Name: Fr. Matt Keller, C.PP.S.
Born: I was born in St. Mary’s, Ohio.
Joined the Missionaries:
I moved into the formation house the fall of 2007 and was incorporated into the community in 2013.
What drew you to the Missionaries of the Precious Blood?
I grew up in a parish staffed by Missionaries of the Precious Blood with the likes of Fr. Emil Labbe, Fr. Ken Schroeder, and Fr. Harry Cavnaugh. I also spent time working at St. Charles Center before moving into formation. And the thing that stands out to me the most was the community life that existed between the members.
What is your current assignment?
Dayton Region 7 or the Downtown Dayton Catholic Parishes.
What is the most challenging aspect of your assignment?
I minster in three parishes that are distinctly different from each other, but at the same time I like going into three different churches and getting something a little different.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your assignment?
I enjoy interacting with parishioners.
What did you do before joining the Missionaries?
I was a high school student at Maria Stein Marion Local.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I like to do a little hunting particularly deer hunting. In my family growing up, the opening day of Deer Gun Season was almost like a holiday. I like to go fishing in ponds. I like to play sports, I played football in high school and still love watching and playing. But I am not against playing basketball or baseball. I also like play cards typically bid euchre.
Aside from St. Gaspar, what are some of your favorite Saints?
– St. Paul is my confirmation name, sure the apostle Paul is a great model of faith but I actually chose the name in honor of my father, Paul W. Keller, and my grandfather, Paul F. Keller.
– St. Thomas Aquinas – he is a wisdom figure in the church
– St. Isadore – he is the patron saint of farmers, and I come from a rural area. I am inspired by how when he would work, it looked like three men doing the work.
– St. Thomas the Apostle – Thomas is actually my middle name.
What is your favorite prayer?
The Rosary – I actually pray my rosary the first thing when I wake up in the morning.
What is your favorite:
Book: not too big into reading
Food: steak and potatoes
Movie: Tommy Boy
Holiday: Thanksgiving
TV Show: Bing Bang Theory
How much money would you earn on Jeopardy?
Probably would not win anything, I am not very good at trivia.
Would you rather go skydiving or snorkeling?
Snorkeling