A vocation built to last: Profile of Brother Thomas Joseph Pieper, S.M.

(Photo courtesy of the Marianists)

Please tell us a bit about your youth.

I grew up in Florence, Kentucky as one of seven children in a very Catholic family. My siblings and I all attended St. Paul’s Parish and Catholic School, and my mom taught us our prayers every day at meals and before going to bed.

What were your plans for your future?

I thought of myself as a handyman; that’s what I wanted to do. I never thought too much about the future.

What first drew you to religious life?

During my senior year in high school, two of my friends said they were going to join the Marianist Brothers who taught at our school. That got me thinking, and I asked if I could join. The brothers said, “Yes, see if it fits you!” I told my mom and dad, and they were happy for me! Really, everyone was very positive and encouraging.

Please tell us about your ministries.

I have had three wonderful ministries: teaching religion at Purcell Marian High School in Cincinnati, serving as director of novices for the order, and my current role as campus minister at the University of Dayton. For 20 summers of my ministry, I had the privilege of mentoring the Summer Appalachia Program. Living out Jesus’ command to love one another by sharing our lives with others was life changing—not just for me, but for the many University of Dayton students who joined me.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love working with my hands and fixing things up around my community. I also create different decorations for all the holidays. I enjoy walking each morning, praying and praising God for all the beauty that surrounds me in nature.