"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."  Matthew 5:16 ​

Fr. Ian J. Williams
Pastor, LaPorte Catholic Church

Rev. Ian J. Williams.   Father Ian grew up just outside of Westville in rural Jackson Township (Porter County).  He jokes that no one really claimed them as they had a Westville address, Valparaiso Phone number and attended Chesterton Schools.  Father Ian is the son of Dennis and Cathy Williams and the eldest of four children.   After Highschool, Father Ian attended Purdue University where he earned a BA in Social Studies Education.    It was during his final year at High School and throughout college that he discerned his calling to the priesthood.  As College came to a close, he concluded that he needed to at least give seminary a try to see if it was the right thing.   He was accepted by the Diocese of Gary for studies and enrolled at St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA.   There his calling to the priesthood solidified and he was ordained for service in the Diocese of Gary in June of 1996.  
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The Love of Christ Impels Us”
​2 Corinthians 5:14

Father’s first assignment was as associate pastor at St. Thomas Moore in Munster.   After three years, he was made Theology Instructor and Campus Minister at Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond.   At that time, he served as an Associate Pastor at St. John Bosco in Hammond.   Following that assignment, he spent one year as an Associate Pastor at St. Patrick in Chesterton.   In 2004, Father was made Pastor at Sacred Heart, LaPorte.  Currently Father serves as Pastor of the Parish Cluster of Sacred Heart, St. Joseph and St. Peter.  He is also the Dean of the LaPorte/Starke Deanery and serves on the Priest Council, College of Consultors and Priest Personal Board.   Additionally, Father is the Facilities Manager for Camp Lawrence Youth and Retreat Center. 
 
When not engaged in Church ministry, Father enjoys working in his backyard garden and spending time with his pet dog Brynn, a Boxer mix.   He has a small “tear drop” camper which he takes on vacation all over the U.S. and has a special love of visiting and photographing our National Parks.   He has three nephews and six nieces whom he adores.  (and hopes at least one of them will take care of him in his old age 😊) 
 
While discerning his priestly calling, Father Ian would often visit the adoration chapel at St. Thomas Aquinas (student parish at Purdue).  Time and again, he would turn to the scripture while in prayer and open the bible to  the verse:  “The Love of Christ Impels Us” 2 Corinthians 5:14.  This scripture verse from the Apostle Paul has become foundational to both his self-understanding and to his priestly vocation.   ​​