A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Fr. Stephen Dominic Hayes is one of eight children. Proud of his Irish heritage, he brings a deep cultural and spiritual richness to his vocation. He holds an A.B. in Biology from Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire; a J.D. from Boston University School of Law; and a Sacred Theology Baccalaureate (S.T.B.) from the Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C.
After several years practicing law, Fr. Hayes entered the Dominican Order in 1982. He made his solemn profession in 1986 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1988. For over 29 years, he has served as a priest and pastor in Ohio and Kentucky and currently serves as the prior of St. Patrick Priory in Columbus, Ohio.
In addition to his pastoral work, Fr. Hayes has extensive experience in preaching parish missions, leading retreats, organizing pilgrimages, and serving as a spiritual director and confessor. His apostolic work has also included involvement in Catholic radio and print media.
A longtime member of both the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Fr. Hayes has a particular interest in Sacred Scripture, sacramental theology, and the history of medieval Christianity.
