Father Jim Manos is wrapping up his first year serving as Caldwell University’s Campus Minister. We sat down with him recently to talk about his fresh perspective and his vision for strengthening the faith community on Caldwell’s campus.

Father was raised Greek Orthodox, but was introduced to the Dominican Catholic tradition while attending St. Aedan’s grammar school in Jersey City where he was taught by the Sisters of St. Dominic. He recalls always feeling Catholic, and was especially drawn to the Church following Vatican II because it made Catholicism more accessible and understandable.

Following his conversion to Catholicism and his time in the seminary, Father Jim served in several parishes and was honored to serve Pope John Paul II during his 1995 visit to the Meadowlands where the Pontiff said mass for approximately 83,000 people. Father Jim also served as Pastor at St. Luke’s Church in Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ for 11 years before joining the Caldwell University community.

Retired from Parish life and now serving as Campus Minister, Father Jim is a consistent and welcoming presence on campus, offering spiritual guidance and support to students. In recent years, he has noticed many young people longing for community and turning to the faith, much like how he joined the Church later in life. Currently, two Caldwell students are preparing to receive the sacraments through OCIA (the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) this Easter
Season.

Father Jim describes coming to Caldwell University as “a gift to me, like coming back to my roots.”

Mass is said on campus every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. in the Sister Mary Dominic Tweedus Chapel located in the Newman Center. All are welcome regardless of faith backgrounds. Father Jim is also available to the campus community for spiritual guidance. Schedule time with him by contacting Campus Ministry at 973-618-3660.