Faculty Spotlight
Father Stowe
St. Francis of Assisi
Wakefield, RI
School Chaplain
How long have you been at Prout?
• I came to The Prout School in the fall of 2006 following my ordination in June.
How did you become interested in the priesthood? Where did you study?
• As a child I had always felt drawn toward the priesthood, but didn’t really give it much thought. While enrolled at Boston College, I came to a deeper understanding of what vocation God had created within me. During the fall of my senior year, I entered Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Providence, Rhode Island. I completed my Bachelors degree in Psychology and Philosophy while commuting to Boston College before being assigned to Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. I graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s in May of 2006 with a Masters in Divinity and Theology.
What experience has helped prepare you for high school ministry?
• I have been very involved in high school and college ministry over my years in the seminary. While at Mount Saint Mary’s I helped to establish the KAIROS retreat program on campus for the undergraduate students. KAIROS is a retreat program which provides the opportunity for one to explore their self-identity, faith and relationship with God. In addition to this, Mount Saint Mary’s undergraduate program includes Division I sports and the university provides seminarians with the opportunity for ministry in its Sports Chaplain program. During my last three years at Mount Saint Mary’s, I was the chaplain to the women’s lacrosse team. From working with these women for three years I was able to gain an invaluable experience by having the opportunity to share in their lives. I have been immensely blessed to have had these experiences in the ministry. Along the way I saw successes and failures, all of which have helped form me into the priest that I am today. I hope that these experiences help me on my current ministry.
What is the role of the chaplain?
• Fundamentally, the role of the chaplain at a Catholic School is to maintain a priestly presence in the educational environment. I hope to be a resource for the spiritual development of the Prout students and help to meet the sacramental needs of our Catholic school.
What is your favorite thing about being assigned to Prout community?
• To work with 600 teenagers is a tremendous blessing and responsibility. With all of the busyness in today’s society, we all have a great deal of longing for God. St Augustine once wrote, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” Having the opportunity to witness Christ’s love and to walk with the students in their journey of faith is a great gift.