MN Bishop To Start 'Word On Fire' Order Of Priests

ROCHESTER, MN — Bishop Robert Barron, founder of the popular Catholic ministry Word on Fire, is taking a major step to ensure the future of his evangelization efforts.

Word on Fire has announced plans to establish a new order of priests, headquartered in Rochester, Minnesota, to carry on its mission of spreading the message of Christianity through innovative and modern outreach methods.

Barron has served as the bishop of the Diocese of Winona–Rochester since 2022.

The new order will initially consist of three to five priests and an equal number of novices, who will live in the community and follow a rule of life developed by Bishop Barron.

Through the generosity of a donor, Word on Fire has secured a home in Rochester to serve as the order’s base. Priests will receive advanced formation in evangelization and prepare for future missions to spread the Word on Fire ethos.

Recruitment for the order will begin soon, with funding currently being sought to support living expenses, education, and formation efforts.

"Recruitment of priests will begin shortly, but your generosity is needed to fund the costs associated with living expenses, formation and education, and ultimately sending these priests out on a mission of evangelization," the organization said.

"We pray that this order will exist in perpetuity, leading the way in evangelization and drawing people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ."

Founded by Bishop Robert Barron in 2000, Word on Fire is celebrating 25 years of its ministry. The organization has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative use of modern media to connect with both Catholics and non-Catholics around the world.

Learn more here.