Father Richard John shares about his journey to the priesthood, the importance of hope and our call to serve and evangelize on Ave Maria Radio's Epiphany show

Father Richard John shares about his journey to the priesthood, the importance of hope and our call to serve and evangelize. 

Parish of the Week: St. Dominic Parish in Saginaw is our Parish of the Week.  Their Parochial Administrator, Fr. Richard John, joins us today!

Message from Fr. Richard John – Ordained in 2009, I have now journeyed 16 years as a priest, and I share this reflection as a thanksgiving to the Lord who called me. I come from the Archdiocese of Hyderabad, Telangana, in southern India, and currently serve as the Parochial Administrator at St. Dominic Parish since 2023.

Three early influences shaped my vocation: my grandmother Margaret John, whose daily Rosary and devotion to St. Anthony inspired a prayer movement in our neighborhood; my father Aron John, a daily communicant who introduced me to the beauty of the Eucharist; and my first encounter with the story of Mother Teresa, whose radical commitment deeply moved me as a child. These seeds of faith were nurtured by my parish priest, and I joined the seminary in 1998 after 10th grade.

Growing up in a joint family of modest means, financial struggles were common. I often joined sports camps at school just for the meals. Yet, through God’s providence and support like CFCA sponsorship from Sr. Shirley Ruder, a Dominican nun from Michigan, I could continue my education.

Despite health challenges during formation, I experienced healing that confirmed my call. Over the years, I’ve served in various ministries — from being assistant to the archbishop, to working at St. Anthony’s Shrine, teaching, radio ministry, and youth outreach.

My path to Saginaw in 2022 was guided by God’s providence, facilitated by friends, Fr. Raj, Fr. Bill and Bishop Gruss. I remain grateful to the Lord, the bishop, fellow clergy, and parishioners whose support makes this mission meaningful. Thank you