Br. Frank Carr

Frank Carr had the good fortune of going to a Brothers' school — Holy Name in Escanaba, Michigan — and the even better fortune of encountering two Brothers who took a genuine interest in him. Brothers Jude Denis Murphy and Luke of Jesus Rost didn't just teach; they paid attention. They saw something in Frank and encouraged him to consider whether the Brothers' life might be his own. After his father finally gave his blessing, Frank came to St. Yon's Novitiate in Winona in 1962. That was sixty years ago.

Another Brother who shaped him deeply was Damian Steger, who served as president of Saint Mary's Press for many years. Br. Steger's commitment was not just administrative — it was about the young people those resources were being made for. He understood the mission and set the stage for changes that would help the Press continue responding to the evolving needs of students and educators.

In retirement, Br. Frank has found a ministry that fits him perfectly: serving as Chaplain for St. Mary's University Athletics in Winona. He attends as many games as he can, across all sports, and in those interactions he encourages student-athletes not just in their athletic performance but in their studies and in their sense of self. He wants them to know the Brothers, to understand what they stand for, and to recognize that a Brother's presence — even a quiet one — matters.

For Br. Frank, the KabarA Challenge is deeply personal. He is grateful to Betty Kabara for her generosity, which allows senior Brothers to remain active and engaged rather than simply living out their days in passivity. "Thank you, Betty," he says — simply, directly, and with the sincerity of a man who means it.