Background
I am Fr. Adam Royal, a priest of the Diocese of Knoxville and a convert to the Catholic faith. I grew up in Albertville, Alabama. I was baptized in the Episcopal Church, later spent years in Southern Baptist congregations, and entered into full communion with the Catholic Church during my first year of college.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Carnegie Mellon University before spending six years at Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, where I received a Master of Divinity in May 2016. Bishop Richard F. Stika ordained me to the priesthood at Sacred Heart Cathedral on June 4, 2016, as the 51st priest ordained for the Diocese of Knoxville. I tell the story of my conversion and vocation more fully in Called by Name Weekend.
Ministry
My first priestly assignment was as associate pastor at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Chattanooga. I later served at Our Lady of Fatima in Alcoa and St. Thomas the Apostle in Lenoir City.
I currently serve as pastor of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Crossville, an appointment that took effect April 4, 2025. In September 2025, Bishop Mark Beckman also appointed me dean of the Cumberland Mountain Deanery.
About this site
This site brings together my homilies, reflections, and Scripture tools for people seeking to engage Scripture and the Catholic faith more deeply. The homilies come from liturgical preaching, while the reflections allow more room to consider Scripture, prayer, and Catholic life. The tools are practical resources for Scripture study and ministry.