Richard is a fifth-generation native Idahoan who's large family help settle Idaho starting in the 1860's. After attending Boise High School, Rick moved to the Sun Valley/Ketchum area and began a drywall/plaster business. As a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, and participating in the RCIA program and Adult Education Program for four years and becoming an avid student of Scripture and Theology, he was Baptized in Hailey by Fr. John Morgan. After much prayer and meditation, and at the recommendation of various parish leaders, fellow parishioners, and family members, Rick made a visit to the Monastery of the Ascension. It is Richard's personal belief that in order to walk more fully in the footsteps of Christ, like Simon Peter the Apostle, one must deny oneself and follow Him. It is a condition of discipleship and an act of faith. Humility (or poverty of spirit) provides the foundation for turning to God in prayer. Seek abandonment to oneself to realize the providence of the Father. During his six-month postulancy, Rick is taking classes in the mornings--theology (Fr. Norbert), psalms (Fr.Kenneth), discernment/spirituality (Fr, Boniface), liturgy/music (Fr.Andrew), --and spending most of his afternoons working with Fr, Meinrad on maintenance projects.