A native of Gibson County, Fr. Martin attended Latin School and then went on to St Meinrad College for four years of seminary, and four years of graduate work in theology. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Evansville by Bishop Francis Shea in 1976.

He has served at St. Matthew Mt. Vernon, St. Joe Princeton, St. Theresa, and St. James, along with teaching religion at Mater Dei High School for 7 years. He was also administrator of Holy Angels in New Harmony.

In 1986, he was named Pastor at St Clement in Boonville. In 1990 he moved on to Washington, Indiana, where he served St. Simon Church for 14 years and the last 2½ years was also Pastor at St. Mary Church.

In November 2004 he was assigned as Pastor of St Ferdinand Parish until coming to St. John, Newburgh, February 2009, as Associate Pastor.

Currently, Fr. Martin serves on the Diocesan Council of Priests and the Convocation Committee for priests.