Meet the Catholic priest starring on ‘Jeopardy!’

Michie · Sep 24, 2024

Holy Cross Father Steve Jakubowski, parochial vicar St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic Church in Austin, Texas, right, is pictured on the set of the "Jeopardy!" game show with host Ken Jennings in Los Angeles May 31, 2024. Father Jakubowski appeared on the popular game show Sept. 19, taking third place with $2,000 in winnings. (OSV News photo/courtesy Jeopardy Productions Inc.)

OSV News) — A Catholic priest who had gameshow fans “swooning,” according to one entertainment reporter, told OSV News he hoped his recent television appearance helps give “a positive impression of the church” and clergy in general.

Holy Cross Father Steven Jakubowski, a parochial vicar at St. Ignatius Martyr in Austin, Texas, was a contestant on “Jeopardy!” — the long-running quiz show now produced by Sony Pictures — in an episode that aired on Sept. 19.

Father Jakubowski on “Jeopardy”

The Grand Rapids, Michigan, native, who was ordained in April, notched third place with $2,000 in winnings — which the 29-year-old said will “go to the (Holy Cross) community” in keeping with the order’s vow of poverty.

The sight of the young, bearded priest on the iconic “Jeopardy!” set had at least a few viewers taking to social media to comment. “[bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse][bless and do not curse] father Steve is so enjoyable to watch he’s so happy to be there,” exclaimed X (formerly Twitter) user @HellOnHeelsGirl in a Sept. 19 post.

A surprising opportunity

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