First Solemn Mass of a New Priest

(More photos here)

The Reverend Father Jonathan M. Venner, ordained a Priest for the Diocese of Sioux Falls, SD by His Excellency, the Most Revrerend Paul Joseph Swain on 1st Thursday, August 4th, the Dies Natalis of St. John Marie Vianney, celebrated his First Solemn Mass (in the Usus Antiquior) at St. Mary Church, Salem on 1st Friday, August 5th, 2011. The Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was celebrated, preceded by the Veni Creator Spiritus and followed by the Te Deum.

The Reverend Bryan J. B. Pedersen, Pastor of Sacred Heart Church, Robbinsdale, Minnesota, served as Deacon of the Mass and the Reverend Gregory Parrott, Parochial Vicar of Queen of Angels Church, Austin, Minnesota and Our Lady of Loreto Church, Brownsdale, Minnesota, served as Subdeacon. The Reverend John Brancich, F.S.S.P., Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church, Omaha, Nebraska, served as Master of Ceremonies and Homilist. Mr. Nathan J. Knutson, Diocesan Master of Ceremonies for Diocese of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, directed the Schola Cantorum, while his wife, Mrs. Lisa Knutson, was organist. The Priest of Salem served as Assistant Priest. The Reverend Fathers Charles Duman and Mark Axtmann of the Diocese of Sioux Falls were among the clergy in choir.

Fr. Venner has been assigned as Parochial Vicar at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Sioux Falls.