Fr. Jim Stenberg celebrates 25 years of priesthood

Rev. Jim Stenberg, CSB, a member of the Congregation of St. Basil and chaplain at St. Joseph’s College at the University of Alberta, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.

Father Jim was ordained on March 16, 2001, at St. Anthony’s Church in Edmonton by Cardinal Thomas Collins, the Archbishop of Edmonton at the time. Born in Red Deer on April 10, 1970, he is the son of Joseph Stenberg and Donna Donaldson.

Father Jim’s connection to St. Joseph’s College began during his student days. While pursuing an honours degree in mathematics at the University of Alberta, he lived in St. Joseph’s College Residence, beginning a relationship with the college community that has continued throughout much of his life and ministry.

In 2000, Fr. Stenberg returned to St. Joseph’s College as director of residence, a role he held until 2003. It was during this time that he was ordained a priest. The celebration also reflected the close ties of the college community: the former president of St. Joseph’s College, Rev. Terry Kersch, served as a deacon at Father Jim’s ordination. In another connection across generations, Rev.  Glenn MacDonald — who would later succeed Father Jim as chaplain at St. Joseph’s College — was living in residence as a student during Father Jim’s time as director.

Following his ordination, Father Jim briefly served as chaplain at St. Joseph’s College Chapel in 2001 before continuing his ministry in other parts of Canada.

Father Jim served in Windsor, Ont., as associate pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Parish. Prior to that, he ministered at Holy Rosary Parish in Toronto, first as associate Pastor and later as parish administrator.

Father Jim has also pursued extensive academic formation. He holds two Master’s degrees, one in philosophy and one in divinity, and has also studied and served in Toronto, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Tehuacán, Mexico.

Since 2018, Father Jim has once again served as Chaplain at St. Joseph’s College Chapel in Edmonton, accompanying students, staff, and faculty in their faith lives.

As he marks the 25th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, the community of St. Joseph’s College and the Congregation of St. Basil give thanks for Father Jim’s faithful ministry and his ongoing service to the Church.