September 10, 2026 —Fr. Paul Keller, CMF, 30 years of Impact
Six young men in a probation program. A priest. Breakfast. Eggs. Manners. Conversation.
Fr. Paul Keller, CMF, watched as the young men struggled to figure how they want their eggs, how to order them when the waiter comes . This led to the group having a conversations on different ways to cook eggs and how to properly talk to those servicing them.
For Fr. Paul, moments like these were about more than breakfast. They were opportunities to build relationships, teach practical skills and help young people recognize that they had something valuable to contribute.
Fr. Paul recalls that at the age of 10, he already felt drawn to priesthood. By high school, that sense of calling had deepened, and he began to feel particularly drawn to religious life and missionary ministry. At 16, he began corresponding with the Claretian Missionaries, knowing of their ministry among Spanish-speaking communities and immigrants in the United States. That connection would shape the course of his life. From his college years to the present, he has continued his journey with the Claretian Missionaries.
Fr. Paul began his missionary life 36 years ago and was ordained to the priesthood 30 years ago.
His priesthood has taken him into parishes and schools, college campuses and formation communities, city jails and probation programs. He has sat with young people, families, students and people who might never otherwise walk through the doors of a church. Again and again, his ministry has brought him to people searching for something that can be difficult to name: a sense of belonging, purpose, dignity and worth.
“I remember his very first homily in Fresno distinctly. There was much angst regarding immigration and humane treatment of people. I thought to myself ‘he is either going to speak to people or make them mad.’ In my case, it was a reminder of Jesus love…legal or illegal it doesn’t matter. People deserve to be treated with dignity and love. Fr. Paul’s homilies were always thought provoking for me. On a side note, week 2 his homily was on death. Both memorable to me. I miss you both.”
-Kristina Pasma
“One of the many great lines I’ve hear from him is: “the mission doesn’t work for us; we work for the mission!”
-Fr. Byron Macías
These are just a few of the many kind remarks shared about Fr. Paul, reflecting a ministry centered on meeting people where they are, encouraging those who may struggle to believe in themselves, and reminding others of their dignity and worth.
For 30 years, Fr. Paul has lived out that calling, walking alongside people, building relationships and helping others discover their own gifts and sense of purpose. His journey is a reminder that sometimes ministry happens in the places we least expect it.
As we celebrate Fr. Paul’s 30 years of priesthood, you can help support the mission he has dedicated his life to. Your gift helps strengthen Claretian ministries that walk alongside young people, families and communities, creating opportunities for connection, growth and hope.
