An Interview with Father Robby

Due to the pandemic,  we couldn't get to know our new Pastor well, so we sat down with Father Robby for a brief interview: 

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Tell us a little about your childhood, growing up.

I grew up in a small town in western Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh.  As a child, I loved hiking in the forests surrounding my town.  I played the typical neighborhood sports with friends, like baseball and football.  And of course, I’m a life-long Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penguins fan.

Tell us a little bit about the rest of your family?

I’m the youngest boy, with one older brother (now passed) and 3 sisters.  My Dad was an engineer and my mom a homemaker.   I lost my mother last year and she is interred at St. Matthew Cemetery.  My Dad is retired and living here in Durham.

What did you do before you were a priest?

I admit to being “over-educated” with 2 Masters degrees, in Economics and Accounting, and to 2 doctorates, in Ministry and Education.  Before entering seminary, I taught at a community college here in NC.  I was ordained in 1995, so it's been 25 wonderful years.

How did you come to be called to the priesthood?

As a youth, I always wanted to be a priest, but held off ‘taking the plunge’ and answering God’s call until I was out of college.  I then attended Mundelein seminary near Chicago.

How would you describe your own relationship with the Lord?

I strive to be a faithful disciple of Jesus.  The Holy Spirit keeps us united in love as the body of Christ.  Central to my ministry is spreading the Joy of the Lord.  And encouraging people that God does indeed love them and takes care of them every single day.  

What has been your greatest joy of being a priest?

My greatest joy comes from celebrating Mass with the people.  Then meeting parishioners and making life-long friends in Christ.  I feel truly blessed with the opportunity to meet and serve the many Catholics in all my parishes. 

Tell us about your unusual email address, dolphinsandchimps@gmail? 

I’m a lifelong nature lover.  My email hints at two of my favorite animals.  God gave both of these animals great intelligence and wonderful playfulness.  My car’s license plate, which I’ve had for many years, is EARTH-JOY.

Tell us a little about your vegetarian lifestyle.

I have some unusual eating habits.  I don’t typically eat dinner after 5PM.  I’ve been a vegetarian for almost 20 years.  I LOVE almost all vegetables but avoid starchy foods like breads, pasta and desserts.

What are some of your hobbies, or things you like to do in your spare time?

I love to read.  I’ve read many classic novels and more modern ones as well.  I have a treadmill in the rectory, which I walk on daily to stay in good health.  In years past, I’ve hiked and camped in many of our country's amazing National Parks.  I’ve put a few of my pictures on the parish center hallway wall.

What is your favorite Gospel story of Jesus?  

My all time favorite Gospel story is that of the Prodigal Son, demonstrating God’s infinite love and forgiveness.

Do you have a favorite Catholic prayer?  

The Mass is by far my favorite prayer, the perfect prayer.  The Mass is the greatest miracle on Earth.  I love preaching the Gospel to the people and consecrating the Holy Eucharist. 

What are your goals for your first year at St. Matthew? 

It’s very simple, getting to know all the wonderful people in this parish.  That will take some time, due to this unfortunate pandemic, but I will get to know them all.

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Thank you Father Robby
for taking time to allow your parishioners to get to know you a little better.