Father Richard Gutierrez was a former volunteer, during his Pastoral Year, at Texas A&M University – Kingsville and has been assigned to be the assistant chaplain of St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center and Chapel. Father Richard attended St. Joseph Seminary College in Louisiana for philosophy and Assumption Seminary in San Antonio, Texas for Theology. He is adamant about positively changing the environment of the Newman Center for the students of Texas A&M University – Kingsville.
   While participating in mission work at Our Lady of the Lake and studying at Texas A&M University – Kingsville, Father Richard noticed many students felt like there was no place for them at their home parish after being away for so long. Father states, “I want them to know there is a place for the students at their church and here, St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Center and Chapel.” His mission is to eliminate the “Fall Away Catholics”.
   As early as Father remembers, he was brought to a large playground by his mother and grandmother. He noticed the people in the building were copying the man at the front. However, the man did not have to kneel, but everyone else did. Father noticed that the man at the front drank out of a shiny cup, and his grandmother told him it was Kool-Aid. Father Richard quickly realized that the man was a priest. Young Father Richard swore he would be a priest and stand behind the altar one day. After 30 years, Father Richard realized he still wanted to pursue his dreams of becoming a priest. He was ordained on June 8 ^th, 2019 in the Diocese of Corpus Christi.
   In his free time, Father Richard likes to watch movies, play video games, read, and hang out with his friends. He completes the most recent Legend of Zelda before playing the next one. Currently, Father Richard’s favorite movie is “End Game” because he is still dissecting the movie and finding all the Easter eggs. He also like to watch the Marvel movies in order. He got the nickname, “Blockbuster”, in seminary school due to his large collection of movies. He finds movies are a perfect way to relax.
   The St. Thomas Aquinas Newman Staff is extremely ecstatic to have Father Richard Gutierrez join our Newman Family.