The U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers welcomed their newest religious as five novices professed their First Vows on July 31, 2021, the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola.

The Rite of First Profession took place at Sacred Heart Church, a Holy Cross parish, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Fr. Peter Jarret, C.S.C., Assistant Provincial and Vicar, presided at the Mass and received the vows of the newly professed. 

Fr. Kenneth Molinaro, C.S.C., Novice Master, preached the homily, while the other Novitiate staff members, Fr. Donald Dilg, C.S.C., and Br. James Blaszak, C.S.C., also assisted with the liturgy.

Vocation Stories from Holy Cross Religious

The five newly professed for the Congregation are: Mr. Thomas James Groden, C.S.C., Mr. John Joseph Ryan IV, C.S.C., Mr. Tyler Nathan Tangen C.S.C., Mr. Christopher Nicholas Mulholland, C.S.C., and Mr. Keenan James Bross, C.S.C.

Thankfully, family members of all five were able to travel to Colorado for the First Vows Mass. A number of them assisted with the liturgy, proclaiming the readings, serving as altar servers, singing in the choir, and bringing up the gifts. Their service made it into a truly family affair.

Immediately following Mass, a reception was then held at the Holy Cross Novitiate in Cascade where the Holy Cross religious and family members could continue the celebration and give thanks for these men who have answered God's call.