MEMPHIS (TN)
Catholic News Agency
Memphis, Tenn., Jun. 13, 2005 (CNA) - The newest priest for the Diocese of Memphis studied at the seminary as the sex abuse scandals in the Church in the United States erupted.
But Fr. Richard “Joey” Kaump told the Jackson Sun that during that challenging time he never wavered from his calling to the priesthood.
The 35-year-old member of the Knights of Columbus was ordained Saturday and will serve in his first assignment as associate pastor at St. Louis Church in Memphis.
Prior to entering the seminary, Fr. Kaump repaired air conditioners and volunteered as a youth minister, founding QUEST, a retreat program for teens. He said he believes it takes integrity, prayer, compassion, commitment, honesty and love to be a good priest.