Vocation and Discernment
How old were you when you first thought/felt you might be called to priesthood (or brotherhood)?
Mid twenties.
Did someone else in your life also see that you might be called? Did someone in your life inspire you?
Many people, including friends, a career counselor (see discernment story), Fr. Jack Hickey, OP, chaplain at Vanderbilt in the 1970’s-80’s was very influential in my life.
What finally made you actively discern?
I was drawn to the ministry as a lector, Eucharistic minister, the more involved I got, the more I felt I was moving in the right direction.
What drew you to the Dominicans?…to the Southern Province?
I knew Dominican Sisters in Elementary School, and the influence of Jack Hickey and Sister Honora Werner, OP, who was also at Vanderbilt at the time. I felt that the Dominicans would offer me more opportunities for study and ministry than a diocese. As a Southerner, I never imagined going to any other Province.
Was there an “aha” moment in your discernment? If so, how far along were you in discernment when you experienced it?
I visited the novitiate after a few months of discernment and felt that it was home for me. I had been looking at other orders, but stopped after that.
What was the hardest thing you gave up when joining the Order?
My cat Sam.
Was there ever a time in discernment when you doubted God’s presence, power, or even existence?
No. Sometimes I felt God’s presence more than others, but I never doubted that God was with me.
Looking back, what has been the greatest joy?…the greatest challenge?…the greatest disappointment?
The greatest joy was meeting Pope Francis in 2016 during the Dominicans 800th Anniversary year.
The greatest challenge was when my friend, Fr. Stephen Goetz, OP, died suddenly at the age of 34 from a heart condition.
It’s always disappointing when I see a friar leave the Order.
How do the people you’ve known since before you were a friar (e.g., family and old friends) relate to you now? How would they describe you, then and now?
Most of them relate to me the same way as before I entered, which I appreciate. It’s great to be called to celebrate special moments in the lives of family and friends, like weddings, baptisms, and even funerals. I think they would describe me as quiet, one who likes books and movies, and a faithful friend and family member.
What is your dream ministry?
I’ve liked all my ministries. It was great being pastor of the Dominican church in my home town (St. Peter, Memphis).
Bio
Where are you from?
Memphis, Tennessee
How many places have you lived? Where are/were they?
I’ve lived in many different places, including:
Memphis
Nashville
In Dominican Formation:
A novice in Columbia, SC
A student in Oakland, CA, and Atlanta
Ministry in:
New Orleans, LA
St. Louis, MO
Memphis, TN
San Antonio, TX
How big is your family?
I have two brothers.
Are you a convert or “cradle” Catholic?
Cradle Catholic.
If you are “cradle” Catholic, why have you stayed?
Even though I knew and respected many people from other religions (including my mother, who was Baptist), I never considered any other religion.
Who was your childhood hero?
John F. Kennedy
When growing up, what were some of your favorite activities?
Reading, movies, playing tennis, going on family vacations.
What did you do prior to entering the Order? What made you choose that path?
I was a school psychologist. I always found people interesting, and wanted to be able to help them when they were in distress or troubled.
What is your favorite music? Band? Or other form of entertainment?
I like all kinds of music, especially Broadway. I also like Simon and Garfunkel.
What is your favorite form of literature? Your favorite book? Why?
I like reading fiction, biographies, and history. “A Prayer for Owen Meany” by John Irving is my favorite book. It shows that each person has a purpose in life.
What do you do for fun? What is your favorite pastime?
I still like to go to the movies and plays, listening to music, walking, hiking in mountains.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?
The Holy Land
What is the one thing that annoys you the most?
People who chew gum in church.