Priesthood of Presence: Father Brian Cundall

In Fort Smith, Arkansas, at Christ the King Parish, Father Brian Cundall serves with a joyful heart, sharing the love of Christ through his ministry. A priest of the Diocese of Little Rock, Father Brian has embraced his vocation with humor, grace, and an inspiring openness to God’s will. But how did he get here? Let’s take a closer look at the life and vocation of this dynamic young priest.

A Seed of Faith Planted in High School

Growing up in Arkansas, Father Brian didn’t initially dream of being a priest. His vocation story began in high school when a teacher at his all-boys Catholic school often told him, “Brian, I think you’d make a great priest.” Those simple words planted a seed that grew as he prayed and discerned his future.

Like many teenagers, he faced the overwhelming task of deciding what to do with his life. “I’d see a dog cross the street and think it was a sign I was called to be a priest,” he joked. “The next day, I’d see leaves blowing and decide I was called to marriage.” Amid this confusion, he sought advice from a seminarian friend who encouraged him to focus on daily prayer rather than seeking immediate answers.

By spending time in prayer, especially in the chapel at his high school, Brian began to feel a quiet but steady pull toward seminary. He entered right after graduation, taking his first steps on a path that would lead to the priesthood.

Seminary Life and the Role of Doubt

Father Brian’s seminary years were transformative but not without their challenges. He admitted that doubts surfaced, particularly during his transition from minor to major seminary. “Minor seminary felt like college with a spiritual focus,” he explained, “but major seminary made me realize, ‘This is real.”

During moments of doubt, Father Brian leaned heavily on prayer, the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and—unexpectedly—reggae music. “The rosary kept me grounded, and reggae helped me relax,” he shared with a smile.

Through prayer, spiritual direction, and perseverance, he learned to trust that God’s plans for him were good—even if the path wasn’t always easy.

Life as a Priest: Presence and Sacraments

Ordained in May 2021, Father Brian is now in his third year of priesthood. When asked about the best part of being a priest, he quickly pointed to the Sacraments. “Celebrating Mass and the Sacraments is the greatest way I could ever love people.”

Father Brian also finds joy in simply being present to his parishioners. Whether it’s teaching at the parish school, visiting the sick, or showing up at sporting events to cheer on students, he recognizes that his ministry is rooted in showing up and being available.

He recalls a memorable moment early in his priesthood when he attended a volleyball game at his parish’s school. After the game, the players expressed their gratitude for his presence. “They said, ‘Father, you came to our game!’” he recounted. “In that moment, I realized they saw me as a father who cared enough to be there.”

Balancing Ministry and Administration

While Father Brian thrives on pastoral ministry, he candidly admits that administrative tasks—like emails and paperwork—are his least favorite part of the job. “I didn’t promise to answer emails at my ordination!” he joked. However, he recognizes that these tasks are also a form of service and love for his parish family.

Words of Encouragement for Parishioners

Father Brian emphasizes that priests want to connect with their parishioners. “Don’t be afraid to reach out,” he encouraged. “We might be busy, but we’ll always make time for you.”

He hopes that his openness and accessibility will inspire others to approach their priests, not only for guidance but to share in the joy of parish life.

Listen to Father Brian Cundall story on Tabella!

A Reflection on the Priesthood

Father Brian described the priesthood as both deeply sacred and profoundly human. Priests, he explained, share in the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ while navigating the challenges of daily life.

“There’s only one priest, and that’s Christ,” he said. “We are sharers in His priesthood, called to serve and love as He did.”

A Final Blessing

For those discerning their vocation or facing challenges, Father Brian offers this advice: “Stay consistent in prayer, even when you don’t feel it. Keep seeking God, and trust that He’s guiding you.”

With his joy, humility, and dedication, Father Brian Cundall embodies the love of Christ in his ministry at Christ the King Parish. His life is a reminder that God’s plans, though sometimes unexpected, are always worth following.

If you’d like to meet Father Brian or learn more about his ministry, stop by Christ the King in Fort Smith. You just might find him on the basketball court with the school kids or in the confessional, offering the tender love of Christ to all who seek it.