I was born on August 24, 1961 and was named Thomas John Baker. I grew up in the city of
St. Anthony Village , Minnesota . I attended Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church until I moved to Assumption Abbey in 1998.

I graduated from St. Anthony Village high school in 1980 and began my post-secondary education at Minneapolis Technical Institute. From 1980 to 1982 I completed the Graphic Arts program. at MTI. I continued my education at MTI from 1982 to 1984 in computer operations.

Before I graduated in 1984, I began to work for Despatch Industries as a computer operator. I continued to work at Despatch until 1998.

After a six year break form school, I began to take classes once again, part time, at North Hennepin
Community Collage. In 1995 I graduated from North Hennepin Community college with an Associateof Arts Degree. I then transferred to the University of Minnesota , where I continued my education until 1997.

In 1998 I made a life change and entered Assumption Abbey to become a Monk. In March of 1999, I began my novice year. On March 21, 2000 I took my temporary vows and became a Junior Monk. On May 10, 2003 , I took my final vows and became a permenate member of Assumption Abbey.

With formation complete, I asked if I could return to school to complete my education. With
permission, I began to take classes at the University of Mary in the fall of 2003. I spent two
wonderful years at U-Mary and graduated in the spring of 2005 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Behavior and Sciences. I also minored in History.

I am now living at Assumption Abbey. In the fall of 2006, I will begin my work towards my ordination as a Permanent Deacon in the Diocese of Bismarck. This is a five year program.