By Linda Reeves - The Florida Catholic Palm Beach

BOYNTON BEACH | Father David Toups' r�sum� gives witness, speaks volumes and includes impeccable credentials.

The St. Petersburg priest has been appointed by the bishops of Florida as the 12th man to be managerial as well as spiritual head of St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, a graduate school of theology that provides education to clergy, religious and laity of all denominations. He succeeds Msgr. Keith Brennan, who after seven years is returning to his home diocese of St. Augustine to be a pastor.

"As a dean of pastoral formation and a former pastor, I welcome Father David Toups as our new rector," said Father Louis Guerin. "His joyful and energetic enthusiasm is a reflection of his genuine love for the priesthood."

The new leader's first big event as new rector and president took place July 18. Open to all, the 'Development Day of Prayer' included introductions, prayer, Mass and lunch at the seminary.

"Father Toups was one of my professors when I was in seminary," said Father Thomas Lafreniere, director of vocations for the Diocese of Palm Beach, who was ordained a priest May 2009. "He was also my formation adviser for three years, which is the person who guides a seminarian as he learns what it means to be a priest. I have great respect for Father Toups. I have learned a lot from him, both in class and in the way he lives his priesthood. I am excited that he is the new rector."

Father Toups, 41, is no stranger to the area or the seminary. He is highly regarded and well respected in the local community as well as in Catholic circles nationwide.  

Born in Seattle, Father Toups spent most of his childhood in Houma in the heart of south Louisiana's wetlands, an area known for a large Catholic population and Cajun tradition and culture. The Toups family relocated to Clearwater and Father Toups attended Clearwater Central Catholic High School, where he was active in sports and developed a love for athletics.

He describes his close-knit Catholic family as "loving and faithful." His mother still lives in Clearwater; his father is deceased. Father Toups� first role in the Church was as an altar server.

In his second year of college he felt the call to a religious vocation, but hesitated to fully commit. He was a student at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, a fraternity member and pursuing studies in law. He explains the call as an "awakening to our Catholic faith."

"I knew that I had to at least try the seminary," he said.  

Father Toups completed formation and studies, and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in 1997. He earned his philosophy degree at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, and went on to study dogmatic theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He returned to Rome after his ordination, completing studies and earning a doctorate in sacred theology at Angelicum.    

He brings a wide range of experience to St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, a bilingual and multicultural major seminary, where he served as a parochial vicar, professor of theology and dean of students from 2004 to 2007.

He comes to St. Vincent de Paul from Christ the King Parish, a large and active community located in the heart of Tampa.

"Being a parish priest and pastor of 3,500 families was a great joy. I found it very rewarding," he said.

Parishioners say Father Toups brought passion and enthusiasm to the pulpit and a new Catholic spirit to the community.

"He was incredibly positive and brought excitement to the parish," said Cheryl Stanley, a parish staff member, who worked closely with Father Toups. She explained that he provided outstanding leadership and spiritual renewal. She and other parishioners are excited to see what plans God has for the parish�s former pastor. "He is on the fast track for greatness," said Stanley.

During his 15 years in priestly ministry, Father Toups served four years at St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Spring Hill. He left to become associate director of the Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C.

In 2008, Father Toups found time to publish "Reclaiming Our Priestly Character," a popular book produced by the Institute for Priestly Formation in Omaha, Neb. In his book, Father Toups talks about the graces given priests at ordination and how priests can live out their call in powerful and spiritual ways, uplifting themselves and those they serve.

Scott Hahn, a Franciscan University of Steubenville professor of theology and Scripture, called the book "a 'must read' for anyone desiring to receive a foundational understanding of the sacrament of holy orders in the living tradition of the Church."

Father Toups said he has been enriched along his path to the priesthood and blessed in every one of his priestly assignments, which he said are part of God�s plan that continues to unfold.

"I can look back now and see how all of these pieces fit together," he said. "The Lord has prepared me well for this new role."

He pointed out that he will continue to carry out the mission and work of St. Vincent de Paul, and move forward to build on the solid foundation and programs now in place. In 2013, the school will mark 50 years of providing service for the Church and God. On average, there are 60 to 65 seminarians enrolled, but this year the seminary has the largest enrollment in decades. The current roster at the time of this writing indicates 88 seminarians will be on campus this fall.  

"It is the Holy Spirit," said Father Toups when asked about the increased interest in the priesthood.

Father Toups asks for prayers as he begins a new journey on his life�s path. He encourages the faithful to visit and support the seminary. Masses are celebrated Wednesdays at the seminary chapel at 12:15 p.m. during school sessions.

"I think I can speak for the priests of our Diocese of Palm Beach when I say we are glad he is here," said Father Guerin. "His joyful and energetic enthusiasm is a reflection of his genuine love for the priesthood. Father Toups is a solid theologian and pastoral minister who loves the Church and will work tirelessly to lead the formation program at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary to provide her with good and holy priests for the future."

St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary is located at 10701 S. Military Trail, Boynton Beach. 561-732-4424.