Former Bishop to Teach at Ohio Dominican University

May 25, 2005
The Columbus Dispatch

Columbus' former Roman Catholic bishop, James A. Griffin, will join the faculty of Ohio Dominican University next month.

"I think it will be a way to keep me intellectually active and alive," he said. "I think I can continue to influence other people's lives, especially young people on the campus and the other members of the faculty."

Griffin, 70, will be a distinguished professor of theology and also will assist in campus ministry. He announced his retirement last fall and was succeeded by Bishop Frederick Campbell in January.

Jack Calareso, Ohio Dominican president, said he approached Griffin some months ago about joining the faculty. Griffin waited to make a decision until after knee-replacement surgery, which he had in February.

Calareso said Griffin has always been a supporter of the school and joins the faculty as "a distinguished theologian and an accomplished scholar."

Griffin said he will work about 20 hours a week, giving lectures. Working with students is "one of the real attractive aspects of this job," he said.

Calareso said Griffin will be paid what a theology professor would be paid, prorated to part time. He would not say what that amount is.

Griffin said it is unlikely he will teach full time. He said he also helps with Masses at St. Joan of Arc parish near Powell, where he is a member, and will be doing confirmations for the diocese.

Reprinted with permission, The Columbus Dispatch, May 2005