Among the group there are engineers, a tech company founder and two future military chaplains. They range in age from 28 to 56. Most are U.S.-born, but some trace their roots to faraway countries with a strong Catholic presence: Cameroon, Mexico, Peru, Haiti.

The U.S. Catholic Church is grappling with a severe priest shortage. So it's noteworthy that the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, recently ordained 12 new priests in a single, joyful Mass at its cathedral.