Millionaire or ministry? Father Reaves follows his calling
Prison minister now working full time to listen to the needs of inmates in Arkansas
Published: July 11, 2019
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Bishop Taylor’s Jubilarian Mass homily: Challenges can form priests into what Christ wants
While everyone has to discern their life’s path, most have not had as drastic a fork in the road as Father Phillip Reaves — sacrificing self to serve the Lord or being a millionaire.
He was destined to be an accountant for an oil company his father’s cousin was starting. About seven or eight years ago, after selling off an oil lease, each of his cousin’s children received $1 million after taxes.
“I said, ‘Hey, where’s my million? I thought I was one of your kids?’ He said, ‘Well, if you hadn’t left the company and gone into the seminary you would have got a part.’ I could be a millionaire now,” Father Reaves said with a laugh.
Admittedly he wouldn’t mind having a million dollars, but celebrating his 25th jubilee of priestly service has been worth it.
“I’m happy as a priest … and I love what I’m doing now,” he said.
Father Reaves’ faith was instilled at an early age with family prayers and rosaries. After his father died from his third heart attack when Father Reaves was only 12,
Article source: https://www.arkansas-catholic.org/news/article/6117/Millionaire-or-ministry-Father-Reaves-follows-his-calling