-
BORN: Aug. 11, 1961
SUBIACO ACADEMY CLASS: 1979
PROFESSED: Sept. 8, 2012
ORDAINED: July 14, 2018
PRESENT ASSIGNMENTS: Administrator--St. Joseph in Paris; Sacramental Minister--St. Mary's in Altus, AR; Survivor Assistance Coordinator for Subiaco Abbey
What Led You to Become a Monk at Subiaco?
I grew up in Fort Smith, AR, in a family of four children. I have two sisters and a brother. I began my education at St. Boniface Catholic School. After first grade, my family moved across town, and I attended Christ the King Catholic School through sixth grade. I then went to a public school, Ramsey Junior High, for the seventh and eighth grades. Beginning in ninth grade, I came to Subiaco Academy and graduated with the class of 1979. As a kid, I participated in cub scouts and boy scouts. In school, I played baseball, football, and intramurals. I also served as an altar boy at Christ the King.After high school, I joined the Air Force and was sent to Kansas to work in the missile silos. I earned a degree in home furnishings and marketing, and soon afterwards, I moved to New York and sold fabric. A few years later, I got a job in the furniture industry, selling home and office furniture in the Mid-Atlantic region. I was already familiar with the industry as I had several relatives who were furniture salesmen.
A manager’s remark to me that he believed I was called to do something more than be a furniture salesman planted a seed in my mind that perhaps I should do something different with my life. I moved back to Arkansas but continued to sell furniture. By the time I began to discern a religious vocation I was in my mid 40s. I had narrowed my options down to diocesan life or to becoming a monk at Subiaco. One person who had a tremendous impact on my life was Sr. Reginald, a Sister of Mercy whom I knew from Christ the King. She always told me “you belong at Subiaco.” Msgr. Malone, who was a wonderful priest, also influenced me.
During this period of discernment, I started coming back to Subiaco for reunions and other events such as monks’ funerals or solemn professions. Every now and then, I would have lunch with my classmate, Br. Anthony, when he brought Br. Vincent to Fort Smith for Chemotherapy. One day, I got a call from Br. Anthony, asking for help supplying furniture for a renovation project the Abbey was doing. I agreed to help and during our conversation I casually remarked that “I would join the monastery but I’m too old.” Br. Anthony talked to the Abbot, Fr. Jerome, who agreed to waive the age limit for me.
Subiaco was the only religious community that I was familiar with. The example of the monks who were my high school teachers made a lasting impression on me. Many of the monks knew me from my time as a student at the Academy. While I didn’t know much about monastic life, I was attracted to the sense of peace and joy at the monastery.
Currently, I am the administrator at St. Joseph’s Parish in Paris, AR. Previously, I was the assistant procurator. I enjoy gardening and cooking. I also make our jellies such as wine jelly and habanero jelly. In my spare time, I like to make rosaries.
What I enjoy the most about being a monk is having coffee with Br. Andrew. Engaging in conversation over a cup of coffee can make us both feel better. Monastic life allows the freedom to find our path to God through prayer and work. The balance between prayer, work, and holy leisure is key. I like that what we do does not define who we are. We are here to pray for the Church.
Tell Us More About Yourself!
Favorite Book of the Bible?
Genesis
Favorite verse/verses in the Bible?
Prologue of the Gospel of John (John 1:1-18)
Do you play a musical instrument? If so, which instrument?
Still trying to learn Guitar
Favorite Day of the Liturgical Year?
Holy Thursday
Prefer to read a book or watch a movie?
Depends on whether it is a good book or a good movie; I enjoy both.
Starting after high school graduation, what are the schools/colleges/universities that you have attended?
Westark Community College, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Guildford Community College, High Point College, St. John's University
Right-handed or left-handed?
Right-handed
Favorite sport to watch?
Hockey
Favorite sport’s team?
St. Louis Cardinals
What time do you wake up in the morning?
4:30 AM
Favorite saint or saints?
Stephen
Favorite place you have travelled?
Maine
What are some of your hobbies?
Canning, gardening, and cooking
What is the name of a book you have recently read or a movie you have recently watched?
A dystopian sci-fi movie. It had some Russian name, so I am not sure what is was. It was really good though.
If you could meet any person dead or alive, who would it be?
Ishmael
Do you prefer beer or wine?
Red wine
Who is the monk that inspired you the most—and why?
All of those who taught at Subiaco Academy inspired me in different ways; they all taught me to think.
What type of music do you usually listen to?
Allman Brothers or Grateful Dead
What are your three favorite foods?
Lobster, Porterhouse steak (the bigger the better), and -of course- bacon
What are your three favorite drinks?
Mango Juice, Coke from the little glass bottles, and water
If you could have just one dessert for your last meal, what would it be?
Blueberry Pie
Why did you choose the name you were given in Religious Life?
From a Sister of Mercy who kept reminding me that I had a vocation.
What were the other names you requested to receive at profession?
Stephen and John Henry
Who had the most influence on you growing up?
My parents and grandparents
Fr. Reginald's Pastoral Ministry
Fr. Reginald has been assigned by the Abbot to pastoral ministry in service to the Diocese of Little Rock. Bishop Anthony Taylor has assigned Fr. Reginald as the Administrator of St. Joseph in Paris, Arkansas, and as the Sacramental Minister for St. Anthony in Ratcliff, Arkansas. Click on the links to learn more about St. Joseph which has two digital platforms:CLICK HERE FOR THE ST. JOSEPH FACEBOOK PAGE
CLICK HERE FOR THE ST. JOSEPH WEBSITE
