Family & Background:
James Edwin Lease was born of Edwin and Judy Lease and was raised in the bucolic farmlands of Columbia County, PA. His sister Deborah is married to Steve Veit and lives in Minnesota. Fr. Lease is an Eagle Scout, and enjoys camping, hiking, canoeing. He is also an Organist who takes a special interest in North German Baroque music. Fr. Lease may be contacted by email at: frjlease@hbgdiocese.org.
Education:
G.C. Hartman Elementary School
Southern Columbia Area Jr.-Sr. High School (Graduated in 1994)
College:  

Pennsylvania State University – B. S. in Chemical Engineering, with honors in Chemical Engineering, minor in Chemistry (1998)

University of Delaware – M. S. in Chemical Engineering (2000) Theology and Philosophy

Mt. St. Mary’s University – Pre-Theology Philosophy Program (2002)

Pontifical Gregorian University – Sacred Theology Bachelor, magna cum laude (2005)

Pontifical Gregorian University – Sacred Theology License in Biblical Theology, summa cum laude (2007)

Sacred Orders:

Deacon – October 6, 2005 at the Archbasilica of St. Peter in the Vatican, by Most. Rev. Donald Wuerl, Bishop of Pittsburgh
Presbyter – June 23, 2006 at the Cathedral of St. Patrick, Harrisburg, by Most Rev. Kevin C. Rhoades, Bishop of Harrisburg Priestly Assignments
2006 (Summer) Parochial Vicar – Sacred Heart, Lewistown / St. Jude Thaddeus, Mifflintown
2007 – 2011 Parochial Vicar – St. Theresa, New Cumberland
2008 – 2011 Chaplain – Trinity High School, Camp Hill
2011 – 2013 Parochial Vicar – St. Joseph, Hanover (with responsibility for the Hispanic Community)
2011 – 2012 Chaplain – York Catholic High School
2012 – Present Chaplain – Delone Catholic High School
2013 – Present Administrator – Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Hanover

In addition to his official assignments, Fr. Lease also:
Teaches Biblical courses for the Diocese of Harrisburg
Participates in the Hispanic Apostolate of the Diocese of Harrisburg
Serves as Chaplain for the Harrisburg Chapter of the American Guild of Organists
Assists with the Boy Scouts in various ways
Participates in ecumenical and interfaith dialogues
Participates in the Hanover Area Council of Churches Ministerium

Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Italian, French
Read: Latin, Koine Greek, Biblical Hebrew, in addition to those listed above