Get to Know Br. Sam Wharton, O.P.

We are blessed to have Br. Sam Wharton, O.P. join our community for the school year! Having recently lived with the Dominican friars in Oaxaca, Mexico, he is currently teaching Religion class to our boys in grades four and seven as a portion of his formation leading up to ordination into the priesthood. Take a minute to get to know Br. Sam a little better and learn about his journey to becoming a priest.

Tell us about your background-Where were you born? Where did you go to school? 

I was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I went to the University Laboratory School on the campus of LSU. After high school, I went to TCU over in Fort Worth, TX and studied neuroscience. 

At what age did you decide you wanted to become a priest? Talk about your journey to becoming a priest.

When I first got to TCU, I was on the football team, and almost all my time and energy was dedicated to football. Then, I got hurt and had to quit. I had to figure out who I was outside of being an athlete. Thankfully, I had some great, faithful friends that guided me through that difficult time. After a few years of slowly growing in my faith, and especially after beginning to teach others, I realized how life-giving it was for me to help others understand more about God and His place in their lives. It was those conversations that helped me see what God was calling me to. 

Fast forward to the end of my time in college, I decided to join the Dominicans. The program of study for Dominicans is extensive. We must have a bachelor's degree to join, and then we do an additional eight years of formation and schooling before our priestly ordination. Currently, I am in my fifth year out of those eight.

Our fifth year is a ministry year where we go out, live with other friars, and practice some of the things we have been learning. That is why I am currently here at SAA-SDS and will be leaving to go back to school at the end of the school year. Hopefully in my year here at SAA-SDS I will have an opportunity to meet you all and help you know a bit more about me and about Jesus. 

What is it like to be a part of the Dominican community?

Being a Dominican is one of the greatest joys of my life. Having a community that is centered around prayer, service, and study keeps me grounded in my faith and focused on living out the Gospel each and every day. 

What is your favorite thing about being at SAA-SDS so far?

I have loved getting to know the students and staff! Everyone has been incredibly kind and welcoming to me.

What do you believe is the role of education in growing closer to God?

I think that education helps us come to know God in a variety of ways. First, we gain a basic understanding of God through learning about the Scriptures and the Traditions of the Church. After that, we have opportunities to speak to the people around us and hear how they have taken that understanding and made it their own based on their experiences- which helps us to expand our understanding even more. Then, life challenges us, and we are confronted with situations where our previous understanding of God doesn't quite fit. At those times, it is important that we have a community around us to guide us. A good educational environment, like what we have here, provides all these things. 

Also, besides the usual religious aspects, I found that my scientific education greatly impacted my relationship with God. I find a great sense of awe and wonder in the beautiful complexity of God's creation. 

What is one thing you really want our students to know?

It is okay to ask difficult questions. 

You are new to Memphis, what do you like best about it so far?

The people! Between SAA-SDS and the St. Peter’s community I have met so many incredible people. 

Here are a few questions our students always want answered:

What is your favorite . . .

color? Purple

sports team? Either LSU or TCU

food? Chicken Wings

book? Reality is Not What it Seems, Carlo Rovelli

hobbies? Cooking, Playing Guitar, Reading, Hunting/Fishing