Dear Cathedral Parish Family,
I am excited to announce that we will welcome a new priest to the Cathedral Parish in July. Deacon Danny Herman will join our team after his ordination to the priesthood on June 8th. Deacon (Fr.) Danny spent a summer with us during his seminary preparation; many of you may remember him. He is an outstanding young man and will be a great gift to our parish family. Fr. Martin and Fr. John Mario will remain in their assignments at the Cathedral. Please plan to attend his ordination on June 8th here at the Cathedral at 10:30 a.m. Below is a short biography of soon-to-be Fr. Danny. Please also keep Deacon Danny in your prayers as he prepares for his ordination.
In Christ,
Fr. David A. Boettner,
Rector, Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
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Raised in the small rural town of Mountain City, TN, Fr. Danny grew up a cradle Catholic in the heart of Appalachia’s predominant Baptist community. His upbringing, amidst the natural
beauty and tight-knit community of East Tennessee, has profoundly influenced his spiritual life and fostered a unique appreciation for both the Church’s Tradition and the tradition of the South.
After completing his BA at Wake Forest University, Fr. Danny served as a Naval Officer in the United States Navy for three years, an experience that deepened his commitment to service. At the age of 25, however, he discerned a call to the priesthood, which led him to pursue priestly formation at St. Meinrad Seminary. There, he dedicated himself to theological study, earning a Masters in Divinity (M.Div) and preparing for a life of pastoral ministry in East Tennessee.
Fr. Danny will be ordained a priest on June 8, 2024, and will embark on his first assignment as the newest parochial vicar at The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral Parish. He harbors a particular passion for youth ministry, teaching, community outreach, and spiritual direction and hopes that these passions will help enrich the parish’s vibrant life.
An outdoors enthusiast, Fr. Danny enjoys staying active through exercise, hiking, and travel, reflecting his belief in the importance of nurturing both body and spirit. As he steps into his role at The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral Parish, he brings with him a vision to nurture faith among parishioners and actively pursue holiness in East Tennessee.