Vocare Institute “BOOT CAMP”
for diocesan vocation personnel
4-DAY INSTITUTE FOR NOVICES
Friday, August 25 – Monday, August 28, 2023
The Vocare Institute, or Bootcamp, invites Vocation Directors, Seminary Formators & Staff who are new to the Sacred Ministry of Vocations, as well as, those seeking a refresher in foundational approaches to accompanying young men as they navigate the call of God in their lives. The institute, in concert with a Vocation Director’s Digital Tool Box video series, (which will be available starting in July 2023) will offer an overview of the ministry of vocations and the basics of organizing your office plans for administration, discernment, formation, psychological guidelines, Canon Law and how it applies to vocation work, youth activities, who to work with, (such as parents, families and Church personnel) and how. We will also offer an introduction to recruiting, assessing, and mentoring candidates for priesthood.
This program is meant to be taken in concert with the daily workshops offered later in the week.
Rev. Brian Buettner
Fr. Brian Buettner graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Biomedical Science and minored in History and Chemistry in 2006. He completed the Pre-Theology Program at Conception Seminary College in 2009, received a STB from the Gregorian University in 2012, and a STL in Moral Theology and Bioethics from the Angelicum University in 2016. After his priestly ordination in 2013, he served as the parochial vicar of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in OKC and was chaplain of Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. He has also served as the pastor of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and St. Mary’s Catholic School in Lawton, Oklahoma and is currently the pastor of St. Joseph’s Old Cathedral and Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and serves as President on the NCDVD Executive Board.
Rev. Chuck Dornquast
Fr. Chuck was born and raised in the small town of Zephyrhills near Tampa, FL. His practice of the faith began after his family experienced the generosity of his local parish. He entered St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, FL immediately following High School. He then attended St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, FL and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on May 16, 2015. He served 4 years as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa where he also became the team priest for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2019 he was appointed Director of Vocations, serving as both vocations promoter and director of seminarians. He currently serves as Vice-President on the executive board for the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors.
Rev. Neal Hock
Fr. Neal Hock grew up on a family farm in southwest Nebraska. He received a BSBA in Accounting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He worked as an accountant for 5 years prior to entering Seminary for the diocese of Grand Island. Ordained in 2011, he is beginning his 10th year as vocation director and pastor of St Teresa of Calcutta Newman Center. He is also serving as Treasurer on the NCDVD Executive Board.
Rev. Eric Augenstein
Fr. Eric Augenstein serves as Director of Seminarians for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and Pastor of Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Church in Indianapolis. He is also Secretary on the NCDVD Executive Board. Active in diocesan vocations ministry since 2013, first as Vocation Director and then as Director of Seminarians, he has also served in support roles for NCYC, SEEK, and other local and national Catholic Ministries. Since 2016, he has served as Director of Liturgy for the One Bread, One Cup youth conferences at Saint Meinrad Archabbey. A graduate of La Salle University (Philadelphia) and Saint Meinrad Seminary, Fr. Eric was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in 2004.
Rev. Eugenio de la Rama
Fr. Eugenio de la Rama was born to Filipino immigrants in Queens, NY and grew up in Jersey City, NJ. He went to St. Paul the Apostle parochial school and Hudson Catholic High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Rutgers University-Newark. After completing his undergraduate studies, he served as a missionary in Central and South America, spending five years in many impoverished parish communities. In 2008 he entered the seminary and received a Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University. For his first priestly assignment, he was sent to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Ridgewood, NJ. In 2017, he was asked to be the Director of the Office of Priestly Vocations for the Archdiocese of Newark. In 2022, Fr. de la Rama was appointed to serve on the executive board of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors in the position of Member-At-Large. In 2023, he was appointed to be the Director of the Propaedeutic House while remaining Vocations Director for the Archdiocese of Newark
Rev. David Songy, O.F.M. Cap., S.T.D., Psy.D.
President Emeritus – Saint Luke Institute
Rev. David Songy, O.F.M. Cap., S.T.D., Psy.D., is a priest of the Capuchin Province of Mid-America, a clinical psychologist and author of Spiritual Direction for Priestly Celibacy. Prior to coming to Saint Luke Institute, he was the spiritual director and prefect of studies at Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary in Denver, Colorado. He also was director of counseling services at the Pontifical North American College in Rome and held several positions at St. John Vianney Theological Seminary. Fr. Songy holds a doctorate in psychology from the University of Denver and a doctorate in sacred theology from the Teresianum, the Pontifical Institute of Spirituality in Rome. He holds a master’s degree in pastoral counseling from Loyola College and theology degrees from Aquinas Institute. Fr. Songy speaks Italian, Spanish and Tok Pisin, the language of Papua New Guinea. He is an international speaker on topics such as priestly spirituality, formation in priestly celibacy, and healthy sexual integration and affective maturity.
Mrs. Rosemary Sullivan
Rose is the Executive Director of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors and has over 21 years of experience in the ministry of vocations for diocesan priesthood. Rosemary’s work in this ministry began in 2002 as the Vocation Program Coordinator for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, including overseeing seminary candidate admissions for 10 years. This led to her being hired as the Events Coordinator for the NCDVD in 2006, and subsequently their Executive Director in 2009, while continuing her work with Rockville Center. Since 2009, Rosemary has also served as a consultant to the USCCB committee for Clergy, Consecrated Life & Vocations. In addition to her work in vocations, in 2012 Rose was appointed by Timothy Cardinal Dolan to serve as Program Director for the Sacred Heart Institute for the ongoing formation of Clergy, part of the St. Charles Borromeo Tri-Diocesan Partnership. Rosemary is a member of the Board of Directors for the Foundation of Priestly Vocations. A graduate of St. John’s University with degrees in Business and Communications, Rose has been married to her husband Gary for over 36 years; they have four young adult children and 3 grandchildren. One of their sons is a priest for the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
The Pre-Convention Workshop
Monday, August 28th, 2022
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Priest as CEO – Chief Evangelization Officer
We no longer live in an age of Christendom. The age before us is an Apostolic Age, and since the Church exists to evangelize, the ministerial priesthood must lead the way. While the laity have been rightly exhorted to claim their identity as missionary disciples, the ministerial priest has a unique role to play, and not just in administering the Sacraments. This workshop will explore how “Priest as CEO” applies specifically to the vocation director. The most effective vocation directors are those who proclaim the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to those whom they invite into deeper discernment, and this workshop will not only cast vision but also provide practical ideas on how to implement that in your important service to the Church.
Curtis Martin
Curtis Martin is the founder of the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS), one of the fastest-growing college outreach apostolates in the Catholic Church. Archbishop Charles Chaput of Philadelphia stated, “No one does a more dynamic job of reaching college students for Christ than FOCUS.”
FOCUS was founded in 1998 as a national outreach to college students on campus. Starting with just two missionaries on one campus, FOCUS now has hundreds of full-time missionaries serving tens of thousands of college students on campuses throughout the United States. FOCUS is working to play a vital role in the New Evangelization called for by Pope Saint John Paul II.
Curtis Martin holds a master’s degree in theology and is the author of the best-selling book, “Made for More.” Curtis is likewise the co-author of “The Real Story: Understanding the Big Picture of the Bible” with Dr. Edward Sri and “Boys to Men: The Transforming Power of Virtue” with Dr. Tim Gray.
In 2004, Curtis and his wife, Michaelann, were awarded the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Saint John Paul II for their outstanding service to the Church. In 2011, Pope Benedict XVI appointed Curtis as a Consultor to the Pontifical Council of the New Evangelization. Curtis and Michaelann live in Colorado. They have been blessed with nine children and eight grandchildren.
TUESDAY WORKSHOPS
August 29, 2023
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Workshop #1 (Level 101)
The Power of Adventure, Nature and Challenge within Formation.
Join COR Expeditions staff for an insider look into the effect of adventure, nature and challenge on a young man’s priestly discernment and formation. This workshop will explore the power of these elements on human formation especially for men since today’s society rarely provides these concentrated experiences. We will be sharing countless stories from the hundreds of men who have been formed from their leadership roles in the deserts of Utah and the mountains of Wyoming and Colorado with COR Expeditions. The experiences that a man has in seminary will often set the tone for his entire priesthood, we have seen how nature, adventure and challenge provide concrete practical tools to encourage deep brotherhood, help young men develop the skills they need to lead effectively and become grounded amidst the intellectual and spiritual rigor of seminary formation.
Presenters: COR staff – Jacob Ramaekers and Andre Klaes
Jacob Ramaekers is a full-time missionary at COR Expeditions. He studied liberal arts at Wyoming Catholic College with a concentration in Outdoor Education. His passion is facilitating wilderness experiences for young men in formation, and has spent over 5 years running trips with COR, including multiple 10-day excursions with diocesan seminarians, three 21-day desert trips with CFR Postulants, and countless week-long backpacking, ice and rock climbing, canyoneering, and backcountry skiing trips with young men of all ages.
Andre Klaes is a full-time missionary at COR Expeditions. After high school, Andre attended Saint John Vianney College Seminary earning his degree in Philosophy and Catholic Studies. While serving as a prefect in college seminary he developed a love for the outdoors, seeing how the wilderness helps a man address the gaps within formation. Andre is a graduate of the Institute of Priestly Formation, has a deep love of Eucharistic adoration in the silence of the wilderness, and a passion for backpacking, rock climbing, skiing, and canyoneering.
Workshop #2 (Level 101)
Altar Servers – Capitalizing on the correlation.
Annually the CARA Survey of those ordained to the priesthood highlights the various parish ministries that the recently ordained were involved with prior to entering seminary. “Ordinands who served as an altar server constituted 72% of all respondents. They represented 72% of ordinands in religious institutes and 71% of ordinands to diocesan priesthood. Between 2006 and 2023, their share averaged 73% and ranged between 67% and 80%.” The Diocese of St. Petersburg has attempted several ways over the last 20 years to capitalize on this strong correlation. Join this workshop to gain understanding on this reality and to bring your own strategies to the table.
If you have effective programs in your diocese that you’d like to share with others, please email Fr. Chuck any details/structures of your program before August 1 at SCD@DOSP.ORG
Presenter: Rev. Chuck Dornquast, Diocese of St. Petersburg
Fr. Chuck was born and raised in the small town of Zephyrhills near Tampa, FL. His practice of the faith began after his family experienced the generosity of his local parish. He entered St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, FL immediately following High School. He then attended St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, FL and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on May 16, 2015. He served 4 years as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa where he also became the team priest for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2019 he was appointed Director of Vocations, serving as both vocations promoter and director of seminarians. He currently serves as Vice-President on the executive board for the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors.
Workshop #3 (Level 201)
Called to serve the Church of 2050
The Catholic Church, especially in the US, is experiencing a historical shift in the configuration of their members. During this session, we are going to analyze the changes we are seeing in the behavior of our youth and young adults and how we can effectively rediscover cultures of affiliation that will generate more vocations for the church of 2050.
Presenter: Katherine Angulo
As the Program Director of the Thriving in Ministry Initiative, Katherine directs four important outreach efforts, three of which are supported by Lilly Endowment, Inc. Katherine works to prepare pastoral leaders for long-term ministry in the Church in the Strong Foundations for Catholic Leaders program; provides intellectual and spiritual renewal for invited diocesan priests in the Bishop John M. D’Arcy Program in Priestly Renewal; and is partnering with Iskali to create cultures of affiliation in the Hispanic Catholic Church in the United States through the Young Adult Innovation Hub. The fourth initiative, generously supported by Gibney, seeks to re-propose the Holy Family of Nazareth as the foundation for catechetical renewal within the domestic Hispanic Church. This program is being piloted in the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
Workshop #4 (Level 301)
The Art of Collaboration: Discernment and Formation outside the Vocations Office
There are countless opportunities for discernment and seminarian formation through events that are organized on the diocesan, national, or international level. Learn about ideas and best practices for utilizing events like NCYC, SEEK, World Youth Day, the National Eucharistic Congress, and local or diocesan programming as both discernment opportunities for young people and formation opportunities for seminarians. Discuss ways to have a seat at the table and collaborate with diocesan and national ministries so that these outside events and programs can be integrated into the work of the Vocations Office. The Vocations Office doesn’t have to plan everything!
Presenter: Fr. Eric Augenstein, Archdiocese of Indianapolis
Fr. Eric Augenstein serves as Director of Seminarians for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and Pastor of Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Church in Indianapolis. He is also Secretary on the NCDVD Executive Board. Active in diocesan vocations ministry since 2013, first as Vocation Director and then as Director of Seminarians, he has also served in support roles for NCYC, SEEK, and other local and national Catholic Ministries. Since 2016, he has served as Director of Liturgy for the One Bread, One Cup youth conferences at Saint Meinrad Archabbey. A graduate of La Salle University (Philadelphia) and Saint Meinrad Seminary, Fr. Eric was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in 2004.
TUESDAY AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
August 29, 2023
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Propaedeutic Stage
In reviewing the 6th Edition of the Program for Priestly Formation we are reminded that since formation is a lifelong journey, it is important to lay a solid foundation for this journey in the Propaedeutic Stage, especially in the human and spiritual dimensions. Thus “the Propaedeutic Stage is an indispensable phase of formation with its own specific character” (Ratio Fundamentalis no.59). This stage allows the seminarian to lay a foundation for a new way of life through prayer, study, fraternity and appropriate docility to formation.
Please join us for facilitated conversations, with the aim of bringing together vocation and seminary personnel from similar styled programs (i.e diocesan-based houses or Seminary based houses) to discuss this new area of vocation ministry.
Our facilitators, who prior to the 2022 -2023 academic year have been involved with a Propaedeutic House, will share experiences, strategies, effective efforts for approaching common challenges and lessons learned, (what has worked and what has failed).
We will break into 2 basic groups: those who are participating in Diocesan-based programs,i.e. The Diocese of Wichita or in a Seminary based program such as at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.
The criteria for determining which group you might consider joining is determined by the participant who can freely select which of these conversations to join.
THURSDAY WORKSHOPS
August 31, 2023
10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Workshop #1 (Level 101)
Working with Seminarians: Questions to Ask
The key to seminarian success is the important working relationship between diocesan personnel and seminary staff. The session will include helpful tips and strategies for building this relationship and offer ideas on teamwork in building healthy seminarians through all dimensions of their time in seminary. Sufficient time will be allotted for discussion, questions and answers.
Presenter: The Very Reverend Denis Robinson, OSB
The Very Reverend Denis Robinson, OSB, is President-Rector of Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology in St. Meinrad, IN and has served in this capacity since 2008. A Benedictine monk, he is also an assistant professor of systematic theology. A Mississippi native, Father Denis attended Saint Meinrad College and School of Theology, earning a bachelor’s degree in philosophy in 1989 and a Master of Divinity in 1993. From 1993-96, he was parochial vicar for the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Memphis, TN. He joined the Saint Meinrad monastery in August 1996. Father Denis also attended the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium, where he received a master’s degree in theology in 2002, a licentiate in sacred theology in 2003, and doctorates in sacred theology and philosophy in 2007.
Workshop #2 (Level 101)
Guarding the Temple: Promoting Prevention and Wellness in Priests
The program will address ministerial challenges and stressors, along with opportunities for building one’s health and wellness. The discussion will note the need to embrace preventative practices, build a plan for self-care and resiliency, and discover practical ways to move forward, both personally and in ministry. David will guide reflections and sharing to note the struggles, realities, graces, and future opportunities while looking forward to the future.
Presenter: David Shellenberger, RN, BSN
David Shellenberger, RN, BSN, serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Saint John Vianney Center. In this role, he works to increase awareness of SJVC’s prevention and educational services, as well as its assessment and behavioral health treatment programs. David served as Chief Operating Officer at SJVC since 2014 and has worked at the center since 2008. Previously, he was the Chief Nursing Officer responsible for all clinical practice and medical care performed by the nursing department. Past positions also included Infection Control and Patient Safety Officer and Director of the Complex Extended Stay Program. David helped develop the weight management and wellness program at the Saint John Vianney Center which assists residents with weight loss and healthy living through diet, education, treatment, and emotional and spiritual support. David also provides workshops for SJVC as part of our outreach services. Topics include Stress Management, Health, Wellness and Weight Management.
He has over 15 years of administrative experience in various health care settings including Beaumont at Bryn Mawr in Bryn Mawr, PA, and HCR Manor Care in Pottstown, PA. David received his BSN from York College of Pennsylvania and maintains his RN license through the State of Pennsylvania.
Workshop #3 (Level 201)
The Augustine Way: A Spiritual and Psychological Approach
The Augustine Way helps participants to break free of unhealthy sexual habits and find new freedom in Christ. Developed in a seminary setting, and now redesigned for widespread use, the program uses an innovative blend of spirituality and psychology to disrupt ingrained habits and help participants establish long-term patterns of Chastity.
A Robust Response to a Huge Problem: Internet pornography has made the already-difficult battle for chastity exponentially harder to fight. Thus the men and women who want to find freedom require profound and effective solutions. The Augustine Way is an intensive small-group program for those who truly want to fight and win the battle.
Presenters: Rev. Paul Hoesing
Rev. Paul Hoesing is a priest of the Archdiocese of Omaha and serves as Vice Rector for Formation at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. Raised in rural Nebraska, Fr. Hoesing earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Saint Thomas in St. Paul in 1998, as well as a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology and a Licentiate in Dogmatic Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in 2001 and 2003, respectively. Since his ordination in 2002, Fr. Hoesing has served in parish ministry, taught in Catholic high schools and at the Institute for Priestly Formation, and worked as Director of Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Fr. Hoesing was named Director of the Office of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Omaha in 2008 and was elected President of the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors in 2013. In 2015, Fr. Hoesing joined the faculty of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary as Dean of Seminarians and Director of Human Formation, before being named Vice Rector in 2019. Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski appointed Fr. Hoesing as president-rector of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, on July 1, 2022 for a five-year term. Fr. Hoesing is the author of the NCDVD Book: Have I Been With You?, a primer on prayer.
Workshop #4 (Level 301)
All Hands on Deck: Navigating Rough Waters within your Presbyterate
Building a Culture of Vocations in a diocese requires all priests to do their part in order to witness joyfully to Christ’s Eternal High Priesthood. However, this is sometimes not the case. Is there anything we can do? Come find out!
Members of the NCDVD Executive Board will facilitate a conversation on how to encourage and inspire your brothers to engage in Vocation Ministry in your home diocese.
Presenters: Members of the NCDVD Executive Board
THURSDAY WORKSHOPS
August 31, 2023
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Workshop #1 (Level 101)
Quo Vadis Camp – Where do I begin?
After just 2 weeks in the vocations office, I was tasked with running a FIAT Summer Camp with 110 high school girls, 14 young adult women, and 18 religious sisters with no clue what I was doing! After a two-week break, it was time to do it all over again for the boys with the assistance of the seminarians, which seemed immensely easier! Every year, my office spends countless hours planning the annual theme, outlining talks, arranging speakers, buying swag and refining everything that we do for the week. I am grateful to share this camp with you and lessons learned that will help you to get a camp started or continue to refine what you are already doing.
Presenter: Rev. Michael Isenberg, Diocese of Arlington
Fr. Isenberg is a native of Buffalo, NY, and his family moved to the Diocese of Arlington when he was four. He received a degree in Computer Engineering from Virginia Tech and worked as a consultant for a few years before applying to seminary. He studied at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary and the Pontifical North American College, and was ordained a priest in 2013. In the last five years as Vocation Director for the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, Fr. Michael Isenberg has overseen the ordination of 30 priests, 51 men entering seminary formation. The flourishing of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life in the Diocese of Arlington can be attributed to the Culture of Vocations that has been cultivated and refined over the last 20 years. In a world of screens and virtual relationships, Fr. Isenberg is grateful to build personal relationships with countless young men, deepening their spiritual life to know the heart of Jesus, and helping them to courageously respond to what God is doing within.
Workshop #2 (Level 201)
Topic: Fishing on campus – working with college campus ministry teams
A goldmine for vocations is college campuses. Students are being transformed in incredible ways through FOCUS and Newman Centers all across the country. How do we build a culture of vocations within those dynamic college ministries? How do we develop relationships with discerners on those college campuses? Come and find out some ways that have been working in the state of Nebraska (Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney) to build relationships and grow a culture of vocations.
Presenter: Rev. Neal Hock, Diocese of Grand Island
Fr. Neal Hock grew up on a family farm in southwest Nebraska. He received a BSBA in Accounting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He worked as an accountant for 5 years prior to entering Seminary for the diocese of Grand Island. Ordained in 2011, he is beginning his 10th year as vocation director and pastor of St Teresa of Calcutta Newman Center. He is also serving as Treasurer on the NCDVD Executive Board.
Workshop #3 (Level 301)
Seminarians Outside the Walls – Summer Assignments
This workshop seeks to discuss best practices for ensuring that your seminarians have a formative experience in their summers. It will also show how you can leverage your seminarians’ presence for vocation promotion in your diocese. Finally, it will give recommendations on how to ensure that summer supervisors provide a formation experience that you approve of. The Diocese of St. Petersburg has developed a summer formation house, an in-diocese Spanish immersion summer house, used Spanish immersion, catholic youth camps, CPE, IPF and other programs for their seminarians when outside the walls. Join this workshop to hear how those programs have benefitted the diocese and seminarians.
If you have already implemented a creative summer program for your seminarians, and are willing to share with others, please email Fr. Chuck with details and information prior to August 1: SCD@DOSP.ORG
Presenter: Rev. Chuck Dornquast, Diocese of St. Petersburg
Fr. Chuck was born and raised in the small town of Zephyrhills near Tampa, FL. His practice of the faith began after his family experienced the generosity of his local parish. He entered St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami, FL immediately following High School. He then attended St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, FL and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on May 16, 2015. He served 4 years as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa where he also became the team priest for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2019 he was appointed Director of Vocations, serving as both vocations promoter and director of seminarians. He currently serves as Vice-President on the executive board for the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors.
Workshop #4 (Level 301)
Developing Diocesan Collaborators
Many vocation directors ask: “How do I spend my time and efforts most effectively?” It should be an annual question for each of us, but this may be what a new vocation director is asking, or what a seasoned director is asking to reassess his effectiveness given his diocesan situation. In short, we desire a maximum harvest for our efforts. Assessing the numerous factors of a vocation director’s scope and combining this with some tried and true evangelization practices can lead to nets that are more “full”, especially when the most supportive collaborators of a vocation culture are engaged. This presentation will take into account the many factors of a vocation director’s scope: Numbers of parishes in the diocese, numbers of seminarians, current promotional efforts, current priestly support, strategic ideas of your Bishop, assessing diocesan trends, and more. Attending this session and dialogue will provide the steps for establishing a prioritized list of collaborators, parishes, schools, and communities in which to invest your time, as well as a spirit of discerning on how to best invest your overall time and efforts.
Presenter: Rev. Michael McCandless, Diocese of Cleveland
Fr. Michael McCandless is an ordained priest for the Diocese of Cleveland and recently celebrated 15 years of ordained ministry. He attended Borromeo Seminary in Wickliffe, OH, completing a B.A. in Philosophy from John Carroll University in 2002; he then continued into St. Mary Seminary, Cleveland, OH and completed his Master of Divinity as well as a Master of Arts in Systematic Theology. Ordained in the spring of 2008, he was assigned to St. Mary Catholic Church, Painesville, OH where he served the community bilingually until November 2010 when he was appointed as the Director of the Diocesan Vocation Office for the Diocese of Cleveland. He served for over 12 years in this position until January 2023 when he was appointed Administrator of Holy Family Parish, Stow, OH, his home parish from his youth.
