Fr. Charles Shonk, O.P.

Support the formation of Friars:
Follow the Dominican Friars

HOMETOWN

Lancaster, OH

ALMA MATER

Denison University

Fr. Charles Shonk grew up in Lancaster, Ohio as the youngest of four boys. He first met the Dominicans at St. Patrick Church in Columbus. He is a graduate of Denison University, where he earned a B.A. degree in Latin and Philosophy. Before entering the Order, he worked as a schoolteacher in New York City and attended St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Manhattan. “‘Grace perfects nature,’ says St. Thomas. Although many things drew me to the Dominican Order, perhaps most compelling was encountering friars who were walking proof of this principle—whose faith enhanced their humanity, whose piety could confidently affirm all that is naturally good, true, and beautiful.”

The Latest from the Friars

Feathered Hope

It is an axiom of Thomistic thought that grace elevates nature. The supernatural virtue elevates a natural habit of hope. The object, the...

The Blessed Virgin Mary: Queen of Preachers, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Discover the deep connection between the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Preachers, and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Dominican...

All Things Work for Good: A Tremendous Reason for Hope

Discover how God uses every circumstance—wealth or poverty, joy or suffering—to lead us to holiness. Fr. Cyril Stola, O.P., reflects on...