NOTRE DAME, IND. (Aug. 31, 2009) – The Congregation of Holy Cross has welcomed its two newest deacons—Kevin G. Grove, C.S.C., and Gerard J. Olinger, Jr., C.S.C.—following ceremonies in which they made their final profession of vows on Saturday, Aug. 29, and were ordained to the Order of Deacon on Sunday, Aug. 30.
On Saturday afternoon in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame, the two men made their final profession of vows in the Holy Cross community. In this, they commit to live their lives in communion with the life and the work of the Congregation of Holy Cross.
At the Sunday morning ceremony in the Moreau Seminary Chapel at Notre Dame, the Most Rev. John M. D’Arcy, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, ordained the two men as deacons—part of a formation process leading to their ordination to the priesthood in April 2010.
Deacon Kevin G. Grove, C.S.C., began his formation path in 2004 when he entered Moreau Seminary as a candidate, and he has since earned a Master of Divinity (M. Div.) degree from Notre Dame. Prior to his seminary years, he graduated from Seattle University with bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and history, plus an additional major in English literature and a minor in medieval studies.
Deacon Kevin, who was born in the small farming community of Hobson, Mont., has been assigned to St. Joseph Parish in South Bend, Ind., in preparation for his ordination to the priesthood.
Deacon Gerard J. Olinger, Jr., C.S.C., entered the Candidate Program at Moreau Seminary after earning a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from Notre Dame in 2001 and 2004, respectively. Since then, he has also earned an M. Div. degree from the University.
Deacon Gerry grew up in Springfield, Penn., attending Catholic grammar school and high school. He has been assigned to serve as deacon at the University of Portland, operated by Holy Cross in Oregon, where he will engage in active ministry in anticipation of his ordination to the priesthood.
See images and read the homily at the 2009 Final Vows gallery page.
Subscribe to News Feed