A. J. Reichel

Alan “A. J.” Reichel is a true-blue baby boomer born in 1947 and spent the early years of his life in Texas. A. J. jokingly considers his epitaph to be “born a Jew, died a gypsy.” He spent most of his adult life on the construction trail, traveling to and from heavy industrial building sites of plants and refineries from Florida to California and from Panama to Idaho as both a hard hatter and in management.

In 2011, A. J. experienced a profound “on the road to Damascus” moment which was and continues to be a driving force in his life. He compares his present life to the Biblical Magi who, after having encountered the Lord Jesus, can never return on the same road. With his life now heading in a “different direction” he spent two years in prayer and formation, living his life with conviction that the Catholic faith is where be belonged. A. J. was baptized into the Catholic Church at an Easter Vigil Mass in 2013. His adventure in faith continues through daily faith reflections, Bible study, prayer, and sharing his faith with others.