At the time of this interview, I have been a priest for 314 days. I was born in Fort Worth Texas and grew up in a little town called Bracketville near the Mexican border. Growing up with a younger brother, we often served as altar boys at church which was only a quarter-mile away from home. Serving was great fun for us, even getting up early in the morning during the week. We would serve at Mass, get home for breakfast and then head off to school. Those were good days. We grew up working on a ranch and hard work was just a part of life. I also liked to play sports (basketball). My father used to refer to me as a little bulldog because I was relentless in my efforts.

Originally I was studying biology with plans to become an Optometrist. I wanted to help people see. I was a bit off on where God was calling me. I wanted to help people see with their natural eyes and instead I was called to help people see with the eyes of faith.

Before becoming a priest, I was a missionary for seven years and that was a blessing. I got to travel the world, and see the oneness of the Church in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Rome, and the Philippines. One time in Belize when I was a candidate along with a bunch of others for the religious life and also teaching school, a priest gave a couple of us some money to buy groceries for a retreat. The priest specifically asked Clay to buy food with which to make "substantial" sandwiches. So we went and bought bread, meat and fixings, and made sandwiches that probably weighed 5 ils. each. Nobody could eat the whole sandwich. It was quite funny.

While the story of my call to the priesthood is perhaps too long to mention here, we should recall that Christ promised that in each generation he would raise up men that would shepherd his people and I am blessed to be part of the wonderful fulfillment of that promise.

In seminary days, the brothers used to call me "Brother A--" because I was a like a donkey. Always working like a beast of burden. Now that I am a priest, I love my work at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Helotes. I have always had a great love for Our Mother Mary. It is great to be under her patronage for my first priestly assignment. I believe that the greatest grace God has given me as a priest is the authority to forgive sins.

My favorite saints are Saint Faustina, Saint Genoa Mola and also our patron saint for this year, Saint John Vianney. My favorite prayer is the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. I have been praying the Chaplet for more than 10 years. I set my watch alarm for 3:00 pm so I can stop and pray the Chaplet each day. I also love to pray the Rosary every day. My favorite book and movie is the Lord of the Rings. I also like Braveheart. For recreation, I enjoy fishing (for fish, but also for men).

If I was given a million dollars to spend, the first thing I would do is purchase a Harley Davidson "Fat-Boy" motorcycle. I've always had this dream of bringing the Gospel to my brother bikers. I grew up as a cowboy but also like to ride the "steel horse." I would give the rest of the million dollars to the Church, probably for a building project at our parish.

A great man once said, "the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know." I think the greatest wisdom is in being humble. If we are humble, the Holy Spirit will infuse us with greater wisdom. Wisdom will tell you to stay close to our Blessed Mother. Go to her often and lean on her for support. Wisdom also reminds us that "all things are possible with Christ."