Abbot

The Rev. Dr. Robert Gross, OCC

Waukesha, Wisconsin

The Abbot serves as the Spiritual Leader and Chief Shepherd for the Order, responsible for the vision and mission of the Order and the well being of the community. Br. Bob was first elected Abbot in 2012  and was re-elected Abbot during the Order’s 2017 retreat in Wernersville, Pennsylvania.

Past Abbots and Priors*

Abbot Richard H. Price 1999-2012

Prior Jeffrey Hammonds 1996-1999

Prior James H. Gold 1993-1996

Prior E. Stanley Knavel 1990-1993

Prior Harry Royer 1987-1990

*Before 1999 the leader of the order was called a Prior. 

Prior Pro Tempore

Brother Rock Fremont, OCC

Phoenix, Arizona

The Prior serves as the Counselor to the Abbot and is responsible for much of the spiritual and liturgical education and resources for the Order and the spiritual formation of Novices. Br. Rock was named as Prior Pro Tempore at the Order's 2023 retreat in Cleveland, Ohio. 

Steward

Brother Brian Smith, OCC

Western North Carolina.

The Steward is the keeper of the Order's finances and fiscal records, fiscal advisor to the Abbot, and scribe of meetings and gatherings of the Order. Br. Brian was installed as Steward during the Order's 2018 retreat in Racine, Wisconsin.