About Us

The Rev. Eusebius Mbidoaka, Ph.D., S.T.D., was ordained a priest in 1994 following a four-year philosophical study and a four-year theological study at Urban University Rome. He was assigned to teach in the diocesan seminary as well as nurture vocations to the priesthood as assistant vocation director. In 1999, Fr. Eusebius proceeded to the Catholic University of Louvain, in Belgium to continue his further studies at the request of his bishop. In Louvain, Rev. Eusebius Mbidoaka had the opportunity to develop himself in the academic field as well as in the priestly ministry. Within the seven years of his academic sojourn in Louvain, Rev. Mbidoaka acquired the following academic degrees: Master’s degree in religious studies (M.R.S.), master’s degree in theology (S.T.L.), master’s degree in educational sciences (M.Eds), Ph.D. in Pastoral Theology, and S.T.D in Sacramentology, all from the Catholic University of Louvain, in Belgium.

In 2006, Rev. Mbidoaka returned to the United States and worked as a hospital chaplain at Indiana University Health for a year before becoming the Administrator of St. Rita Catholic Church in Indianapolis, a position he held for seven years. Alongside his pastoral ministry, Rev Mbidoaka is also engaged in some academic work as Adjunct Professor of Religion at the University of Indianapolis, Indiana (2007 till current), Adjunct Professor of Theology at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Terre Haute, Indiana (2007-2012) and Adjunct Professor of Theology at St. Joseph’s College, Rensselaer, Indiana (2007-2014).

In 2014, Rev. Mbidoaka moved down to the diocese of Belleville upon the invitation of Bishop Braxton and was appointed Administrator of St. John the Baptist parish, West Frankfort and St. Aloysius-Sacred Heart Parish, Royalton. Rev. Eusebius has a strong devotion to the Eucharistic and to Our Blessed Mother. He enjoys reading, theological research, meditation, traveling, and golfing. Above all, he treasures spending time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. He also belongs to the following associations: The American Academy of Religion, The Catholic Theological Society of America, The American Catholic Historical Association, The American Association of University Professors, among others. Rev. Mbidoaka speaks four languages: German, Netherlands, Igbo, and English.

Fr. Eusebius enjoys his time ministering to the good people of St. John the Baptist, West Frankfort, and St. Aloysius-Sacred Heart Royalton. He also takes pleasure in helping the students at St. John’s grow in their faith and love of God.