Rev. Brian Ching, C.S.C.

Holy Cross High School is excited to congratulate Rev. Brian Ching, C.S.C., member of the Class of 2003, on being named the new rector of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame.

After graduating Holy Cross, Rev. Ching attended the University of Notre Dame and enrolled in Old College during his sophomore year. He graduated with a B.A. in Political Science in 2007 and an M.Div. in 2013.  Father Brian made his Profession of Perpetual Vows in August of 2012 and was ordained a priest at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in 2013.  Following his ordination to the priesthood, Father Brian was assigned as Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Catholic Church in South Bend, Indiana.  He returned to Old College in June 2015 and served as Director before being appointed Assistant Rector of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart in July 2018.

Members of the Holy Cross High School community also extend their gratitude to Rev. Peter Rocca C.S.C., who has served as the rector of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart since 1997.

With Rev. Brian Ching as the new rector, Father Rocca plans to continue all his other activities in his “retirement” and will remain active in his Ministry and at Notre Dame.

“Actually it just frees me up to do these jobs a little better,” Rocca says. “After almost 23 years, I think now is the time to pass the baton on. Father Brian will be an able and dedicated rector of the Basilica, who will nourish well the faith life of the Notre Dame community and beyond. As rector emeritus, I will be honored to assist Father Brian in whatever ways I am able.”