Richard Rhinehart

My name is Richard Rhinehart, and I’m extremely blessed to be studying for the Diocese of Superior. I’m currently in my third year of theology at St. Francis de Sales Seminary in Milwaukee.

My home parish is St Peter the Fisherman in Eagle River. My family has a cottage on Cranberry Lake on the Chain in Eagle River, where I have spent the majority of my life during the summer months.

Growing up, we would visit relatives in other parts of Wisconsin and the upper peninsula of Michigan. I went to grade school and high school in Arlington Heights, Ill., and then attended Parks College of St Louis University.

I am an only child, and my mom and dad are now both retired. After getting a degree in aeronautics, I started working in various management positions at large companies.

While working, I went back to school and received an MBA from Dominican University. One morning I woke up, called my mom and told her I wanted to be a priest. She said, “Yes, Rich I know”.

My mom’s response was surprising to me, and she explained that she had a feeling this would eventually happen. I had finally started “listening” to God’s vocational call.

After many prayers and some wise counsel from friends, I entered a discernment program in the Archdiocese of Chicago, where I was accepted as a seminarian and spent four years at Mundelein Seminary.

From the start of seminary studies at Mundelein, I had a strong desire and longing to study for the Diocese of Superior. The love I have for the Northwoods is truly a blessing, and God continues to fill me with faith and hope, but the time had come to make a decision.

After praying some more, seeing my spiritual director, and interviewing with different diocesan personnel, my dream was realized as I was accepted as a seminarian for this diocese.

I am truly excited to know that through God’s grace and God’s will, I will one day be able to serve the communities in Superior as an ordained minister. It is comforting to know that I have the support of so many people during these final years of my formation.

Please be assured of my continued prayers for all of you and your loved ones.