(Photo: Courtesy of St. Martin's Chamber Choir)
What brought you to Regis?
Well that is a bit of a complicated story. As a Jesuit I was assigned to Regis, but I also suggested it. I was sent to the University of Denver to obtain my Masters in Music. I wanted to be at a college and I had already spent 6-8 years at Regis when I was a Novice. [A novice learns to create a community of brothers who grow in prayer, knowledge of the Society, apostolic work and personal enrichment.] Regis was the place to go.
What is your favorite Jesuit Value? Why?
Gosh that is a great question. I would have to say it would be Union of Hearts and Minds. The way the Jesuits understand that is not as the Union of MY heart and MY MIND; we understand it as the Union of my heart and mind with your heart and mind. It is about companionship and community. As in, what are you bringing to the table and what am I bringing to the table, and bringing them together.
Do you have a spiritual advisor?
Yes I do, Father Tom. You are able to choose your spiritual advisor and you will visit with them on a regular basis.
Was there a specific moment when you wanted to join the priesthood?
I am actually going to say no. There was not a distinct moment where I heard a voice saying, “You must do this.” God and I were working together for a long time, he didn’t just send me a postcard in the mail. I love cooking so I will say that it was more like a slow cooker, the idea cooked for a long time, like wine aging. While others calling is like stir-fry cooking, it cooks very quickly. I answered the call though, and here I am.
Is there anything else you would like the Regis community to know?
I believe pretty strongly in meeting people where they are at. When I meet people and talk to them I want people to flourish. When someone sees the clerical dress they think that you are going to judge them. That is never the case. I just love sitting around and talking with people about their lives. When people see me I hope that people will know that I will never judge them and I will see them for who they are.
Samantha Jewell Social Media Editor