Rev. Arinze Ezeoke

Parochial Vicar (habla español & Igbo)

God's Grace and Peace to you and your loved ones.

It is with great joy that I received the news that I am appointed to serve you and your community. My ministry at Holy Name of Jesus parish begins July 1, 2022, and I am pleased to introduce myself to you in writing.

My name is Michael Arịnze Ezeoke and I am the sixth of a family of six. Arinze (pronounced: Ah—RIN—Zay) is my first family-given name. It is translated, “If not for God.” Michael is my baptismal name. My family calls me “Arinze,” and I prefer to be called Father Arinze.

I come from the Igbo ethnic group (East of Nigeria). I speak Igbo, English, and some Spanish. When I was 16, my brother and I came to the United States to further our education and to reunite with our mother. After I arrived, I studied at Chaffey College and I then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (mental health) from Cal State San Bernardino. I had grand plans for my future. However, God had better plans and called me to the priesthood during an Adoration service at the Sacred Heart Retreat House in Big Bear. After much prayer, discernment, and spiritual direction, I entered the seminary in San Bernardino diocese.

For 7 years, I studied in the seminary – first at Serra House, and then at Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, Texas. In the seminary, I had many opportunities to learn how to meet people where they are and how to be in community. This was made possible through ministry with students from elementary through high school, ministry to ministry leaders, adult faith formation, various ethnic groups, hospital settings, and ministry to the incarcerated. During the year of the pandemic, I interned at St. Peter and St. Paul parish, Alta Loma.

Serving in ministry has always brought me great joy. So has hiking, ping pong, movies, dancing, video games, and playing soccer!

For quite a while, I have longed to be with a community for an extended period. I am excited and grateful for this opportunity to get to know you as family. Please be patient with me as I am a new priest. Do not be afraid to give me feedback as I grow in my vocation. I am willing to listen and
get to know you all. I have been praying for you all. Please pray for me as well.

Your brother,
Father Arinze