Br. Etienne Ordained to the Diaconate

On Thursday May 19, 2016, Br. Etienne Huard, OSB, was ordained to the transitional diaconate by Bishop James V. Johnston of the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph. Witnessed by his brother monks, family, and friends, it was a truly joyful occasion for all as Br. Etienne takes the final step before his priestly ordination next May.

Br. Etienne is a native of Wichita, KS and the son of Constance and the late Steven Huard.  He graduated from Bishop Carroll Catholic High School in Wichita, KS before attending Conception Seminary College to discern a vocation to the priesthood.  While at CSC, Br. Etienne fell in love with the rural setting, prayer life, and strong sense of community that he found among the monks of Conception Abbey.  Deciding to discern a vocation to the monastic life, Br. Etienne entered the monastery in June of 2008 and professed vows on Aug. 15, 2010.  Over these past few years, Br. Etienne has enriched Conception Abbey by serving as Director of Admissions of Conception Seminary College and Assistant Vocations Director for the monastery, while also pursuing the art of photography with work featured in items sold by The Printery House.

This fall, Br. Etienne will return to St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe, PA for his last year of seminary.  Upon completion of his studies, Br. Etienne will receive a Masters in Divinity and a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology, as well as complete all formation needed to be ordained to the priesthood. He will also continue his ministry assignment as the chaplain for the St. Vincent College Women’s Lacrosse and Tennis teams. Br. Etienne looks forward to completing his final year of seminary and returning home to Conception Abbey next spring.