God's Canvas: An Exploration of Faith & Science

"One of the most common misconceptions is that faith and science are at odds with one another. Drawing upon painful events of the Church’s past (such as Galileo), the narrative people usually embrace is that faith and science are irreconcilable enemies that promise to be eternal adversaries. However, this narrative is false. Whether it be the long tradition of “priest scientists” who are responsible for some of the greatest discoveries of our time (such as Fr. George Lemaitre, “father” of the big bang), or the ongoing work of the Vatican Observatory, the truth about faith and science is that they are complementary explorations of truth, pointing us to our ultimate beginning and end." - from God's Canvas In “God’s Canvas: Exploring Faith Through Science and Creation,” Fr. James Kurzynski explores how faith and science can and should be dialogue partners in the exploration of truth. Drawing upon his work as an author for The Catholic Astronomer, the official blog of the Vatican Observatory Foundation, Fr. Kurzynski explores the relationship between faith and science through the lens of his life as a Catholic Priest, the Pastor of a Parish and Newman Center, and as a hobby astronomer, artist, and musician. Through this lens, Fr. Kurzynski will explore core questions that he is often asked as a Priest.

Fr. James Kurzynski is a priest of the Diocese of La Crosse,Wisconsin and a hobby astronomer. Originally from the small town ofAmherst in rural central Wisconsin, Fr. James completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, majoring inApplied Music (Saxophone, Voice, and Composition). After graduating fromUW-SP, Fr. James worked at the University of Nebraska at Kearney as aHall Director and pursued a M.S.ed. in Group Counseling. After a year atUNK, Fr. James left his position to attend the University of Saint Maryof the Lake - Mundelein Seminary to discern his priestly vocation.

Fr. James earned a Bachelor in Sacred Theology, a Master of Divinity, and a License in Sacred Theology. While pursuing these degrees, Fr. James also studied Spiritual Theology with the Institute of Priestly Formation atCreighton University and completed the Spiritual Exercises ofSt.Ignatius of Loyola.

Fr. James was ordained a priest June28,2003. Fr. James' first assignment was as an Associate atthe Tri-Parishes of St. Mary's - Durand, Holy Rosary Parish - Lima,and Sacred Heart Parish - Mondovi. After two years, Fr. James wasassigned as Chaplain and Instructor of Religion at Regis Middle and HighSchool and was also assigned Associate Vocation Director. In his finalyear at Regis, Fr. James was also appointed Parochial Administrator ofSaint Raymond of Penafort Catholic Church, serving south east EauClaire County. From 2012-2015, Fr. James served as Pastor of RoncalliNewman Parish, serving the college students of Western Technical Collegeand the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. In 2015, Fr. James wasnamed Pastor of St. Joseph's Parish in Menomonie, Wisconsin, which alsoserves St. Joseph's Grade School (pre-K thru 6) and the Newman Center at the University of Wisconsin - Stout. Fr. James also teaches Introduction to Philosophy for the Diocese of La Crosse's diaconal formation program.