Eleven men publically declared their commitment to a program of formation for service to God and to the Catholic Church as priests on the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The Catholic Church, through Bishop Joseph Binzer, publically accepted the aspirants into the ranks of the candidates for Holy Orders.

“The first stage of a vocation is always the personal call from the Lord Himself and the second is the courage to answer,” said Father Benedict O’Cinnsealaigh, president and rector.” “What a great encouragement it is to see so many courageous young men willing to follow where the Lord leads. I have no doubt they will be zealous priests and gentle shepherds.”

Family, friends, and members of the Athenaeum community were present for celebration of the Mass and Rite held on the patronal feast of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary of the West.
Those approved are:

Archdiocese of Cincinnati:
Aaron Charles Hess
Edward John Hoffmann
Louis Paul Jacquemin
Michael Andrew Kapolka
Anthony James Marcelli
Kenneth Scott Morgan
Michael Ronald Poussard
Elijah Richard Puthoff
John Andrew Stein

Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph:
Kendall Allen Ketterlin

Diocese of Youngstown:
Scott Jason Brand