Holy Cross Priests
Gift and Mystery
From Fr. Stephen Koeth, C.S.C.:
It is the priest, as spiritual father, who gives Christians new birth in Baptism, who feeds and nourishes them in the Eucharist, who forgives their sins and anoints them in their illnesses. I felt a deep desire to give my life to the Lord so that through me He could be present to all His people, in all these situations and more.
You will celebrate the liturgy and offer thanks and praise to God throughout the day, praying not only for the people of God but for the whole world.
— Rite of Ordination
Within the Congregation of Holy Cross, Blessed Basil Moreau dedicated our religious priests to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Just as Christ’s heart was pierced and poured out for the life of the Church, so too are our priests called to give of their life for the sake of the Gospel.
In addition to professing the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience in the Congregation of Holy Cross, these men also receive the sacrament of Holy Orders, ordaining them to serve as priests in the Church through the ministries of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Through their religious profession they are committed to the common work, prayer, and life of the community; yet through their ordination they are also committed to serving the Church through the celebration of the sacraments, preaching of the Gospel, and instruction in the faith.
Holy Cross priests serve as pastors, teachers, administrators, campus ministers, dorm rectors, and missionaries. In whatever they do they remain priests serving in the person of Christ, as well as consecrated religious in Holy Cross giving witness through their vows.
To learn more about the vocation of a priest in Holy Cross:
- Read posts on our vocations blog from Holy Cross priests reflecting on the priesthood.
- Listen to Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades’ homily on priesthood from the Ordination Mass in 2012.
- Learn more about Fr. Patrick Peyton, C.S.C., the “Rosary Priest”, whose cause for beatification is underway.
- Check out the following video of the Rite of Ordination from the Ordination of Fr. Matt Kuczora, C.S.C.: