Newly Ordained Biography: Rev. James Altman

Father James Altman was born on November 29, 1968 in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan to Francis and Joan Altman.  He was baptized at St. Joseph's in Rudyard, Michigan but calls Blessed Sacrament Parish in La Crosse his home.

After attending St. Agnes elementary school in Toledo, Ohio, Father James attended La Salle Middle and High School, graduating from high school in 1976.

After high school, Father James attended Lake Superior State University (Sault Sainte Marie, MI), the University of Michigan Graduate School of Business (Ann Arbor, MI), and the Thomas M. Cooley Law School (Lansing, MI).  Father James holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology (1981), a Master of Business Administration (1984), and a Doctorate of Law (Juris Doctor, 1991).

Father James has been an accountant for the city of Southfield, MI; a bank vice-president of commercial mortgages/loans; and an attorney for twelve years.

Father James attended the Pontifical College Josephinum (Columbus, OH) for pre-theology studies, completing the program in May 2004.  He holds a Certificate in Philosophy and a Certificate of Proficiency in Latin from the Josephinum.  Upon graduating from Mundelein Seminary in 2008, James was awarded a Bachelor's Degree in Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) and a Master of Divinity degree (M.Div.). He was ordained a deacon on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2007, at Saint Mary's in Tomah, Wisconsin by Bishop Jerome Listecki and was ordained a priest on the memorial of St. Irenaeus, June 28, 2008, at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph the Workman in La Crosse, Wisconsin by Bishop Jerome Listecki.

During the summer as a seminarian, Father James spent time at Blessed Sacrament Parish (La Crosse) and Saint Mary's (Tomah).  He has also participated in the the Institute of Priestly Formation in Omaha, Nebraska and Adventure Camp. In the summer of 2007, while serving as a deacon at St. Mary's, Tomah, he also participated in CPE-Hospital Ministry at Franciscan-Skemp Hospital in La Crosse

Father James's ecclesiastical interests include apologetics, Church history, and Reformation history.  His secular interests include baseball, hockey, and lacrosse.  James's favorite authors include Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, Peter Kreeft, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI. Father James's favorite music includes Chris Tomlin and Mercy Me.

Father James's favorite foods include (grilled) chicken, ice cream, and CokeZero.  His favorite saints are St. Isaac Jogues, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and St. Therese of Liseaux.  When asked why he entered seminary, Father James states, "God called, and it's hard to say no to someone you love and who loves you."  Father James states that people should pray for vocations because "the Holy Spirit makes your heart burn with love from Heaven itself when you pray for laborers for God's vineyard."  Father James finally states that men should consider priesthood because "nothing compares to doing things all for the greater glory of God, so ask Him and listen for His answer."