“Every encounter becomes an opportunity of service,” current St. John XXIII pastor and Xavier High School campus minister Father Richmond Dzekoe said.

This saying exemplifies the role Father Richmond serves in for those around him. Throughout his whole life, he has dedicated time to serving others through his passion in the priesthood and teaching all across the world. 

“I had the call to become a priest when I was young. I was about ten when I felt God     knocking on the door of my heart,” Father Richmond said.

While hearing his calling, Father Richmond was candid in explaining one particular attraction to him: food. Starting at a young age, some friends of his parents, who were priests, would visit and bring about wonderful meals. This left a lasting impression on his high hopes for tasteful food in the path of priesthood. While smiling at the memory, he did say in seriousness how, as time passed, he knew those priests were put in his life by God and that his early  interactions with them sparked his journey to priesthood.

After beginning his journey at ten years old following with about 15 years of schooling, Father Richmond entered into his vocation. It is through his schooling at St. Theresa’s Minor Seminary in Elmina, Ghana; St. Paul’s Seminary in Accra, Ghana; St. Peter’s Seminary in Cape Coast, Ghana; the University of Ghana; Iowa State University and St. Thomas University in Miami, Florida, that he acquired many different degrees, with the highest being his doctorate in English Linguistics. He was ordained on November 22, 2003 in the Archdiocese of Cape Coast, Ghana by Cardinal Peter Turkson. 

Through his studies and work, Father Richmond was able to solidify his passion. Inspired by his parents who taught English,  mathematics and religious studies, he combined his love for teaching and faith life. This influence from his parents, along with his love for reading and writing, made it clear he wanted to focus on teaching English along with ministry. Prior to Xavier, he was involved in campus ministry and taught at Iowa State University for seven years. He then went to  Miami University of Ohio where he taught English composition and linguistic courses in both locations. He did ministry work in Cincinnati, Ohio, serving as both a campus minister and associate pastor until he was called back to Iowa.

“I was excited that this [time at Xavier] was an opportunity that combined what   I  have been  doing and love to do,” Father Richmond said. 

Campus Ministry Coordinator Jaclyn Richmond comments how he, in such a short time, has impacted many people at Xavier.

“He has an anchoring presence here. He is exceedingly intentional in his words and actions, which sets a tone that allows us to stop, center and just be in each moment,” Richmond said. 

Father Richmond both enriches the Xavier community at large and takes time to be present with each student. Xavier senior Val Zeck explains how he has already guided and helped her greatly through their conversations and time spent in campus ministry.

“He is wise and has impacted my faith life and has helped me see past prior mistakes. I was going through a very rough time trying to understand why things happen the way they happen. He gave me some really good advice and since then I have been applying it to almost every situation I have been in,” Zeck said.

As Father Richmond’s journey down his lifelong path continues, he proceeds to selflessly give himself to others, bringing the light of Christ to all those whom he may meet.