Students at St. Agnes School in St. Paul, Minnesota, had no idea their “in-house trivia buff” would soon become a national sensation when they sat down with him for a podcast last fall. But their associate priest, Fr. Paul Baker, parochial vicar at the historic Church of St. Agnes and chaplain of the school will appear as a contestant on Jeopardy! on Monday, March 30, 2026, which is the Monday of Holy Week.
While Fr. Baker has auditioned three other times, this episode will be his first appearance for the gameshow. He tried out in January 2026, was selected, and traveled to MGM Studios in Culver City, California, for two days of taping in February. He only learned this week that the episode would air on March 30.
A lifelong fan who watched Jeopardy! with his family as a child and even kept up with it during seminary, Fr. Baker described the studio experience as a “sensory overload” compared to playing along from the couch. “I wasn’t particularly nervous,” he said, “but there was a lot to keep track of.”
Naturally, the St. Agnes community is buzzing with excitement. Fr. Baker has invited parishioners and friends to watch the episode together, and the school plans to screen it in the auditorium. The episode airs locally at 4:30 p.m. Central Time on KARE 11 (NBC). Depending on his performance, he could return for future episodes — though he is not permitted to reveal the outcome in advance.
Bigger blessings
While the Jeopardy! appearance fulfills a longtime dream for the priest known for his quick wit and love of learning, Fr. Baker has witnessed moments of even deeper wonder in his priestly ministry.
In May 2023, while serving as parochial vicar (associate priest) at Epiphany parish in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, he received an urgent call about 7-year-old Joshua Dahlberg. The boy had suffered a severe soccer accident that led to transverse myelitis, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down and causing him to miss his scheduled First Holy Communion.
Fr. Baker went to Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis to administer First Holy Communion, along with the Anointing of the Sick. Hours later, Joshua began wiggling his toes – the sign of a remarkable recovery. Within 10 days Joshua was home and walking with assistance. He has since returned to soccer, track, and ordinary childhood activities.
Reflecting on the event, Fr. Baker said humbly, “I don’t have any authority to say whether something is a miracle, but you know, how can you not see the hand of God in that?”
For the students and families at St. Agnes, Fr. Baker embodies the integration of faith, reason, and joy — whether in the classroom teaching theology, at the altar, or (now) under the bright lights of a game-show stage.
Tune in on March 30 to cheer on this dedicated priest and see if the “in-house trivia buff” becomes a Jeopardy! champion. More importantly, pray that his witness continues to point others toward the greatest wonder of all: God’s presence in our lives.
