Leading a new chapter in the heartland

FR. RICK STANSBERRY talks about Legatus and his conversion from Episcopalianism . . .

Fr. Rick Stansberry

Fr. Rick Stansberry
Oklahoma City Chapter

Father Rick Stansberry grew up Episcopalian. His parents divorced when he was 12, and he converted to Catholicism as a teenager — much to the disappointment of his parents. After becoming an accountant, he attended seminary and was ordained in 1992. He was later able to confirm his own mother! In addition to serving as pastor of Christ the King parish and judicial vicar for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, Fr. Stansberry is the chaplain of Legatus’ newest chapter. Members began meeting in July and the chapter will charter on Dec. 10. Father Stansberry spoke with Legatus magazine’s editorial assistant Tim Drake.

Tell me about your family.

I grew up in Oklahoma City as an only child. My father was a physician, and my mother worked for many years for a U.S. senator. My parents divorced when I was 12 years old. I lived with my mom, but visited my dad frequently. My parents both remarried, so I have two half-sisters. I grew up Episcopalian.

What led you to the Catholic Church?

When I was about six or seven years old, my dad, as chief of staff, used to make his Saturday morning rounds visiting patients at St. Anthony’s Hospital. During those times, he would leave me with the Sisters of St. Francis, who were nurses at the hospital. They took me to the chapel for Mass and for vespers. I was so impressed by that — and by the holiness of their lifestyle — that I was intrigued with being Catholic. When I entered high school, I met a priest and told him that. He suggested I take classes. While most kids were sneaking out to buy beer, I was sneaking off to attend Catholic classes.

What led you to consider the priesthood?

Before becoming Catholic, I thought about being an Episcopalian priest, but I wanted to be a doctor and get married and have a family. I got sick at the sight of blood, so I couldn’t pursue that. I attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, received a Master’s degree, and worked for three years as an accountant.

Once, while on a business trip, I attended the basilica in St. Louis, and they were having an ordination Mass. Six months later, while in Oklahoma City, I decided to attend a Saturday night Mass, and they were having an ordination. I wondered if someone wasn’t trying to tell me something, so I talked to a parish priest. I figured “nothing ventured nothing gained” and tried seminary. I was ordained at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Oklahoma City in 1992.

How did you first become acquainted with Legatus?

I first heard about it several years ago from Cardinal Raymond Burke, because one of my priest friends was his secretary and he was talking about the good work that Legatus does. Later, I spoke with [Oklahoma City] Archbishop Paul Coakley about our need for a chapter here. He invited John Hunt. That took place in June and we were up and running by July.

What makes the chapter distinct?

The Catholic community here is small. Catholics only make up about 3 to 5% of the population. Amazingly, many of the members have never met before. Most of our members come from two parishes.  In a community like ours, Legatus works very well.

What advice would you offer to Catholic business leaders?

Maintaining a strong faith helps people to be better leaders. Some of the most successful people are daily Mass attendees and always attend Sunday Mass. Many will say that it’s not just their ability, but they believe that God has blessed them, and they feel that they should share that with their employees and communities.

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