The third of six boys to parents Mike and Kathy, Deacon Gruss is from Coldwater, Ohio. Five brothers meant a lot of rough-housing and picking on each other but also a lot of love and support. Through the family’s involvement in 4-H, they raised animals for the fair—ducks, chickens, rabbits, and pigeons— and the children had responsibility for the animals’ care, which built character and discipline. He loves history and his favorite movie is Gettysburg. The love and humility that St. John Vianney displayed in his life made him Deacon Gruss’ favorite saint, and he trusts this patron of priests will always look out for him.

When did you first think you might have a call to the priesthood?

I was in the seventh grade, and it was a combination of two events. First, I read a book someone gave me about Eucharistic miracles, and the more stories I read, the more I understood that the Eucharist was not a piece of bread, but Christ himself—Body and Blood, Soul, and Divinity, present at every Mass! This changed how I attended Mass, as I saw the Eucharist as Someone to encounter. Second, while reviewing the results from a career assessment test taken in school—my eyes locked on the word “clergy,” which wasn’t even at the top of the page. The longer I looked, the more I wanted to know what a “clergy” was,  researched on my own, then asked my parish pastor and vicar if I could shadow them for a day.

Who are the people who have helped you the most on your journey? How did they help you?

My parents have helped with my discernment from day one. While I was in middle school, they helped arrange an interview with my pastor, found resources on discernment, and eventually pointed me toward the seminary. They often said they would support me in whatever decision I made, whether I followed God’s voice in another step toward the priesthood or on another path. This support and the awareness of their prayers helped me arrive where I am today.

What changes in yourself have you noticed since formally saying “yes” to the priesthood?

I find myself relying more on prayer. My college and seminary experience did an amazing job at helping me understand the beauty of the Catholic Church and preparing me for the journey ahead. Yet, the closer I come to ordination, the more I realize I need to rely on Christ. There is a beauty in studying what the Church teaches and what is contained in Scripture, but I find myself using these to encounter God in a personal way. People want to encounter Christ in their priests, and I can only help with that by conforming myself to the entirety of Christ, which can only be done in prayer.

What has surprised you most since joining the seminary?

Most surprising is everything needed to prepare men for the priesthood. I thought priests simply had to pray a lot and celebrate the sacraments. While at his core a priest must be a man of prayer and learn to celebrate the sacraments well, he must also have an in-depth knowledge of the faith so as to help others in their own journeys to God. The priest also requires a practical knowledge of how to run a parish. A priest must be a well-formed man not only in prayer, but also in knowledge and how to perform his work.

What stood out during your internship year?

The love those priests had for the people stood out to me the most. I learned so much from all the priests at my internship (St. John Paul II Family of Parishes in Miamisburg/Springboro). I loved asking questions and gaining their insight for approaching scenarios, from how to answer someone’s questions to what it means to pray while celebrating Mass. I remember most vividly the priests genuinely having a love for the people and wanting them to encounter God in their lives. I will never forget how those priests poured themselves out so their parishioners could experience God’s love. I want to imitate their example.

Following the ordination, what aspect of your vocation are you most excited about? What part feels most daunting?

I want to help bring Christ’s love into others’ lives, and the most powerful way  is by celebrating the sacraments in a worthy and holy way. Celebrating Mass and hearing confessions every day are amazing ways to share in Christ’s life and to share this life with others. I am most nervous about being an example of the faith to others. The priest is someone people should be able to look to as an example of holiness and prayer. I want to be a good example for the parishioners and am nervous about what responsibilities serving as a faithful role-model will entail.

Rev. Mr. Kraig E. Gruss has been appointed to Sacred Heart, Fairfield and St. Ann, Hamilton, effective July 1, 2026.