James Albert Murray facts for kids

Styles of James Albert Murray
Reference style	His Excellency The Most Reverend
Spoken style	Your Excellency
Religious style	Bishop

James Albert Murray (born July 5, 1932 – died June 5, 2020) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. A prelate is a high-ranking church leader. He served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo in Michigan from 1998 to 2009. A diocese is a church district led by a bishop.

Biography of Bishop James Murray

Early Life and Education

James Murray was born in Jackson, Michigan, on July 5, 1932. His parents were James Albert and Marcella Clare Murray. He had two older brothers, Joseph and William. James went to St. Mary's elementary and high schools in Jackson. During high school, he enjoyed sports like boxing and baseball. He was also elected president of his senior class.

After high school, James decided he wanted to become a priest. He went to Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Later, he studied at St. John's Provincial Seminary in Plymouth, Michigan. He received a Bachelor of Sacred Theology degree from St. John's.

Becoming a Priest

On June 7, 1958, James Murray was ordained as a priest. This ceremony was performed by Bishop Joseph H. Albers for the Diocese of Lansing. After becoming a priest, he was assigned to St. Joseph Parish in St. Joseph, Michigan. He worked there as a parochial vicar until 1961. A parochial vicar helps the main pastor of a church.

In 1961, he moved to St. Mary Cathedral Parish in Lansing. He served there as an assistant pastor. In 1962, Murray went to Washington, D.C., to study at Catholic University of America. He earned a Licentiate of Canon Law in 1964. Canon law is the set of rules and laws of the Catholic Church.

After returning to Lansing, Murray continued his work in different parishes. He was an assistant pastor at St. Therese Parish. In 1968, he moved to St. Gerard Parish in Lansing. In 1973, he became the rector of St. Mary Cathedral. The rector is the main priest in charge of a cathedral.

From 1968 to 1997, Murray also served as the chancellor of the diocese. A chancellor handles important administrative tasks for the bishop. He also worked as a judge in the church's tribunal. He was a chaplain for the Lansing Police Department. In 1993, he was given the special title of Monsignor.

Serving as Bishop of Kalamazoo

On November 18, 1997, Pope John Paul II chose James Murray to be the third bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo. He officially became a bishop on January 27, 1998. This special ceremony is called an episcopal consecration. Cardinal Adam Maida led the ceremony. Bishops Paul Vincent Donovan and Carl Frederick Mengeling also helped. The event took place at St. Augustine Cathedral in Kalamazoo.

As bishop, James Murray chose a special motto: "Rejoice in the Lord always." In 2006, he started a plan for Hispanic Latino Ministry in the diocese. He also created a program to help people who had experienced difficult events in their childhood.

Retirement and Passing

When Bishop Murray turned 75 in 2007, he sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI. Bishops usually retire at this age. His retirement was accepted on April 6, 2009. He continued to lead the diocese for a short time as an Apostolic Administrator. This means he managed things until a new bishop was chosen. His successor, Bishop Paul J. Bradley, officially took over on June 6, 2009.

James Murray passed away in Kalamazoo on June 5, 2020, at the age of 87.