Fr. Terry grew up in Fort Wayne at St. Vincent de Paul parish, going to school there and then graduating from Bishop Dwenger High School in 2003. He is from a family of eight children, four boys and four girls, and grew up as an avid athlete: baseball, basketball, soccer. He was also very active in his youth group. His family environment (and parish) fostered his faith which led him to choose University of Dayton (a Catholic school) over Purdue after Notre Dame said “no, thank you.”
He studied computer engineering at University of Dayton for only two years, which he loved, but felt called to transfer to seminary for our diocese. His older brother, Fr. Matthew, entered at the same time, and they were ordained in 2011. He has served at three parishes in the South Bend area before coming to our parish.
He speaks Spanish and some Italian which gives him joy even when he makes mistakes. He likes reading more and more as the years go by, but growing up you never would have guessed that – he never sat still long enough! He is especially a fan of Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Chesterton.
"Although I may feel a little apprehensive at times about this important role, I believe God has a plan for us that we will discover together. I know God has given us all different gifts to build each other up. I am excited to see how the Lord will work through us all to help us grow more and more in His love.
My hope for this parish community is to continue to foster a culture of active discipleship, of evangelization, and of prayer. I also hope that we grow more and more connected in our work together as a community of disciples, for as we grow closer to God we naturally should grow closer to each other."