Father Jim Clarke

With an extensive academic background in the fields of spirituality, adult education, counseling, ritual and depth psychology, Fr. Jim Clarke currently serves as the Chair of the Spirituality Commission of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and is an Associate Spiritual Director of the Cardinal Manning House of Prayer for Priests. 

He was ordained to the priesthood for Archdiocese of Los Angeles in May 1981. He received his training in Spiritual Direction from the Pecos Benedictine School of Spiritual Direction in 1980-81. Fr. Clarke’s experience includes10 years of parish ministry followed by 10 years coordinating the Adult Religious Education and Evangelization program for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and subsequently 1 year Co-Directing the Archdiocesan Office of Pastoral ministry. Fr. Clarke is presently serving as the Director of Spiritual Formation and Chairman of the Spiritual Theology Dept. at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo, CA. Fr. Clarke, a fluent Spanish speaker, is widely traveled; his work and further education have taken him to Israel, Mexico, Canada, Africa, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Guam, and American Samoa. 

He has a particular interest in mens’ work and his recently published books: Creating Rituals: A New way of Healing for Everyday Life and Soul Centered: Spirituality for People on the Go as well as his published CD/DVD series: The Way to God: A Guide for Men and A Spirituality for the Modern Individual serve to enhance his continuing public ministry of retreats, workshops, and conferences throughout the United States for priests, women religious, seminarians, parish and school staffs, as well as parishes at large. 

Fr. Clarke enjoys reading, landscaping, jogging, biking, hiking, camping, rafting, traveling, and backpacking.