27 May 2022
OTTAWA, ON — Archbishop Marcel Damphousse of the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall will ordain three new priests on 31 May 2022 at 7 p.m. at Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica in Ottawa, 385, Sussex Drive.
“It will be an occasion to celebrate the calling of these three men who have chosen to say, ‘Here I am’ and serve the Church with their gifts and their life,” highlighted Archbishop Damphousse.
The three candidates for the priesthood are:
Kevin Burgess, 34, was born and raised in Cornwall, ON. His first interest was to teach Chemistry, so he acquired a Bachelor of Science and, eventually, a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2015 from the University of Ottawa. After graduation, he moved to London, ON, to pursue his career at Agri-Food Canada. During this time, he accepted an invitation from a local priest to attend a ‘come and see’ weekend at St. Peter’s Seminary in London. Shortly afterward, he was accepted as a seminarian. In his free time, Kevin enjoys going to the movies, swimming, and spending time with his family and friends.
Marc Gaudet, 31, grew up in the Finch area. After attending Mass at St Bernard’s parish in Finch every week, he began to sense a desire in his heart for becoming a priest. After high school, he worked in the construction field for a few years, before attending St. Peter’s Seminary in London, Ontario. Marc’s interests include outdoor pursuits, such as hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife photography.
Connor O’Hara, 28, was born in Ottawa, where he spent most of his life. He’s one of five children and felt a calling to the priesthood during High School. After completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Ottawa, Connor began his seminary training at St. Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto in 2016. His hobbies include backcountry camping, hiking in provincial parks, and an appreciation for organ music.
All three candidates are looking forward to their ordination and serving the Church of the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall.
The ordination is open to the public and will be broadcast live on the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Ottawa, YouTube channel. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. All those present may obtain a blessing from the newly ordained priests.
To learn more about the vocation of a diocesan priest, please visit: https://en.archoc.ca/vocations
