Fr. Peter Shults, O.S.B.

Fr. Peter made his first profession of vows on July 11, 2016, and professed solemn vows in 2019.  He was ordained to the diaconate on March 19, 2022, and to the priesthood on May 31, 2023.

Born in western Texas, Br. Peter grew-up in Del City, Oklahoma, a suburb on the east side of Oklahoma City.  After high school, he completed a bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University of Oklahoma. Following this, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with distinction in the military for ten years, and completing tours of duty in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the United States.  While in the Army he earned a master’s degree in accounting.

Fr. Peter pursued courses in philosophy at St. Gregory’s University and completed theological studies at St. Meinrad Seminary in Indiana. The formation and guidance he received there, along with conversations with Abbot Lawrence, confirmed his path to the priesthood. Fr. Peter completed a Master of Divinity degree from St. Meinrad Seminary and a Baccalaureate of Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) from the Pontifical Athenaeum of St. Anselmo in Rome, Italy. He completed Clinical Pastoral Education at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City in the summer of 2022.

Fr. Peter serves as Novice Master, Abbey Infirmarian, Coordinator of Safe Environment Accreditation, Director of Oblates, and Archivist. He frequently provides sacramental supply ministry at parishes, Altus Air Force Base and assists at three correctional facilities in central Oklahoma.