Father C.P. Varghese Arrives At St. Jospeh's Catholic Church

As the youngest in a devout Catholic family of seven, Father C.P. Varghese always knew what he wanted to do with his life.

No dramatic moment occurred, but from the age of 7, the new priest at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Kimball had a desire to become a priest.

"Everyone always told me it was good to be a priest," he recalled. "I come from a very devout Catholic family. From early childhood, I have always attended Mass every day. The family went to Mass."

Father Varghese continued to explain that he has three sisters, and they are all in the convent.

Previous Indian priests who served at St. Joseph's, including Father James and Father Sagar, as well as Father Varghese, belong to the priesthood order of Salesians of Don Basco.

After serving as a priest for 20 years in India, Father decided he needed a break, and he came to the United States to serve. Going on his seventh year here in western Nebraska, Father has served at North Platte St. Pat's, Bridgeport, Bayard and Dalton.

Now he has been directed to be the parish priest by the bishop of the Grand Island diocese to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Kimball, and St. Joseph's will share Father Varghese with Sidney St. Pat's.

"I am excited to be here and work with the two communities, Sidney and here," he said. "I feel quite at home here."

The Grand Island diocese has 14 Indian priests, which is about one-third of the active clergy in the diocese. At 56, Father Varghese will have 14 years to serve here as a parish priest.

"I will be here until my retirement," he said.

In addition to the priesthood, Father Varghese uses his Ph.D. in counseling to help people through difficult times.

The Annual Parish Picnic and Mass on Sunday, Aug. 15, at Gotte Park will be a perfect opportunity to meet Father C. P. Varghese. Mass is at 4 p.m., followed by the picnic. Fried chicken, hot dogs, watermelon and drinks will be provided.