 Rev. Br. Dismas Sayre, OP
I was born in 1968 in Puerto Rico, but grew up in Pittsburgh, Penna., the middle of five kids. After a
brief stint in the Navy, I attended the University of Utah.
At the "U," I met my first Dominicans. Little did I know at
that time that this would eventually lead me to change from one black and white uniform to another. I was
baptized Catholic, but had never gone to a Mass, save for one in Boot Camp (the option was go to church,
or work. Many of us "found" religion that way). After I began college, with God's helping nudge and
occasional swift kicks, I entered the Catholic Church, and I was confirmed at the Dominican Newman Center
in Salt Lake City in 1990. A few years later, I felt the tug to religious life, but wasn't able to take
advantage until 2000, when I finally entered the novitiate in Oakland, California.
Every one of us has a "year away," where we study in another
province to learn more about the rest of the Dominican order. For me, this was a few years ago, and I
chose to go to our house of studies in Lima, Peru, partly from my interest in the country, and partly to
get my Spanish back up to speed. Lima has the added beauty of being the home of three great Dominican
saints, Rose of Lima, Martin de Porres, and Juan Macias, whose relics are displayed at our church near the
historical center of Lima. I also had the blessing to work a mission during the Triduum at a remote
mountain village and see some of the countryside and other cities.
After my year in Peru, I did my year of residency at our Newman
Center in Eugene, Oregon. There, I worked with the priests and staff of the Newman Center for some
on-the-job schooling, learning what ministry was really like from the inside, and from all the faithful
parishioners who made it such a joy to serve. I think just about every Dominican student describes this as
his favorite year of studies, and I am no different!
I then returned to my studies in California, and was just recently
ordained a deacon. I am already working at a busy neighboring parish as a deacon, helping out whenever my
studies allow.
In my free time, I like to read, watch movies (a fan of "Mystery
Science Theater 3000"), and go walking or hiking.
[Updated: 9/15/03]
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