About Father Ryan

Father Ryan M. Adorjan, KHS S.T.B., M.Div., C.S.M.A., is a priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet-in-Illinois. 

Father Ryan graduated from Oswego High School in 2010, and studied English with an emphasis in writing and Secondary Education at North Central College before entering St. John Vianney Seminary at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He holds Bachelor’s Degrees in Philosophy and Catholic Studies from St. Thomas. In 2018, Fr. Ryan completed seminary formation at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake – Mundelein Seminary, where he earned a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (STB) and a Master’s degree in Divinity (M.Div.). He was ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 2018 by Bishop R. Daniel Conlon. Previously priestly assignments have included the Cathedral of Saint Raymond Nonnatus & Sacred Heart Parish in Joliet, and Saints Peter and Paul Parish in Naperville. He currently represents his age cohort on the Diocese of Joliet Priest Personnel Board.

Fr. Ryan graduated with a Master of Arts Degree in Catholic Studies (CSMA) from the University of St. Thomas in May of 2020. Catholic Studies examines the impact of the Incarnation of Jesus on Human Thought and Culture from an interdisciplinary approach. His research centered on the relationship between Catholic anthropology, the Christian spiritual life, and the modern trends of nihilism and individualism as they are compounded by digital technology. This research culminated in his Master’s Essay, entitled “The Christian ‘Yes’ and the Defeat of Nihilism in the Digital Age.”

In 2012, Father Ryan founded VianneyMedia, a social media apostolate at St. John Vianney Seminary. He was a member of the team that spearheaded the digital marketing effort at Mundelein Seminary, under the tutelage of then-Father Robert Barron.

Father Ryan is a regular speaker in his home diocese and around the country. He has spoken at the Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress, and in 2020 was the keynote speaker at the Edith Stein Conference at the University of Notre Dame. His most recent parish missions include, “Born in Wonder, Welcoming the Christ”, “Facing Mercy”, and “Jesus University: The Son of God’s School of Life.”

Father Ryan has a great love for arts and culture, and is a dedicated patron of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association. He is a Priest Knight in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

The views expressed on this site are those of Fr. Ryan Adorjan and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Diocese of Joliet or any other entity.