“Preaching is making a connection with the life stories of my hearers – their hopes and fears, their joys and sorrows – ultimately connecting them with the stories Jesus told in his own preaching.” With these words, Father James Krings describes his life-long dedication to the ministry of preaching and his special devotion to touching the lives and hearts of his hearers.
The enthusiasm and joy evident in Father Krings’ preaching have made him both effective in proclaiming the Word and beloved by his congregation – and that is why Aquinas Institute honors him with title of “Great Preacher.” Aquinas Institute gives the Great Preacher Award annually to a priest who, by compelling and imaginative preaching, powerfully engages hearers with the Word of God.
“Good Preaching is never easy, and great preaching is never an accident.” Says Father Charles Bouchard, O.P., President of Aquinas Institute. “Father Krings’ love of preaching has touched many people in different circumstances – young and old, sick and well, the joyful and the mourning. His love for the ministry of preaching is a heartfelt gift to all who hear him. We are pleased to honor his commitment and dedication to proclaiming the Gospel message to all.”
Ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Saint Louis in 1971, Father Krings holds a B.A. in Philosophy, a Master of Divinity degree, a Masters’ Degree in Biblical Languages and Literature, and has done post graduate study in Christology and Ecclesiology. He has also completed Clinical Pastoral Education Residency.
During his priestly ministry, Father Krings has worked in secondary Catholic education as a teacher, a campus minister, and an administrator. His schools of service include Saint John the Baptist High School, Bishop DuBourg High School, and Christian Brothers College (C.B.C.). He has also been involved in providing pastoral care to the sick, serving as a chaplain at Saint Louis University Hospital and SSM Saint Mary’s Health Center (Saint Louis), and Mission Director at SSM Saint Joseph Hospital (Kirkwood). In addition to his special ministries, Father Krings has served the parish communities of Saint John the Baptist, Saint Matthias, Saint Patrick, Saint Cronan, Saint Francis DeSales, and Saint Joseph (Manchester).
“Early in my priesthood, I made a commitment to preach at every Mass – grappling with God’s Word gets very real when you encounter it daily,” says Father Krings. “It is the constant commitment to touch people at every opportunity, that inspires great preaching – and it is Father Krings’ exemplary commitment that we celebrate with the 2007 Great Preacher Award,” adds Father Bouchard.
The Great Preacher Award will be presented to Rev. James Krings September 30, 2007, at 5:00 pm Mass at Saint Joseph Church (Manchester). A reception in honor of Father Krings will be held immediately afterwards at the parish. For further information, contact Pat Workman at Saint Joseph Church (636) 227-5247.