Six candidates for our 2020-2021 Novitiate

We are happy to announce that we have accepted 6 candidates for our 2020-2021 novitiate. These men will take the next step in their vocations by joining our community in Denver for a year of prayer and discernment. They are all entering as clerical brothers, that is, seeking to become priests. They will also be the first class to live in our new Novitiate building, which is currently under construction. Please keep them in your prayers as they prepare for this Dominican journey.

Joseph Culligan

Joe is 24 years old and from Westby, Wisconsin. He studied Finance and Economics at UW La Crosse. After graduation he became a FOCUS missionary for one year before joining the Sacred Heart Seminary in Milwaukee for the Diocese of La Crosse. He is just finishing his second year of pre-theology.

Jacob Mazur-Batistoni

Jacob is a 22-year-old senior currently studying Classics and Theology at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. He is originally from Lapeer, Michigan and was involved in theater and played football in High School. Jacob met the Dominicans when Fr. Nick Monco, OP started working at Hope College.

Andres Trujillo

Andres originally joined the novitiate in 2015, where he was known to us as Br. Mannes. He left the novitiate just before petitioning for vows and moved back home to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Since leaving the Order he has worked as a substitute teacher and volunteer at his home parish. Now, 28 years old, he feels like God is calling him back to the Order. 

Cullen Hilliker

Cullen is 22 years old and from Two Rivers, Wisconsin. He is finishing up his last semester at the University of St. Thomas where he studies Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Catholic Studies. He was encouraged by our brothers teaching at St. Thomas to consider Dominican life, and he turned down an offer to work for NASA to join the novitiate. Cullen is also working with the Laboure Society to reduce his student debt. 

Troy Glickstern

Troy is 27 years old and from Buffalo Grove, Illinois. He met the Dominicans at Indiana University where he studied psychology. After graduation he attended Wheaton College and obtained an MA in Counseling. Since then, he has been working as a counselor for a drug rehab clinic.

Andrew Wierdak

Andrew is 24 and grew up in River Forest, Illinois. Andrew met the Dominicans at Tulane University in New Orleans where he studied Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. After graduation he became a FOCUS missionary and has served at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.