With praise and thanks to almighty God, the Canons Regular announce the ordination of a new Deacon and a new Priest. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the imposition of hands, Father Nathan Ford, SJC was ordained a Priest of Christ on May 15th and Br. Joseph Brom, SJC was ordained a Transitional Deacon on May 8th, 2021.
The ordination of Br. Joseph Brom, SJC to the Order of Diaconate took place on Saturday, May 8th at Holy Name Cathedral.
The ordination of Father Nathan Ford, SJC to the Order of Priesthood took place on Saturday, May 15th at Holy Name Cathedral.
Photos from Father Nathan Ford's First Mass of Thanksgiving
Father Nathan Ford, SJC
Father Nathan Ford, SJC joined the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius, in the summer of 2011, after completing high school. He was ordained to the Order of Presbyter on Saturday, May 15th at 10:00am by Cardinal Blase Cupich at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. Although the ordination attendance was limited to family only, you can watch the livestream.
Fr. Nathan Ford’s first Solemn High Mass of Thanksgiving will be held on Sunday, May 16th at 12:30pm at St. John Cantius Church.
Fr. Nathan Ford, SJC was born in Coldwater, MI to Kelly and Jodi Ford, and is the eldest of four children (Aaron, 25; Sarah, 22; and Allison, 20.). He spent his summers going camping throughout Northern Michigan, fishing, singing in choirs, and spending time with family and friends.
“Ever since I was about 6 or 7, I knew that I wanted to be a priest,” said Fr. Ford. This calling stayed with him throughout his upbringing and in high school he stumbled upon a new religious community in the heart of Chicago. “I was immediately drawn to this new little order for a few reasons: the importance they placed on living out the liturgical life and traditions of the Church, the close brotherhood that I encountered there, and most importantly the joy that these men all had.” After completing his two years in the Novitiate he went on to study at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell, CT for his undergraduate in Philosophy and then began his studies at Mundelein Seminary in August of 2017.
A note from Fr. Nathan Ford, SJC:
“Nolite Timere” - Do not be afraid. This is what’s engraved on the bottom of my chalice and it’s a constant reminder for myself each day as I ascend the steps of the altar, put on that violet stole in the confessional, or live out my life of priestly service. It’s a reminder for us all; a reminder for us to trust Him, despite our weaknesses, and to love with full hearts.
My path to the priesthood has been influenced by so many priests, religious, family, friends, parishioners, and countless others who have impacted my life over the years. The only way I can thank them properly is to live out my priesthood with integrity, intensity, and joy. A wise and dear priest-friend of mine would constantly remind me, “Always keep your sense of humor.” We have to have humor, we have to be joyful, we have to rest in His calling.
Over the years there have been so many moments of encouragement, periods of growth, great trials and immense sufferings, big events and small quiet ones. All of them have shaped me into the man I am today. I am a grateful man, a man ready to serve, and a man extremely humbled at the awesome responsibility placed before me.
Deacon Joseph Brom, SJC
Br. Joseph Brom, SJC, who has been with the Canons Regular for eight years, will be ordained to the Order of the Diaconate on Saturday, May 8th at 10:00am by Cardinal Blase Cupich at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. Although the ordination attendance is limited to family only, you can watch the livestream here.
Dcn. Joseph’s first Masses as a Deacon, and when he will offer his first homilies, will be celebrated at St. Peter Parish in Volo, IL on Sunday, May 9th. He will also minister at Masses at St. John Cantius Parish in Chicago, IL on Pentecost Sunday, May 22nd.
Dcn. Joseph Brom, SJC grew up in Lisle, IL and is the son of Richard and Peg Brom. He attended Bennet Academy before studying at the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL. He later received a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Penn State University.
Some of Dcn. Joseph’s hobbies include reading, kayaking, bird-watching, and studying Church liturgy.
Dcn. Joseph will minister at St. Peter’s in Volo, IL while concluding his final year at Mundelein Seminary as he prepares for his Ordination to the Priesthood in the Spring of 2022. He is also beginning his studies in Canon Law at the Catholic University of America this summer.
About the Canons Regular: The Canons Regular of St. John Cantius is a religious community of men dedicated to the restoration of the sacred. The community was founded in 1998 under Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. and now has 24 members from the United States, Canada, and Poland. Currently the Canons Regular serve in 3 parishes in 2 dioceses: St. John Cantius Parish in Chicago, St. Peter Parish in Volo, and St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Springfield, Illinois.
Living in imitation of Christ, and radical opposition to the values of the world; the Canons Regular work to restore the sacred in the Church and their own lives, seeking the sanctification of all.