Photo credit: Detroit Catholic

For Fr. James Musgrave ’05, Catholic Central was much more than a high school. It was the place where a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ first began.

Ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Detroit in June 2026, Fr. Musgrave recently reflected on the role Catholic Central played in his faith journey and vocation.

"I did not grow up Catholic nor Christian, so CC is where I met Jesus for the first time," Fr. Musgrave said. "Though it took another 10 years for me to fully surrender my life to Him (God is immensely patient and merciful), the seeds planted at CC ultimately led to me getting baptized and confirmed in 2012."

As a student, Fr. Musgrave was actively involved in athletics, playing football and competing in shot put and discus.

"The discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship that I learned on the practice and playing field have been instrumental in both my personal and professional life," he said.

Looking back, Fr. Musgrave credits Catholic Central with helping shape both his character and his faith.

"I am immensely grateful to CC for instilling in me a love of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge," he said. "The fullness of those is found in Jesus alone, and CC was instrumental in my path to discovering that. I also appreciated the emphasis on brotherhood, which is extremely important in the priesthood as well."

Several teachers and mentors left a lasting impact on him during his time as a Shamrock.

"Mrs. LeForge, my first religion teacher, really taught me how to read Scripture and study theology. Mr. Grewe, my English teacher and track coach, had a passion for teaching and coaching that always inspired me and called me to greatness. Mrs. Chabala was the best math teacher I ever had, and Mr. Babicz and his father were the reason I even made it to CC in the first place. I am indebted to the Babicz family for launching me into this adventure of discipleship."

Before entering the seminary, Fr. Musgrave pursued an extensive academic and professional path that included college, graduate studies, and medical school. Today, he sees God's hand at work through every step of that journey.

"God is immensely patient and merciful, and He can (and wants) to use anything to draw us closer to Him," he said. "All of my experiences or mistakes, both personal and professional, have made me the man and disciple that I am today, and I am confident God will continue to use those things to help me draw others closer to Him."

He also shared a lesson that transformed his relationship with God and helped him move through a period of uncertainty in his life.

"Learning that I am loved not for what I do (or don't) do, but simply for who I am, was the game-changer for me," Fr. Musgrave said. "There's such freedom, joy, and hope in being rooted in one's identity in Jesus. It's hard to trust someone you don't know, so once you have that firm foundation built on love and Sonship, the trust starts to build."

When asked what advice he would offer current Catholic Central students seeking to discern God's call in their own lives, Fr. Musgrave pointed to a simple but powerful framework.

"Relationship, identity, and mission. This is the paradigm for anyone trying to grow as a disciple of Jesus. Before we know our mission, we must be rooted in our identity in Jesus, and the only way to do that is to grow in relationship with Him. Focus on that relationship through prayer and the sacramental life of the Church, and everything else will be revealed in God's timing."

As he begins his priestly ministry, Fr. Musgrave remains enthusiastic about the life of discipleship that first took root during his years at Catholic Central.

"Being a disciple of Jesus is the thrill of a lifetime!" he said. "There's nothing more fulfilling than serving the King of Kings. Sell out completely for Jesus and be great!"

Effective July 1, 2026, Fr. Musgrave has been appointed Full-Time Priest Support to the South Oakland 3 Family of Parishes. It is anticipated that he will serve primarily at St. Hugo of the Hills Parish in Bloomfield Hills.

The Catholic Central community congratulates Fr. Musgrave on his ordination and this exciting new chapter of ministry. We are proud to call him a Shamrock and wish him God's blessings and continued success as he begins serving the faithful of the Archdiocese of Detroit.