Meet Our Community
Abbot Michael Calhoun
Abbot Michael was elected the community’s eighth abbot in July of 2022. Since his election he has continued his responsibilities as head sacristan and master of ceremonies, keeping good order in the abbey worship services. When he is not involved in administrative tasks, Abbot Michael can be found outdoors tending to a flower bed or cutting the grass around the monastery.
Born: Belvidere, Illinois, December 7, 1970
Professed: December 8, 1994
Ordained: June 1, 2002 | Elected Abbot: July 13, 2022
Direct Dial: 815-250-0702 Ext. 288
Abbot Emeritus Philip Davey — Oblate Director
Abbot Emeritus Philip is enjoying his retirement. While he served the community as its abbot he also served as the Vice President of Mission Advancement which gave him the opportunity to meet and become friends with several donors and alumni. He is a much beloved figure. Previously to serving as the community’s abbot, he taught religion in the academy. Abbot Philip is also oblate director, helping laypeople access the spiritual riches of the Benedictine tradition. His lengthy walks around the campus keep him active and in shape.
Born: Oglesby, Illinois, April 3, 1947
Professed: August 15, 1968 | Ordained: May 3, 1975
Elected Abbot: June 7, 2011 | Blessed: September 14, 2011 | Resigned: July 13, 2022
Prior Dominic Garramone
In 2022 Fr. Dominic was appointed as prior of the community making him second in command in the monastic community. Previous to his appointment as prior, Fr. Dominic served as subprior keeping the minutes of monastic meetings. As choir master, he oversees chanters and organists for abbey liturgies. In the academy, he is the head of the religion department, director of dramatics and stage manager. From 1999-2001, he was the host of the PBS cooking show Breaking Bread with Father Dominic. He is the author of several cookbooks and is in great demand as a public speaker. He is an avid photographer whose images are often used for greeting cards at the Saint Bede Abbey Press. During the baseball season he can often be found in the TV room making rosaries while watching the St. Louis Cardinals. If you would like to follow his baking adventures in the abbey kitchen, then visit www.breadmonk.com.
Born: Peoria, Illinois, October 25, 1960
Professed: November 1, 1984
Ordained: June 6, 1992
frdom@st-bede.com
Direct Dial: 815-250-0708 Ext. 246
Father Ronald Margherio
Fr. Ronald serves the academy students as their chaplain, organizing and celebrating all-school liturgies and prayer services as well as coordinating a wide variety of service projects, and student trips throughout the year. In addition to weekend parish assignments, he is often asked to preside at weddings and funerals. Having studied in Rome and visited Italy many times himself, Fr. Ronald is an enthusiastic student of Italian cuisine and culture.
Born: Ladd, Illinois, February 11, 1950
Professed: August 15, 1971
Ordained: June 16, 1978
Direct Dial: 815-250-0286 Ext. 238
Brother Nathaniel Grossmann
For many years Br. Nathaniel shared his love of the English language and its literature with students in the academy. At various times, Br. Nathaniel has served the monastic community as the choir master, postulant master, novice master, junior master, subprior, and prior. His meticulous work as assistant sacristan included beautiful floral arrangements for the sanctuary and the choir chapel. He composed music and lyrics for the daily liturgy, and spent time caring for the dozens of houseplants that enhance both the abbey church and the monastery. An avid reader, he is rarely found without a book in hand, with subjects ranging from fine art to sacred scripture to poetry.
Due to mounting health concerns, Br. Nathaniel now resides in an assisted living facility called Heritage Woods; 801 East Etna Rd; Ottawa, IL 61350.
Born: Cleveland, Ohio, November 28, 1949
Professed: September 1, 1969
bronat@st-bede.com
Father Patrick Fennell (Guest master)
After many years of serving as the abbey’s infirmarian and teaching mathematics in the academy, Fr. Patrick’s now lives in retirement at the abbey. Fr. Patrick comes from a large family which he keeps in touch with through phone and email. The family keeps him busy with weddings, baptisms, and other family celebrations.
Born: Wyoming, Illinois, December 17, 1944
Professed: December 8, 1975
Ordained: June 3, 1989
frpatrick@st-bede.com
Brother Luke McLachlan
Recently, Br. Luke obtained a medical degree from the local junior college to serve as a Registered Nurse. He now works with OSF Hospice Care tending to the needs of the dying and sick. Br. Luke is the community’s organist for its liturgical services. Br. Luke is an avid Chicago White Sox fan.
Born: LaSalle, Illinois, January 23, 1970
Professed: December 8, 1993
brluke@st-bede.com
Father Gregory Jarzombek
Since his ordination in 2012, Fr. Gregory has focused his apostolic ministry on local nursing homes where he regularly celebrates Mass for the residents. Fr. Gregory is especially devoted to Eucharistic adoration.
Born: Chicago, Illinois, April 6, 1953
Professed: January 1, 2007
Ordained: January 16, 2012
gregoryjarzombek@yahoo.com
Brother David Freeman
Br. David serves the community in a variety of ways. He primarily works in the maintenance department learning the how the infrastructure of both the abbey and academy works. Before joining the monastery, Br. David had diverse job experiences which included manufacturing, food service, working for Tyson poultry immunizing chickens, and as a licensed (commercial) journeyman electrician.
Born: Carlsbad, New Mexico, May 29, 1970
Professed: June 24, 2011
davekfreeman2000@yahoo.com
Direct Dial: 815-250-0706 Ext. 278
Contact Our Community
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