and let the faith become a natural part of your family life.”
A Day in the Life
Though there’s no such thing as a “typical day” for Father James, his life revolves around the Sacraments, parish ministry, and time spent with his parish school community. From celebrating daily Mass to fixing leaky pipes, he embraces every aspect of his vocation with joy and trust in God.
Listen to Fr. James story now!
“For all the busyness, everything finds its meaning in Christ,” he says. “Without Him, it would lose its purpose. With Him, it becomes a gift.”
Closing Thoughts
Father James’ journey reminds us of the beauty of a life rooted in prayer and service. Whether you’re discerning your vocation or simply seeking to grow closer to God, his witness is a powerful encouragement to trust in the Lord’s plan.
As Father James says, “Scripture says it 365 times. Pope St. John Paul II said it all the time too—Don't be afraid.”
