Fr. Dave's Bio...
















Fr. David J. Young was ordained a priest in June of 2004, for the Diocese of Columbus, by Bishop James A.
Griffin. He grew up on the north-east side of Columbus, attending St. Matthias grade school, and St. Francis
DeSales high school. After graduating from DeSales in 1996, he entered The Ohio State University, pursuing a
degree in “something fun.”

It was during this 1st year in college that Fr. Dave finally began to consider a vocation to the priesthood
honestly. With the help of his pastor, and the example and guidance of a kind Jesuit priest, he was accepted by
the diocese as a seminarian, and began studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum in 1997. After two years
in the college seminary, he withdrew and returned to Ohio State, in order to reconcile any doubts he had about
his vocation, and the discipline of celibacy. After much prayer, discernment and spiritual direction, he returned
to the seminary program, and graduated from the Josephinum in 2000, with a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy.

Fr. Dave then continued his priestly studies at St. Vincent Seminary, in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, under the
tutelage of both Benedictine monks and diocesan priests, alike. It was here that Fr. Dave feels he finally
embraced his vocation, and realized the importance of a faith balanced not only on theological studies, but on
friendship and prayer, as well. Having spent four years at St. Vincent’s, he graduated in the Spring of 2004, with
a master’s degree in Divinity, and returned to Columbus to begin his ministry (and to finally be able to watch the
Buckeyes play again!).

His first parish assignment was as Associate Pastor at St. Agatha Catholic Church in Upper Arlington, Ohio. He
was blessed to spend one and a half years there (July 2004 – March 2006), in the company of the pastor, Msgr.
David Funk, and many wonderful parishioners, staff and students. In March of 2006, Bishop Frederick F.
Campbell appointed him pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ada, Ohio (Home to Ohio Northern
University and the Wilson Football Factory!). In the short time he has been in Ada, Fr. Dave has come to really
enjoy life in a small town, and feels honored and blessed to have been assigned there.   

Fr. Dave’s parents live in Lewis Center, where they have recently retired, and found new and creative ways to
squeeze onto his calendar. He also has two younger sisters who remain his very close friends. One is a
cardiac nurse, and the other is finishing her degree in business. Both have made it their solemn duty to make
him humble and keep him laughing.

In his spare time, Fr. Dave enjoys reading, listening to music, hiking, fishing, camping, kayaking, and taking
care of his dog, Bear.

Favorite Saints :
St. Therese of Lisieux & Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos
Pastor's Bio
The Life and Times of Fr. Dave...