R.I.P. Fr. Todd Reitmeyer, An Aggie Vocation

Denizens of the Catholic blogosphere have quickly become aware of the tragic death of Fr. Todd Reitmeyer, a priest of the Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD and a blogger. I couldn't help but notice that he, like Fr. Christopher Lockard of my province who died just a few weeks ago, was ordained in 2003. How do we account for such losses?

I was not surprised to learn, however, that Fr. Todd was an Aggie, an alumnus of Texas A & M University. I don't think a lot of people know how fruitful A&M has been in recent years in terms of vocations. Texas A&M, which is 25% Catholic, undoubtedly is, if not #1, in the top 10 of vocation-producing universities in America. The New Orleans province of the Jesuits, of which I'm a member, rarely goes a year without receiving at least one Aggie into our novitiate. According to A & M's Saint Mary's Catholic Center website:

We at St. Mary’s have been blessed to witness the fruits of our labors firsthand. While numerous students graduate every year from Texas A&M to pursue various careers, we are aware of ninety-four “Aggie Vocations” to the priesthood or religious life. They include: 1 bishop, 36 priests, 1 brothers, 12 sisters, 19 permanent deacons and 28 seminarians. Forty-eight are in active formation, twenty-two of those as seminarians. In the last seven years alone, fifty-eight Aggies have entered seminaries, convents or monasteries.

I pray that Fr. Todd's example will inspire even more young people to pursue priesthood and religious life. And, given both Fr. Christopher & Fr. Todd's connections with their universities, don't be surprised if you see an increase in vocations among Florida Gators as well as Aggies!

May they both rest in peace.