Fr. Zack Burns, TOR
Entered 2013
About Fr. Zack
Hometown:
Milford, PA
Year professed/ordained:
- Entered the Franciscan Community: 2013
- Professed Vows: 2015
- Ordained: 2020
What did you do or consider doing before entering the community?
I was a public school teacher. I taught kindergarten and high school special education.
What drew you to the TOR friars?
I became familiar with the friars when I was an undergraduate student at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA. One of the friars was our team chaplain for cross country and track, and although I was a relatively uninvolved Catholic at the time, his example of simplicity, joy, and otherworldly peace stuck with me even after graduation.
What are some hobbies you enjoy?
I run ultramarathon trail races. I love being in the wilderness without a care in the world. I also believe that it is the vocation of a priest to suffer with and for the people he serves. There is a lot of suffering during a 100 mile race--although it can never amount to some of the hardships people face involuntarily in their lives.
Favorite saint and why:
Tough choice. I love Blessed Solanus Casey, the American-born Capuchin Francsican friar. He was a humble man whose "success" in ministry came entirely because of his willingness to be obedient to his superiors and do the small tasks in front of him, trusting that God would multiply his modest efforts. I also love Servant of God Vincent Capodanno. He was a Vietnam War chaplain known by those he served as the "Grunt Padre." He followed his men into battle at every turn, and was ultimately killed after he was shot 27 times in battle while trying to shield a wounded soldier.
Favorite Bible verse:
“And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He *said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” - Revelation 21:5
Current Ministry:
Parochial Vicar at Good Shepherd Catholic Community in Colleyville, TX.
Advice to discerning men:
Don't overthink things. Discernment isn't about peace, it's about conviction. Where are your gifts and charisms most alive? Where does God most want to lead you to conversion?
