The People Project:
Rev. Reuben Dykes
By Ashley & Andrew LeSaicherre | September 22, 2023
Meet Rev. Reuben Dykes!
Father Reuben was raised in Covington, Louisiana. He is the second of four children. He graduated from Covington High School in 2002, then earned his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Louisiana State University in 2006. He attended St. Joseph Seminary College for two years, then Notre Dame Seminary. He was ordained a Deacon in 2014, then ordained a Priest in 2015. He was the Associate Pastor for churches in Baton Rouge and the river parishes. Then, he became the Pastor of Mater Dolorosa Catholic Church in Independence, Louisiana in 2018. He is also part of the Bishops Cabinet.
We want to thank Father Reuben for spending some time with us and letting us get to know about his life and his love of the area.
Q: What is your favorite restaurant in the area, and what do you like to get there?
A: Sushi from The Boston Restaurant and Cate Street Seafood Station. I also like Commodore’s Pizza and Cena.
Q: What is your favorite childhood memory?
A: There are so many. Family gatherings at my grandparents house. I have many first cousins, over 40.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be? And why?
A: I'd like to go back to Medjugorje. I'd also like to go to Poland for the holy sites there. My roots are from Ireland and Scotland, so I'd like to visit there also.
Q: What is your favorite movie? What is the first movie you remember seeing in a theater?
A: My favorite movie is A River Runs Through It. The first movie I remember seeing in a theater was Aladdin or a cartoon with my family. I also remember seeing Home Alone 2 or The Sandlot in theaters.
Q: Do you have a favorite book?
A: Father Elijah: An Apocalypse or Island of the World are my favorite books.
Q: What advice would you give a group of people?
A: Listen to Jesus.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: See a baseball game in Fenway Park or Wrigley Park.
Q: What is your favorite music or an artist/band that you would like to see (dead or alive)?
A: I listen to every type of music, except heavy metal. I like country and 80s/90s music, folky stuff too. I would like to see Alabama perform.
Q: What current or former business makes you the most nostalgic about the area?
A: In Covington there was a burger joint called Badeaux's. They had the best malts, and had antique car shows in the summer.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique that you love about the area?
A: The small town's familiar spirit. The connections and relationships.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: Wherever the Bishop sends me!
Q: What is a word or phrase that comes to mind when you think of the word “Home”?
A: My Mom's house.
Q: If you could have a full-time staff member that is fully paid for, what would that be? (Chef, housekeeper, driver, coach, personal trainer, etc.)
A: A personal chef!
Q: If you had to choose one type of cuisine to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?
A: Asian food.
Q: What do you do when you are alone in your car?
A: Sit in silence, pray the rosary or listen to music.
Q: What is the last gift you gave and received?
A: The last gift I gave was a basket of soap and honey to my Mom for Mother's Day. The last gift I received was local honey from a parishioner to keep me healthy.
Q: What are you known for?
A: Being a Priest.
Q: What is your favorite 90s jam?
A: Something by Pearl Jam.
Q: If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
A: To be invisible or to fly!
Q: What are some of your hobbies?
A: I like to jog, read, watch movies, play baseball/football with my nephew.
Q: What is your most commonly used emoji?
A: Thumbs up.
Q: What are you the most proud of?
A: My parishioners.
Q: What two items would you take with you if you shipwrecked on a deserted island where food and water were taken care of?
A: A mass kit (everything you need to celebrate mass) and a cell phone.
Father Reuben was nominated by Gabbie Davis
Who would YOU like for us to get to know?
We love meeting, knowing, and working with our community, and we love working with homes and all types of properties. Helping our community achieve their goals through buying and selling property is something we consider ourselves very fortunate to get to do. Contact one of our REALTORS® if we can help!
