Keeping with its long-standing tradition, the United States Province of Priests and Brothers held Ordinations on Easter Saturday, April 6. Eight priests were ordained by the Most Reverend William A. Wack, C.S.C., Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee: Fr. Edward Dolphin, C.S.C., Fr. Nicholas Guiney, C.S.C., Fr. Stephen Jakubowski, C.S.C., Fr. Ryan Kerr, C.S.C., Fr. Tyler Kreipke, C.S.C., Fr. Peter Puleo, C.S.C., Fr. Michael Ryan, C.S.C., and Fr. Brian Vetter, C.S.C.
These eight made their Final Professions back on August 26, 2023 with their classmates Br. Jacob Eifrid, C.S.C. and Br. Matthew Rehagen, C.S.C.
“It is a great blessing to have Ed, Nik, Stephen, Ryan, Tyler, Peter, Mike, and Brian join us in the ministry of the priesthood,” said Fr. William M. Lies, C.S.C., Superior of the United States Province of Priests and Brothers.“They are wonderful ministers of God’s friendship, and each brings unique talents and gifts to our community and to their ministry in the Church. They will bring hope to the people of God through the Sacraments and their service.
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”The Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the University of Notre Dame campus was packed for the Ordination Mass with family, friends, community members, and students and parishioners from the apostolates where the deacons had served. There were also over 100 concelebrating priests who joined Bishop Wack in the laying on of hands.
“I speak to you in the congregation and you who are watching the live stream as well,” preached Bishop Wack at the end of his homily. “Moments like this can be a time of rebirth and renewal for you. Maybe there are some, I'm guessing there are a lot here, whose faith has grown tepid a bit. And maybe this could be the spark that makes you more excited about following the Lord, especially in His Church. Maybe this is something in your heart moving you to say in your heart: ‘Present, speak Lord to me.’ If we keep putting ourselves out there, God will do amazing things, not just for you, but for our Church and our world."
”After the Mass, a reception at the Rotunda in the Main Building was held for all in attendance. Later, at South Dining Hall on campus, there was a festive dinner for the new priests’ families, members of the Congregation, and other invited guests.
On Sunday, the eight new priests spread out to celebrate Masses of Thanksgiving at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Moreau Seminary, various parishes in South Bend, and residence hall chapels at the Universtiy of Notre Dame.