Welcome Our New Postulants at St. John Cantius

On the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, the Canons Regular of St. John Cantius joyfully welcomed three new postulants into our community: Bobby Olson, Ryan Ruddy, and Donovan Utz. The men were officially received by Fr. Joshua Caswell, SJC, and entrusted to the formation and care of Fr. Nathan Ford, SJC, who will guide them as Postulant Director and Formator.

This date holds special meaning for our community, not only because it honors the birth of St. John the Baptist, but also because June 24th marks the birthday of our own patron, St. John Cantius, born in 1390. As tradition holds, it is on this longest day of the year — when the light begins to diminish, that we are reminded of St. John the Baptist’s profound words: "He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:30)

These new postulants now begin a year of discernment, prayer, and community life as they continue to listen for the Lord’s call in their lives. It is our hope and prayer that their journey will be a joyful offering to the Lord and to the Church, and that the love of Christ may shine through their daily life among us.

We invite you to meet our new postulants and keep them in your prayers:

Bobby Olson (Right) — Richmond, VA

Originally from Maryland, Bobby has spent the past few years in Richmond. He is the son of John and Mary and the eldest brother of Luke and Sarah. Bobby holds a B.A. in Business Administration from Loyola University of Maryland and most recently worked as a Demand Planning Analyst at McKesson Medical-Surgical Company. He enjoys hiking, outdoor activities, and sports.

Donovan Utz (Middle) — Henrico, VA

Raised just outside of Richmond, Donovan is the youngest son of Jay and Rosemary and the younger brother of Gabriel. He enjoys working outdoors, playing disc golf, and spending time with friends. Donovan first encountered the Canons Regular after watching the “Gospel Simplicity” tour of St. John Cantius Church with Fr. Joshua.

Ryan Ruddy (Left) — New Hope, MN

Born and raised near Minneapolis, Ryan is the sixth of eight children and the son of Mark and Nancy. He grew up helping around the home—especially working on old hotrods with his father. Ryan loves spending time with friends, reading about the faith and lives of the saints, shooting, and volunteering at his parish.

Let us thank God for the gift of these men and continue to pray for them as they begin their year of postulancy.

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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 three parishes in two dioceses: St. John Cantius Parish in Chicago, St. Peter Parish in Volo, and St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Springfield, Illinois.

The Canons imitate Christ, live in radical opposition to the values of the world, and work to restore the sacred in the Church and in their own lives, seeking the sanctification of all.  

Learn more.