Father James Kruse named second vicar general for diocese

Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, has appointed Father James Kruse as a vicar general of the Diocese of Peoria to serve as a primary adviser in all administrative aspects of governing the diocese.

In his new role, Father Kruse joins Msgr. Paul Showalter, PA, who has served as vicar general since 2004.

The appointment marks a return to the diocese having more than one vicar general. When Msgr. Showalter was appointed, for example, he shared the role with two other priests — the late Msgr. James F. Campbell and Msgr. Steven Rohlfs, who became rector of Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Maryland the following year.

“It’s very humbling and somewhat overwhelming,” said Father Kruse, 40, of the appointment, which took effect at noon on Tuesday, March 1. “I look forward to learning a lot from Msgr. Showalter — from his years of experience and his pastoral skills.”

Father Kruse, who last summer completed studies for a degree in canon law from Catholic University of America, will continue to serve as pastor of St. Monica’s Parish in East Peoria and as adjutant judicial vicar of the diocesan tribunal.

While a vicar general assists the bishop in all administrative aspects of the diocese, most of his duties usually involve oversight of priests, including personnel matters, and addressing concerns within parishes. He is a member of nearly every diocesan committee.

How Msgr. Showalter, 70, and Father Kruse will divide the duties is still being worked out on practical levels; however, Msgr. Showalter has indicated long-range planning for parishes will be one of his priorities in the months and years ahead.

Ordained in 1996, Father Kruse is former vicar of the LaSalle vicariate, assistant vocations director, and vice-chancellor of the diocese. Prior to his present duties at St. Monica’s, East Peoria, he also served as pastor of parishes in Granville, Hennepin, Mendota, Peterstown, Wyoming, Camp Grove, and Earlville.

He is the son of Deacon Fred and Gail Kruse, now of Chillicothe and former directors of King’s House of Retreats in Henry, now called Nazareth House.

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