The Rev. Larry Blake has been appointed as the new chaplain and director of Campus Ministry beginning in October, with the Rev. Larry Snyder serving as chaplain until his arrival.

Blake served as a Lutheran pastor for over 15 years before he decided to convert to Catholicism in 1993. He was drawn to the Catholic faith because of the centrality of the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, in contrast to the Lutheran focus on simply preaching the Bible.

“I can’t be preaching as a Lutheran pastor but in my heart believing that the truth is in communion with the Holy Father,” Blake said in an interview with The Coming Home Network. “I became face to face with the reality that in the tradition of the church, the Eucharist has been the center of our faith and the reason that Christians came together on Sunday morning.”

He was eventually ordained as a Catholic priest in 1999, but he needed special permission to do so as he was already married with children. He currently serves as the chaplain at Hennepin County Medical Center and has been with the United States Air Force for the past 11 years, where he has served at several Air Force bases, including two trips to the Middle East.

“I had always wanted to serve my country in some way,” Blake said in the interview. “Both my dad and father-in-law were veterans in World War II. I had contacted the Air Force and they told me that they were very short on priests and would love to have me, so I became a commissioned officer in 2005.”

The Rev. David Smith, the Pastoral Associate at St. Thomas, believes that Blake’s unusual beginnings will bring a unique perspective to the ministry.

“I expect him to bring an appreciation for other faith traditions along with an understanding of what is special about Catholic spirituality and practice,” Smith said. “Often, converts to the faith show more appreciation for what they have discovered than ‘Cradle Catholics’ do for what they have grown up with.”

Amanda Gilbertson, a sophomore Catholic Studies student, is looking forward to the fresh dynamic that Blake will be bringing to campus.

“I’ve observed that each priest, when assigned to a place and a group of people, brings with him a unique personality and collection of virtues that add something new to the atmosphere,” Gilbertson said. “In light of the interesting life he’s led so far, I think he will bring even more vibrancy and greater faith to the St. Thomas community. We are blessed to have him.”

Blake’s new leadership is part of the reorganization of Campus Ministry, which was announced in April. The Office of Campus Ministry will now be divided into three areas of focus: pastoral care, spirituality, and mission-based service. There will also be an effort to provide additional services for other denominations of faith beyond Catholicism.

“There is a desire to integrate issues of justice and peace studies into the ministry, which is a strength of Father Blake,” Smith said. “Although the emphasis would fall on Catholics, other opportunities would be made available to Protestants, Jews, Muslims, and so on.”

The changes in Campus Ministry are a reflection of the goals set out in the new strategic plan. It emphasizes the idea of “One University,” with the focus of broadening their outreach to all students, faculty, and staff.

Mary Brickner can be reached at bric0029@stthomas.edu