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BORN: July 31, 1989
PROFESSED: Feb. 2, 2016
PRESENT ASSIGNMENTS: Seminary Studies in Rome at the Pontifical Saint Anselm University (Pontificio Sant'Anselmo)
WHAT LED YOU TO BECOME A MONK AT SUBIACO?
I grew up in a Catholic family as the second oldest of seven children (six boys and one girl). We moved around a fair bit, but the majority of my childhood was spent in Iowa and Wisconsin. My parents valued Catholic education, keeping us enrolled in Catholic schools for all of my primary education and half of my secondary education. They worked hard to have the family spend time together, placing, for example, a strong emphasis on having dinner together.
I attended Benedictine College in Kansas, majoring in English and minoring in philosophy. Though I struggled with my faith and relationship with the Church, I was in a solid environment with unbelievably good friends. By the time I graduated, I was attending mass and confession regularly and moved to Arkansas to teach English. I also coached cross country and track.
A few months into teaching, I felt called to something more. I was deeply happy with my job and my friends, but I hadn’t found what I was supposed to give the rest of my life to yet. I went to a Benedictine college, so I thought I’d see if there was a monastery in Arkansas. Google directed me to Subiaco Abbey, and I contacted Fr. Elijah, the assistant vocation director at the time.
When I finally visited, I saw a number of areas that attracted me, though I was still extremely leery of the idea of having, much less following, a vocation. I liked that the monks ran a school; I loved the grounds, particularly the trails; Subiaco offered the possibility for ongoing education; they encouraged reading and writing; and primarily, they lived in a joyful community and modeled a life that promoted a balance I had never before experienced.
That balance in the context of my vow of stability is my favorite part of being a monk at Subiaco. I get to interact with my students, my brothers, and guests on a daily basis, and I get to pray and work with all of them while also having time alone for personal prayer. I get to go to mass every day. I get to read, write, and engage in a massive variety of hobbies and projects. I get to run in a beautiful part of the country (and I’ve ran on trails in the mountains of NH, CO, WY, and CA) with amazing people, and all of life here makes me a better and happier person. At Subiaco, I get to give my life to people and a place that is beyond anything I could have wanted.
Tell Us More About Yourself!
Favorite Book of the Bible?
Either Tobit or Genesis
Favorite verse/verses in the Bible?
Psalm 29
Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which instrument?
No
Favorite Day of the Liturgical Year?
Pentecost
Prefer to read a book or watch a movie?
Usually read a book, though I enjoy watching movies with others.
Starting after high school graduation, what are the schools/colleges/universities that you have attended?
Benedictine College, University of the Ozarks, Ohio Dominican University
Right-handed or left-handed?
Right-handed
Favorite sport to watch?
Generally, I don't care for watching sports. When possible, I'd rather play them.
Favorite sport’s team?
Green Bay Packers
What time do you wake up in the morning?
5:00 AM
Favorite saint or saints?
Hrabanus Maurus, Thomas Aquinas, John Paul II
Favorite place you have travelled?
My grandparent's house
What are some of your hobbies?
Running, writing fantasy novels, building chess sets, reading, and cooking (followed by eating what I cook)
What is the name of a book you have recently read or a movie you have recently watched?
Book: Peace Talks by Jim Butcher
If you could meet any person dead or alive, who would it be?
Flannery O'Connor or J.R.R. Tolkien
Do you prefer beer or wine?
I like them pretty equally.
What type of music do you usually listen to?
I like a wide variety of music, though when I'm working, I enjoy instrumental music.
What are your three favorite foods?
Pizza-- that counts as three foods, right?
What are your three favorite drinks?
Water, Beer, and wine. Coffee's pretty great too.
If you could have just one dessert for your last meal, what would it be?
Cheesecake
Why did you choose the name you were given in Religious Life?
That's a long story.
What were the other names you requested to receive at profession?
Thomas and David
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
My parents
Videos
A few of our vocation videos also feature Brother Raban who presently serves as our Vocation Director. If you are curious about monastic life, then watch some of the videos and contact Br. Raban:
