Fr. Richard Thompson

St. John Fisher School welcomed Father Richard Thompson as pastor in 2012.
 
He converted to Catholicism in 1985 at the age of 35 and entered Mount Angel Seminary three years later; he was ordained to the priesthood in 1995. 

Father Thompson's first assignment was at St. Cecilia in Beaverton. Four years later, he went to St. Mary Star of the Sea in Astoria, where he served for three years. He has spent the last 10 years at All Saints Parish in Northeast Portland. 

He was formally installed as pastor of St. John Fisher in July.

He says he loves being a priest. “I finally decided what I want to do when I grow up," he explains. "I’m still working on growing up.”

Father Thompson hails from Bend. He enjoys cooking, especially in the great outdoors, with his barbecues. His specialty dishes include paella, chicken enchiladas, and braised short ribs or lamb shanks. With an appreciation for books and art, he collects both. 

Among other interest are gardening, travel and an eclectic taste in music.

His family still lives in the area, including his parents in Milwaukie.

The priest has several spiritual devotions, including St. Martha. “If it wouldn’t have been for Martha they would have never eaten,” he says. Keeping with the behind-the-scenes heroes, he also has a devotion to St. Joseph.

-Catholic Sentinel 9/27/2012