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 Fr. Mark Christopher
Padrez, OP
I was born and raised in Nogales, Arizona in October of 1963 – a small border town sixty
miles south of Tucson. I attended public school but was very active in my parish as an altar boy.
When I graduated from high school, I attended the University of Arizona – I was on the six-year
plan when I completed my bachelor’s degree in history.
It was at the University of
Arizona Newman Center where I first met the Dominicans and was introduced to their spirituality. I
was impressed with their preaching, their availability, prayer life, and community. Their
eagerness to preach and to do it well was evident and their passion for truth was infectious. As
the chaplains mentored me through my college years I gradually saw what service and ministry
meant. It is a giving of self for the benefit of others, and at times there may be hardships or
sacrifices to be made, yet the Lord was constantly revealing himself and his love. As I reflected
on my own life and my experiences of Christ’s powerful redemptive presence I felt drawn to share
that presence with others. After much prayer, reflection, and consultation with friends and
Dominicans I entered the Order in August of 1987.
I was ordained in May of 1995
and have been assigned to our parish in Antioch, California, Holy Rosary Church and our Newman
Center at the University of California of San Diego. Presently I am serving as the Director of
Vocations. It has been a tremendous blessing to meet men so eager and willing to give of
themselves to Christ and the world. Updated 5/26/05
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