Fr. Remigius Ihim
Parochial Vicar
Fr. Remigius Chukwuemeka Ihim was born fifty-six years ago in the city of Aba, a commercial center in Abia State of Southeast Nigeria. He is the second oldest child of eight surviving children and the first son of a devout Catholic family from Ikeduru LGA, Imo State also in Southeast Nigeria.
Upon his graduation from high school, he intended studying law or international relations in one of the local universities in Nigeria. Surprisingly, he discerned and decided to answer the call to be a priest.
Having made the application, he was accepted for formation in the lower seminary by, then, Catholic diocese of Owerri in 1997. He was sent to Seat of Wisdom Major Seminary - an affiliate of Urban Pontifical University, Rome: where he studied and graduated in both philosophy and theology from 1988-1997. In 1996, he was ordained a deacon, and on completion of his theological studies, he was ordained a catholic priest on July 19, 1997, at Maria Assumpta Cathedral Church, now, Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri in Nigeria.
For two years, he served as parochial vicar in two different parishes: in 2000 he was appointed a pastor. For twenty-two years, he worked as pastor in several parishes and held the position of: Confessor (2003-4); President- Ikeduru Priests and Religious Association (2007-15); Secretary- Nigeria Catholic Diocesan Priests Association “Owerri archdiocesan chapter “(2013-21).
He arrived in Boise on sabbatical and mission on July 25, 2021, and was appointed sacramental minister at Risen Christ Catholic Community in October, 2021. In May and June 2022, he assisted at Holy Apostles, Meridian; Our Lady of Limerick, Glenns Ferry, and St. Bridget’s, Bruneau. Fr. Remi (as fondly called) was appointed pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Coeur d’Alene on July 1st, 2022, by Bishop Peter Christensen.
A very joyful priest who likes to see parishioners and those around him also happy; very liturgical minded in the celebration of the sacraments and the word of God, and open to talk about his family and people in Nigeria. He avoids drinking alcohol and eating meat.