Father Erik John Richtsteig was born on June 2, 1965. His father Major David Richtsteig USMC was an artillery officer who was killed in action in Vietnam in December 1965. His mother Kristen Barnes grew up in Sugarhouse and attended Highland High School.

 

While born in his father's hometown of Cedar City, UT, Father grew up in and around Salt Lake City except for one year in Quantico, VA, while he and his mother were waiting for his father's remains to be identified and returned. He attended Forest Elementary, Bonneville Elementary, Granite Park Junior High and Highland High School.

 

In 1980, Father Erik decided to become a Catholic. He was baptized, confirmed and made his first Holy Communion at the Cathedral of the Madeleine at the Easter Vigil of 1981.  Watch Fr. Erik's interview about his conversion from EWTN's program, "The Journey Home" from October 15, 2007 here.

 

He attended the University of Utah and received a BS and an MA in Philosophy. He also undertook doctoral studies at Marquette University before moving to Mt. Angel Seminary in Oregon to study for the priesthood.

 

Father was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Salt Lake City on June 25, 1994. He has served as parochial vicar at St. Patrick, SLC and Notre Dame de Lourdes, Price. He has also served as pastor at St. Anthony of Padua, Helper, and St. James the Just, Ogden.

 

From 1997 through 2005, Father Erik was a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve. He is currently the State Chaplain for the Knights of Columbus and Spiritual Assistant for the SLC Lay Carmelites.

 

Father is a big fan of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror. Most years he attends FanX in Salt Lake. His other hobbies include sailing, mountain biking, astronomy, shooting, and video gaming. He has two English bulldogs, two cats, three birds, and a multitude of tropical fish.

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