Hello! I’m Fr. Eric Underwood (Father Underwood is what everyone calls me), and I am so excited to be leading this new Muncie Pastorate as your pastor!  My hometown is Danville, IL, where I am the oldest of three children. Our parents Mary and Bill instilled the Catholic faith in us - me, my brother (Adam) and sister (Emily). We grew up in one of those families where the family reunion pictures looked more like a Catholic School in the 1950’s – priests and nuns to staff every grade level. We learned to love Christ from the start – and went to Catholic schools through 12th grade.

The idea of a vocation to the priesthood came early in life for me, but I did a good job of getting distracted – thinking that marriage was a more likely fit. In 1997, I graduated from Illinois State University with a dual degree in Business Administration and Business Information Systems, working for almost 4 years before the Holy Spirit smacked me around. Jesus stirred my heart, and I went off to the Pontifical College Josephinum for seminary.

After 6 years of seminary education, I was ordained a priest on June 3, 2006. And the next day, Pentecost, I celebrated my First Mass at St. Mary Cathedral. Standing at the altar, I felt at home for the first time ever – realizing that God had created me to be a priest. It was humbling and comforting, and has kept me going through the challenges of life. And, I
continue to encounter Jesus through the Sacraments.

Over the past 14 years, I have been assigned in Kokomo, Fishers, Peru and Lafayette and continue to grow in my appreciation for the culture of Indiana and the strong faith of the people in our parishes. People smile on the street and say hello to strangers; genuine care and compassion are demonstrated towards others; when people are down, everyone rallies around them - and, we know how to celebrate! This is a great part of being a Catholic and a Hoosier.

When I need a break, I go camping and fishing with my friends – enjoying God’s creation. The fresh air and complexity of God’s design is so life-giving. I also like to travel, and find the sunshine an important addition to the clouds of winter.

Muncie has already captured my heart. The parish volunteers and staff have been so welcoming and genuinely excited to live our Catholic faith together. I’m excited to get to know each of you and your families. God
bless you on our new adventure together! Please pray for your priests – we are praying daily for each of you!