Fr. John Paul Kern, O.P., and Br. Finbar Kantor, O.P., with Richard Salat.

Facebook’s Upside
By Richard Salat

My first contact with the Dominicans Friars was, believe it or not, through Facebook. I watched their informative videos and was truly impressed by their dedicated work. I wanted to learn more about the Dominican Order so I decided to take a walk to St. Vincent Ferrer church in New York City. Standing on the front steps of the priory was Fr. Bill Holt, O.P. We exchanged greetings and continued our conversation inside.

In that initial conversation with Fr. Bill, I learned so much about the Dominicans and the outstanding work they do in hospitals and on college campuses. Fr. Bill suggested I meet and talk with Fr. John Paul. We set up a lunch date and had an amazing discussion, learning about the life and ministry of the friars.

I asked how I could help out through a gift to the Dominicans. I learned about their robust education program and the student brother scholarships. I set up a scholarship through the Dominican Friars Foundation to support the tuition and living expenses of the student brothers studying at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, DC.

That summer, I received a lunch invitation from Fr. John Paul. He mentioned that Br. Finbar, one of the student brothers currently in formation who was serving in New York City for his summer ministry assignment, would be joining us. We had a wonderful lunch and meeting. Br. Finbar is a remarkable young man and will make a wonderful priest. I made the right choice for my gift.

For more information about supporting the formation of Dominican friars through the student brother scholarship program, please contact df@dominicanfriars.org.