Born in Washington State, Deacon Schmiesing is the oldest of seven children. Moving to Ohio just before his seventh birthday, they eventually settled near Sidney, where his dad grew up. He has three adopted brothers and three biological siblings, with only seven and half years between him and his …

  Deacon Packer grew up in Lebanon, Ohio, the eldest of eight children, with five brothers and two sisters. They were homeschooled and took on responsibilities for a house that ran all day long. He enjoyed playing sports with the neighbors and reading. Come Rack! Come Rope! is a favorite …

  Blessed to have a loving mom, dad, and three older brothers, Deacon Moore enjoyed growing up in Groesbeck, playing from morning to dusk. When not playing, his family was found at St. Ann on Galbraith Road for church, school, and sports. Married to his wife, Lori, until she passed …

  Deacon Klare is the third of seven children, his mom is one of ten, and his dad is one of seven. Big family parties and cousins coming over to play were staples in his childhood. Growing up in this big family instilled an enduring love for family life. An …

  Growing up in Miamisburg as the oldest of five children, Deacon Jasek was blessed with a family that placed the Catholic faith and a relationship with Jesus at the center of life. He is particularly grateful for the time they made to pray each evening—often the Rosary—and to gather …

  Deacon Homoelle grew up in a loving family in Cheviot. He is the oldest of four, with two brothers and one sister. His fondest memories include visiting his grandparents’ condo for summer vacations and traveling out West to see Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park. He loves the movie …

  Born in Northern Kentucky, Deacon Gross moved to Morrow, Ohio, with his parents and three sisters when he was four years old. His parents emphasized the faith in the home, Mass each Sunday, and prayer before meals. His childhood was full of adventure—canoe trips, Kings Island, impromptu sports competitions, …

Ordinands on average are 33 years old and are lifelong Catholics preparing for diocesan ministry, according to the 2026 survey by The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA). A priestly ordination. | Credit: Alexey Gotovskyi/EWTN News By Tessa Gervasini·DC Bureau April 20, 2026 at 6:05 PM ET More than …

By Tessa Gervasini Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Oct 25, 2025 / 07:00 am Father Burke Masters’ first dream was to be a major league baseball player, but after feeling a call from God to the priesthood he now uses the sport “to speak about Jesus and the Church.” “I played college baseball …

The pope also invited Catholics to pray for priestly vocations. Pope Leo XIV gives a thumbs up during the weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square on March 25, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibanez/EWTN News By Victoria Cardiel March 25, 2026 at 9:30 AM ET Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday said …