Overview
Father Stephen Gadberry shares his life story, tracing his journey from a rural Arkansas upbringing through personal tragedy, military service, and ultimately to Catholic priesthood. He emphasizes themes of faith, surrender, service, and the importance of embracing one's story to bring hope and the gospel to others.
Early Life and Family Background
- Grew up on a small family farm in northeast Arkansas in a hardworking German Catholic family.
- Endured a traumatic vehicle accident at age eight that killed his father and older sister.
- Became the "man of the house," helping his mother raise his younger siblings and support the family.
Faith and Coping with Tragedy
- Found strength and guidance in his Catholic faith after family loss.
- Learned that love sometimes requires personal sacrifice and surrendering one's own plans.
- Recognizes faith as a central, non-negotiable part of life and identity.
Military Experience
- Initially dreamed of a hands-on trade, but joined the military after encouragement from family.
- Faced disappointment after being cut from a special operations program and was assigned to logistics.
- Served in Germany and deployed to Iraq, where he learned the value of discipline, structure, and never facing battles alone.
- Military service deepened his spiritual life and instilled a sense of mission.
Vocational Discernment and Seminary Formation
- Experiences during military service and exposure to priests led to considering the priesthood.
- Entered seminary after early military separation, focusing on human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral formation.
- Found joy and personal growth in academic study and pastoral ministry, especially in hospice care.
- Emphasized daily prayer and balance among formation aspects as "non-negotiables."
Priesthood and Ministry
- Ordained in 2016 and became pastor after one year as an associate.
- Grew into the fatherly role, guiding parishioners of all ages through life's joys and sorrows.
- Ministered in unique situations, such as baptizing a terminally ill newborn in the hospital.
- Found meaning in being a spiritual father due to receiving fatherly mentorship from others during his upbringing.
Living and Sharing the Gospel
- Views evangelization as a lifestyle, not limited to church settings.
- Engages with people through shared interests in fitness, music, and hobbies, including serving as chaplain at the CrossFit Games and appearing on American Ninja Warrior.
- Connects with others through personal sharing and his dogs, emphasizing authenticity and holistic living.
Inspirational Figures and Personal Examples
- Inspired by Blessed Stanley Rother, a martyred priest who embodied sacrificial shepherding and courage.
- Prioritizes both spiritual and physical self-care as essential to effective ministry and connection with others.
Reflections on Intimacy, Mission, and Story
- Addresses questions about priestly celibacy and affirms his life is rich in intimacy through spiritual and emotional connections.
- Stresses the importance of integrating all areas of life under God's grace, finding unity and purpose.
- Encourages others to embrace their life stories, seek truth, and take concrete steps in faith and evangelization.
Recommendations / Advice
- Reflect on restlessness to better understand personal identity and mission.
- For non-believers, seek truth with an open mind; for those distant from faith, begin with small steps like prayer or attending Mass.
- Faithful Catholics are encouraged to deepen commitment and actively share the gospel with others, assisting those who have strayed in their journey of healing and return.