CORPUS CHRISTI, TX, September 03, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Fr. James Craig has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Fr. Craig currently serves as Parochial Vicar at St. Patrick Catholic Church and School in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he has ministered for one year within the Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi. In this capacity, his responsibilities are shaped by the needs of those he serves rather than a fixed schedule. He provides on-call chaplaincy services at local hospitals, responds to parishioners seeking counsel or sacraments, celebrates daily Mass or Holy Eucharist each evening and prepares engaged couples for marriage. Additionally, he officiates funeral services and cemetery committals, assists in parish office administration and visits local homebound parishioners, families and nursing home residents. His approach to ministry emphasizes availability and presence, reflecting a commitment to supporting individuals during pivotal moments in their lives.
Alongside his parish ministry, Fr. Craig is also a Chaplain in the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, holding the rank of Captain in the U.S. Army Reserve and serving since 2019. His military service began as a Chaplain Candidate while he was completing his seminary studies. After ordination and earning his master's degree in theology, he accessioned as a full Chaplain. In this role, he provides religious support as well as moral and ethical advisement to Soldiers one weekend each month. His expertise encompasses religious support, counseling and spiritual direction, relational ministry and family outreach. These skills have enabled him to serve people of any religious affiliation or none at all, fostering resilience and building trust-based relationships — an achievement he considers central to his ministry.
Fr. Craig is also active within the Knights of Columbus as a third-degree member and serves as Chaplain for Knights of Columbus Council 1202 in Corpus Christi, Texas. His professional journey is marked by a dedication to building bridges within both civilian and military communities, ensuring that individuals in crisis have someone they can trust and turn to for guidance.
Academically, Fr. Craig's foundation began with a bachelor's degree in philosophy, with minors in theology and sacred music, from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio, graduating in 2019. During his time there, he competed as a track athlete for the Steubenville Barons, helping set university records in the 4x100 and 4x400 relays while running short- and mid-distance sprints. He continued his education at St. Mary's Seminary in Houston, Texas, and the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, where he earned a master's degree in theology.
Overall, Fr. Craig attributes his achievements to the steadfast support of family and friends, a deep dependence on God cultivated through prayer and reflection and an enduring work ethic focused on developing virtue and good character. Raised in Robstown, Texas, within a family deeply involved in church life and community outreach, he first sensed an openness to a religious vocation at age eight. By age fourteen, he felt drawn specifically toward military chaplaincy due to the significant need for Catholic priests in that field. This calling influenced his academic choices throughout high school and college as he prepared for the priesthood, intending to serve both church parishioners and soldiers alike, and through perseverance and fortitude he has found fulfillment in his dual role of priestly ministry and military chaplaincy.
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