Fr. Karl Hartman

Become a Priest

Ordination Anniversary:

May 30, 2026

God is so good!! I am so grateful!

When I joined the Companions of the Cross in August 2016, 2026 seemed so far away. Yet, 10 years of formation later, here I am with my priestly ordination just months away.

It is incredible to reflect on all the time, prayer, teaching, formation, and support I have received over this time. It is a blessing to remember and pray for all of you who have made this possible through your financial support, prayers, and encouragement for me and the Companions of the Cross. Thank you for giving so generously and freely!

As our founder, Fr. Bob Bedard, CC, would often say, “When you see the Lord doing something, point out to the people and call them to support it.” I have seen God moving in incredible ways, and so I invite you to support the work of the Companions of the Cross, whether this is your first time or you have supported me throughout seminary.

As I finish my last semester of seminary and final preparation for ordination, I ask for your prayers and support more than ever. God is moving powerfully to form Companions of the Cross priests to be leaders in the new evangelization. We are following the Lord’s command to,

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16

I would love for you to be a part of my priestly ordination on May 30, 2026 @ 10 am at Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

My first Mass of Thanksgiving will be at:
St. Maurice Parish, Ottawa, ON
Sunday, May 31, 2026 @ 11 am

I will also celebrate Masses of Thanksgiving at:

St. Timothy Parish, Toronto, ON –
Thursday, June 4, 2026 @ 7 pm
Christ the King Catholic Church, Ann Arbor, MI – Sunday, June 7, 2026 @ 11 am
Holy Name of Mary Parish, St. Marys, ON – Sunday, June 14, 2026 @ 12 noon

You can follow along with what God is doing in my life on:
Facebook- @karlhartman.cc
Instagram- @karlhartman.cc
YouTube- @karlhartman_cc

Where are you from?
I was born July 29, 1995 and raised near St. Marys, Ontario, Canada. I lived on 50 acres of farm land where my father operated his carpentry business. I am the second youngest of my five brothers.

When you were a child, what did you dream of becoming when you grew up?

Growing up, I dreamt I would become a farmer or follow my father into carpentry.

What was your background before you joined the Companions of the Cross?

After graduating high school, I served as a missionary with NET Ministries of Canada (2013-14), worked full time with my family doing general carpentry, and was involved with various apostolic ministries.

What are your special interests?

I enjoy working with my hands, photography, and various sports, in particular, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, soccer, volleyball, and hockey.

Who, or what, inspires you?

Family, godparents, grandparents, Fr. Robert Bedard, CC, St. Andre Bessette, and St. Joseph. They have all inspired me to live a life of Christian discipleship and to work toward advancing the Kingdom of God here on earth with the hope entering through the narrow gate and experiencing an eternal reward.

What led you to join the Companions of the Cross? Can you briefly explain your vocations story?

Growing up, my family lived what I thought was a normal Catholic life. My parents, Paul and Jane, brought the family to Mass every Sunday, we prayed before meals, and frequently prayed the rosary together. I was an active altar server at my home parish, Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in St. Marys, and attended the neighboring elementary school, by the same name. When I was choosing courses for high school, I distinctly remember my parents asking me, for the first time, if I had ever considered becoming a priest, which I never had.

In high school, as I got more involved with my Catholic faith, I had a personal encounter with Christ, which brought me to a deeper trust of God and His plan for me life. I felt a stirring that the priesthood may be part of His plan for me, so I attended a couple of ‘Come and See Weekends’ at St. Peter’s Seminary, London, ON. Instead of applying for seminary, I applied and served a year with NET Ministries of Canada. During this year, I became familiar with the Companions of the Cross and was given an open invite to visit from the Vocations Director, Fr. Allan Macdonald.

Following NET, I returned home and worked in the family business doing carpentry, entered into a relationship, and was involved with various apostolic ministries. Though I really enjoyed what I was doing, I could sense I was called to something different. Several months after ending a relationship, I, again, was invited by the Vocations Director to visit. At first I passed it off, but only a few days later I received a confirmation that I should at least visit. From that first visit the Lord has continued to confirm where He has called me and draw me deeper into His call. I applied, was accepted, and joined the community in 2016.