FR. DANIEL RICE
Biography of Reverend Daniel Rice, Parochial Vicar of Holy Family
Father Daniel Rice was born in Chantilly, VA in 1995 to Mr. Leonard Rice and Mrs. Barbara. The third of six children, he grew up practicing the faith with his family. Most memorably, they prayed a few prayers, read a scripture verse, or listened to a religious song each night before bed. As a young man, he learned about friendship with Christ in St. Timothy’s Parish boys’ club and grew in his faith and in friendships in the parish youth group.
He was homeschooled through seventh grade, then attended Trinity School at Meadow View for the rest of middle and high school. While at Trinity, he enjoyed strong Christian community and a classical education. In those years, along with his growing relationship with God and desire for God, he experienced an increasing sense of a call to the priesthood.
Following high school, Father Daniel entered the seminary in 2013. His first four years of seminary were spent at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH. There he studied philosophy, which fascinated him even more than his high school favorites: mathematics and science. During these college seminary years, he gained close friends from all over the country. He also gained hobbies and interests. Having grown up hiking, canoeing, and white-water kayaking with his family, then discovering soccer, skiing, and snowboarding in high school, the Josephinum added frisbee, running, and lumberjacking to his outdoor pastimes. He also discovered an affinity for singing, playing the Irish pennywhistle, and reading. During this time, he walked 500 miles across Spain on El Camino de Santiago de Compostella.
In 2017, Father Daniel continued his seminary formation with a Spiritual Year at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA. Through prayer, spiritual direction, a technology fast, and community life, God brought him healing, deepened his freedom, and showed him his identity as loved by Jesus. The year 2022 was capstoned by a 30-day poverty immersion experience and a 30-day silent retreat, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. He also made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, frequenting the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The following four years, Father Daniel studied theology at St. Charles. He found more fraternity, as well as a deeper sense of home and rootedness in the Diocese of Arlington. To his hobbies he added rock climbing, hammocking, and listening to music, and began his “Project Verso L’alto” to reach it to the highest point of each state. On June 4, 2022, he was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Michael Burbidge.