Fr. Raymond Herard

Fr. Raymond Herard is a joyful priest of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, serving as Parochial Vicar at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church in Pensacola, Florida. He also leads the Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of West Florida, where he serves as Director and Chaplain for the vibrant “Catholic Argos” community. His ministry is marked by a deep love for the Eucharist, an Ignatian approach to spiritual formation, and a heartfelt desire to form young people into lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ.

Originally from an Air Force family, Fr. Raymond grew up all over the world and brings a global perspective to his priestly ministry. Before entering seminary, he studied film in Los Angeles, but his life took a dramatic turn when he experienced a powerful reawakening of faith while attending St. Dominic Catholic Church in Panama City. There, through prayer and the witness of a faithful community, he discerned the call to the priesthood.

In 2013, he began his priestly formation and was ordained a priest on June 5, 2021, by Bishop William Wack, CSC. He earned his Master of Divinity from St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Ministry from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois, with a concentration in the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola—reflecting his passion for deepening the interior life and helping others discern God’s will.

Fr. Raymond believes in the power of beauty, truth, and authentic friendship to lead people to Christ. Whether he is offering Mass, leading adoration, preaching to students, or sharing a homemade batch of ice cream, his goal is the same: to bring others into the healing, transforming love of God.

When he’s not serving in his priestly role, Fr. Raymond enjoys movies, disc golf, board games, theology, cooking, and engaging in honest conversations about faith and life.

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