Photo by Peter Ringenberg. Pictured from left to right are Brother Jacob Gorman, C.S.C., Rev. Mr. Timothy Paul Wymore, C.S.C., Rev. Mr. Keenan James Bross, C.S.C., and Rev. Mr. Andrew James Copp, C.S.C.
“This family is the Congregation of Holy Cross, founded by Basil Anthony Moreau. We are a community of pontifical right: men living and working under the approbation and authority of the successor of Peter. We are a religious Congregation composed of two distinct societies of religious, one of religious priests and one of religious brothers, bound together in one indivisible brotherhood.”
Congregation of Holy Cross Constitution 1:6
After years of preparation, discernment, and prayer, the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers, is delighted to share that Brother Jacob Gorman, C.S.C., Rev. Mr. Timothy Paul Wymore, C.S.C., Rev. Mr. Keenan James Bross, C.S.C., and Rev. Mr. Andrew James Copp, C.S.C., professed Perpetual Vows on August 29 at the University of Notre Dame’s Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Br. Jacob Gorman, C.S.C., is originally from Evansville, Indiana, and serves as the rector of Carroll Hall at the University of Notre Dame.
Rev. Mr. Tim Wymore, C.S.C., hails from Madison, Wisconsin, and serves at Holy Cross parishes St. Ignatius Martyr Parish and San José Parish in Austin, Texas.
Rev. Mr. Keenan Bross, C.S.C., is a native of Wentzville, Missouri, and ministers as rector of Keenan Hall at the University of Notre Dame.
Rev. Mr. Andrew Copp, C.S.C., has roots in La Grange Park, Illinois, and serves as a residence hall director and assists in the Campus Ministry office at the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon.
“Brothers and sisters, today we’ve come here to witness something both beautiful and astonishing. Keenan, Andrew, Jacob, and Tim, you are standing before us, and you are going to say ‘Yes’… Yes to God. Not just yes to a way of life, or to a career or a position… or even a community. You’re saying it to a Person. You’re saying yes to Jesus Christ. And you’re saying it with your whole lives,” said Provincial Superior Rev. William M. Lies, C.S.C., during the homily.
He continued, “Jacob, Andrew, Tim, and Keenan, you have said yes many times along the way. But today, in your perpetual vows, you say it again, freely and publicly, and you say it… for forever. And what does that yes mean? It means poverty: ‘Lord, I trust you enough not to make possessions the measure of my life. Everything I have is gift. Everything I am is gift. And I want my life to become a gift to others.’ It means chastity: ‘Lord, I give you my heart, my affection, my capacity to love. Teach me to love without possessing, to love generously, to make my life available for your people.’ It means obedience: ‘Lord, my life is not finally about getting my own way. I surrender my will to yours. I will listen. I will discern. I will allow myself to be led.’ And none of these vows is an end in itself. Instead, they are what we embrace in our journey of yes to God.”
Fr. Lies, C.S.C., thanked the men for their dedication, prayer, and ‘yes’ to religious life.
“My dear brothers, the Lord has called you. And today you answer. May your yes be written upon your hearts. May it endure through every joy and every trial. And may the words of Mary become, every day of your lives, the prayer of your own hearts: ‘Let it be done to me according to your word,’ ” said Fr. Lies, C.S.C.
Provided by the United States Province Communications Office, August 2026.
