On Saturday, April 27, 2019, the Most Reverend William A. Wack, C.S.C., Bishop of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, conferred the Sacrament of Holy Orders on Rev. Brian David Kennedy, C.S.C., Rev. Karl Michael Romkema, Jr., C.S.C., Rev. Brogan Christopher Ryan, C.S.C., Rev. Michael Scott Thomas, C.S.C., and Rev. Bryan Alan Williams, C.S.C.
On Aug. 25, 2018, Deacons Kennedy, Romkema, Ryan and Williams professed perpetual vows of poverty, chastity and obedience and committed themselves to the common life and apostolic work of the Congregation of Holy Cross.
As these men enter priesthood, they will live out the Constitutions of the Congregation of Holy Cross in a richer, more meaningful way than ever before. Equal parts joy and heft are set before them in Constitution 1:3 and Constitution 2:14:
We heard a summons to give over our lives in a more explicit way. It was a call to serve all people, believers and unbelievers alike. We would serve them out of our own faith that the Lord had loved us and died for us and risen for us and that He offers us a share in His life, a life more powerful and enduring than any sin or death.
The mission is not simple, for the impoverishments we would relieve are not simple. There are networks of privilege, prejudice and power so commonplace that often neither oppressors nor victims are aware of them. We must be aware and also understanding by reason of fellowship with the impoverished and by reason of patient learning. For the kingdom to come in this world, disciples must have the competence to see and the courage to act.
Rev. William M. Lies, C.S.C., the Provincial Superior of the United States Province of Priests and Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross, reflected on the ordinations: “As these men are ordained as Holy Cross priests, there is great rejoicing in the vision they bring, the courage they demonstrate, the hope and the fervor they share, and the great joy and peace they will make known wherever they serve.”
Rev. Mr. Karl Michael Romkema, Jr., C.S.C., is the second of nine children of Mike and Karen Romkema of Clarkston, Mich. Presently serving as a deacon at St. Ignatius Martyr Parish, Austin, Texas, Karl has formed a true sense of what it means to enter into priesthood, though it’s a continuous striving. “Become another Christ,” said Karl. “Several times in his Spiritual Exercises, Blessed Basil Moreau encourages us to become truly another Jesus Christ. In this simple but power exhortation, he captures the essence of the Christian mystery – and the heart of our vocation. Each of the baptized are called and graced not only to follow Jesus, but to identify so closely with Him that there is no noticeable difference between Master and disciple.”
During his formation, Karl served in the Strong Fathers Program at the Women’s Care Center, South Bend, Ind. (2014-15); teacher, Jinja, Uganda (Summer 2015); RCIA, University of Notre Dame Campus Ministry, Notre Dame, Ind. (2015-16); Holy Redeemer Parish, Portland, Ore. (Summer 2016); Basil Moreau Spiritual Exercise Groups (2016-17); assistant rector, O’Neill Family Hall, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind. (2017-18).
He graduated with a B.A. in philosophy and theology from the University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Ind., in 2013, where he also earned his M.Div. in 2018. He entered Holy Cross in 2009 as an Old Collegian. He made his First Profession of Vows on August 2, 2014.
Fr. Romkema will celebrate his first Mass as a priest at 10:15 a.m. on April 28, 2019, at Sacred Heart Chapel, Moreau Seminary, Notre Dame, Ind. Fr. Karl will also celebrate Mass at Our Lady of the Lakes Church, Waterford, Mich., on May 5, 2019 at 9:30 a.m., with a reception following, as well as at St. Ignatius Martyr, Austin, Texas, on May 11, 2019 at 9:30 a.m.
Source: Five Ordained Holy Cross Priests in 2019