Meet our Pastor

Mary Magdala Community

Rev. Jim Ryan, M.Div., Ph.D.

Whether organizing neighborhoods in Detroit, raising funds for education in Appalachian Kentucky, employing persons with disabilities in Wisconsin, or leading international programs for marginalized persons Jim’s sense of priestly ministry is to build community. Ordained as a Passionist in Chicago (1974) and married to Jean Ford (1985), Jim’s practice of ministry celebrates the freedom of the children of God (Romans 8:21).

Jim’s doctoral studies explored piety as a social virtue. Action is a devotion which we put into practice in community. You can read all about this in Jim’s book, A Liturgical Year in the life of one inclusive community. amazon.com

A singular experience of joining theology and justice for Jim happened at Gethsemani Abbey when he met both Thomas Merton and Joan Baez. which you can read about in, “Thomas Merton, Joan Baez and the Midnight Run to Bardstown,” The Merton Seasonal, Winter 2020.