James Cassidy, MDiv ’79

Founder of Arm in Arm in Africa

CTU graduate Fr. James Cassidy, after 15 years of ministering within the AIDS community in the Twin Cities, founded Arm In Arm In Africa (AIAIA) in 2000 as part of his ongoing response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. His focus became South Africa, the epicenter of the world’s AIDS crisis, and a nation that continues to struggle with the ongoing effect of HIV. Fr. Cassidy continues as president of AIAIA, a non-profit which continues to provide yearly delegations to South Africa. In addition to a 35-year career in providing hospice care, Fr. Cassidy remains a member of the pastoral staff at St. Joan of Arc, one of the larger, welcoming Catholic communities in the Twin Cities.