Fr. Patrick Friend

Fr. Patrick Friend was born and baptized in Memphis, TN, but has spent most of his life in Little Rock, AR. He is a product of K-12 Catholic education and attributes much of his faith to the good formation he received during that time. After high school, Fr. Patrick attended Westminster College in Fulton, MO, where he majored in English and Biology. After graduation, he taught English and Chemistry at his Alma Mater, Catholic High School for Boys, for one year before entering St. Meinrad Seminary for the Diocese of Little Rock. Six years later, in 2018, he was ordained a priest for the diocese and has served at the same high school as a Biology, English, and Theology teacher. He also helps with Mass coverage around the state and leads retreat weekends when available. Fr. Patrick is currently pursuing a Master’s in Catholic Educational Leadership at Notre Dame in South Bend, IN, while continuing his role at Catholic High.

Fr. Patrick is an avid outdoorsman and spends much of his free time camping, fishing, and hunting. He also enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with his family. His confirmation saint and hero in the priesthood is Fr. Maximilian Kolbe, but he has many saints and mentors who help him respond fully to God’s call. Finally, it may be interesting to know that Fr. Patrick comes from a family of vocations. His great-great uncle, uncle, and younger brother all served or continue to serve as priests for the Diocese of Little Rock.