Join us for “Rock Reflections,” a series celebrating Trinity alumni. From 48 states to countries worldwide, our graduates are making an impact, and we'll share their stories on Trinity's website and social media.
This week, we’re reflecting with Rev. Brandon DeToma '00
A familiar face at Trinity all-school liturgies is Rev. Brandon DeToma ’00. He often concelebrates Opening Mass, Baccalaureate Mass and other celebrations with Trinity Chaplain Rev. Dave Zettel ’58 and other Archdiocesan priests. His presence adds to the spiritual aspect of Trinity. Father DeToma began considering entering the priesthood while serving in the U.S. Army. He was ordained on May 26, 2018. He is a donor to the Trinity Annual Fund for financial aid and a Trinity School Board member.
What follows is a Q & A interview with Father DeToma.
Why did you choose Trinity for high school?
Growing up in Middletown and attending Ascension Catholic School, it just made sense to prioritize Trinity over other schools. I never looked at any other school or went to any other recruiting events. I remember shadowing in the fall of my eighth-grade year, and it just felt right and new. I never looked back.
What activities/athletics/clubs were you involved with at Trinity?
I was not as active as I should have been in high school. I worked a lot starting my sophomore year, so my time was limited. I was involved in the intramurals program and the History Club.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Trinity?
Two memories jump out at me. One was the freshman summer course where all the new students gather and are introduced to skills to set them up for success. I remember meeting new people, walking the halls, etc. It got me excited for this new chapter in my life.
My second favorite memory was senior prom. In many ways, it was a closing event for the last four years. Being with friends, congratulating the Shammy Award winners and just being a part of the event was meaningful to me.
What do you remember about the day-to-day life at Trinity?
I remember the routine. I would often arrive at school early, park in the same parking spot, head to the cafeteria and finish any last-minute homework that needed to be completed. I was still working on my time-management skills. I remember the lunch period, the study halls and some good classroom lectures on important topics. Most importantly, I remember the teachers who gave their time and talent to their students. I remember being challenged and held to a standard that serves me to this day.
Who were some of your favorite teachers/coaches?
Two teachers stood out to me during my four years at Trinty. I have always been fascinated by history, and both Gene Eckert [’62] and Paul Vale [’86] helped foster that through their discussions and course work. They never made the subject seem distant or dull, and I appreciated their hard work.
What did you do after graduating from Trinity in 2000?
I attended Transylvania University in Lexington, majoring in history and religion. It was an enriching time filled with fun memories.
After graduating college in 2005, I spent six years in the U.S. Army, four on active duty and two in the Reserves. I did basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Waynesville, Missouri.
I was an intelligence analyst for special forces deployed to Afghanistan, Guam and South Korea. I also served at Joint Base Lewis-McCord outside of Tacoma, Washington.
It was during my time in the Army that I began to think about priesthood on a deeper level. It took me a couple of years to work up the nerve to call the vocation director, but eventually I did. That started my process.
Since I already had a bachelor’s degree, I was at the seminary for six years instead of the usual eight. I attended St. Meinrad Seminary and School for Theology in Indiana for two years of graduate philosophy and then had four years of theology studies at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy.
At which parishes have you served as a priest?
I was an associate pastor at St. Bernadette in Louisville for three years and pastor at All Saints in Taylorsville, St. Michael the Archangel in Fairfield and St. Bernard in Louisville. I’m currently pastor of St. Monica and St. Thomas churches in Bardstown
How would you describe returning to Trinity as an alumnus and a priest to celebrate Mass?
It has been rewarding returning to campus as a priest and assisting with Mass and senior retreats. It helps recharge my spiritual batteries so I’m able to return to the parish. The Trinity community has enriched my life in so many ways, and I’m grateful to be able to give back in some small way.
What effect did Trinity have on your life?
It was during my time as a Trinity student that the importance of faith and character became more apparent. Trinity’s atmosphere indirectly helped me refocus aspects of my life toward God and virtue.
Why do you support Trinity years after graduating?
Trinity helped balance the hectic home life I had. The joy, laughter and energy helped me carry on
at home, my job and other responsibilities I had. I support Trinity because it served as an outlet for me to grow and discover who I was and what sort of person I wanted to be. It helped me grow, mature and see what truly matters in life. In addition to concelebrating Mass, I served on the Trinity School Board.
Share an alumni story!
Do you know a Trinity alumnus with a compelling story? Please reach out to Travis Wagoner '90, Alumni Relations, Communications & Archives at 502-736-2122 or wagoner@trinityrocks.com.
A History of Greatness
Since 1953, Trinity has benefitted from great teachers, resources, and activities to shape and guide promising boys into great men. The 106 students from our first graduating class have been followed by a legacy of academic, personal and cultural achievement. To learn more about our proud heritage, visit https://www.trinityrocks.com/o/trinityfoundation/page/about-us.
Invest in the ‘Path to Greatness’
Your contribution to the Trinity Annual Fund directly supports financial aid, helping our students on their path to greatness! To make a gift, go to https://trinityrocks.givecloud.co/rockreflections.