Bishop of Birmingham set to ordain 3 new priests

It's the largest group of new Catholic priests in nearly two decades.

Mason Reed Mason Reed
May 28, 2026 - 10:43
Bishop of Birmingham set to ordain 3 new priests

The Catholic Diocese of Birmingham is preparing for a significant milestone this weekend. Bishop Steven Raica is scheduled to ordain three new priests, marking the largest group of ordinations the diocese has seen in nearly twenty years. The ceremony will take place this Saturday, May 30, at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Paul.

Meet the New Priests

The upcoming ordinations represent a diverse group of men who have completed their rigorous theological training. According to reporting from 205focus.com, the three individuals set to be ordained are:

  • The Rev. John Paul Stepnowski: A graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, where he studied chemical engineering. He recently completed his Master of Divinity at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio.
  • The Rev. Andrew Vickery: An alumnus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where his studies focused on civil engineering. Like Stepnowski, he earned his Master of Divinity from the Pontifical College Josephinum.
  • The Rev. John Gardiner: After spending a year at Franciscan University of Steubenville, he completed his bachelor’s degree in philosophy at the Pontifical College Josephinum and earned his Master of Divinity from Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology.