Spring Meeting Registration
The National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD) is pleased to announce that Bishop Ralph OโDonnell and Rev. Dan Hanley will join us for a conversation on Best Practices for the Propaedeutic Stage and the Vocational Synthesis Stage.
Bishop OโDonnell and Fr. Hanley both contributed directly to the Program of Priestly Formation, 6th Edition (PPF6) while serving on staff with the USCCB Committee for Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations.
This mini-conference is open to vocation directors, seminary personnel, and anyone who assists in this important work. In addition to practical formation, the gathering will provide an opportunity for fraternal fellowship and spiritual renewal.
About the Conference
As dioceses across the United States continue implementing the Program of Priestly Formation (6th Edition), the NCDVD 2026 Spring Meeting will offer an opportunity for ongoing formation, conversation, and mutual support focused on the two newest stages of seminary formation: the Propaedeutic Stage and the Vocational Synthesis Stage. Diocesan vocation personnel, seminary staff, and those responsible for coordinating or supporting these stages of formation are invited to participate in this workshop and facilitated discussion. Together, participants will explore best practices, address common questions, and foster collaboration in implementing these stages effectively. The workshop will also include dedicated time for communal prayer and fraternity on the beautiful grounds of Bethany Retreat Center in Lutz, Florida, located just outside Tampa.
Transportation Information
Conference Center Address:
Bethany Center
https://bethanycenterfl.org/
18150 Bethany Center Drive
Lutz, FLย 33558
What Airport do I fly into?
We recommend that you fly into Tampa International Airport which is an approximate
20-minute drive.
Will NCDVD shuttles be available from the airport to the Bethany Center?
No, NCDVD will not be providing transportation for the conference attendees.
Spring Meeting Schedule
FAQs
How can I contact the NCDVD National Office
Office Phone: (631) 645-8210ย ย Email:ย events@ncdvd.org
What is the physical address of the Bethany Center?
Bethany Center
18150 Bethany Center Drive
Lutz, FLย 33558
Phone: 813-960-6300
Payment for the Conference
Payment by credit card is required at time of registration. Should your office require you to pay by check please contactย events@ncdvd.orgย for a special registration form.
Can I pay by International Wire Transfer?
Yes, the National Office accepts International Wire Transfers.ย
Should you decide to pay by wire transfer:
- Please contactย events@ncdvd.orgย for a special registration form.ย
- You MUSTย send proof of payment via email to:ย events@ncdvd.orgย noting which registration(s) should be credited.
Wire Transfer Routing:ย 121000248
Account Number:ย 2321883304
Swift Code:ย wfbius6s
Bank Name:ย Wells Fargo Bank NA
Bank Address:ย 420 Montgomery, San Francisco, CA 94104
What does the Spring Conference registration fee include?
FEE WITH ACCOMMODATIONS:
- Accommodations at Bethany Retreat Center (limited to 50 people).
- Meals (as specified on schedule).
- Admission into Monday Keynote presentation and Tuesday presentations.
- Nightly Hospitality, including an open bar.
FEE FOR COMMUTERS:
- Meals (as specified on schedule, apart from Breakfast on Wednesday).
- Admission into Monday Keynote presentation and Tuesday presentations.
- Nightly Hospitality, including an open bar.
What are the accommodations at the conference center like?
Each cottage room has a Queen-sized bed and private bathroom. On the first floor of each of the six cottages is a well-equipped gathering room that offers a relaxing and informal place to gather with others. Wrap around porches, rocking chairs, and sunset views are yours to enjoy just outside the door of your room.
What time is check-in / check-out at the conference center?
Check-in 3:00 p.m. for the Conference; 4:00 p.m. for rooms, unless available earlier.
Check-out 10:00 a.m.
IMPORTANT:ย IF YOU ARE STAYING AT THE RETREAT CENTER AND ARE CHECKING IN AFTER 9:00 PM YOU MUST NOTIFY NCDVD FOR ENTRANCE AT THE MAIN GATE WILL BE CLOSED.
Is there a discounted rate on my registration if I choose to stay at a hotel or Air B&B?
Please see our Commuter Rate.
Transportation Information
Conference Center Address:
Bethany Center
18150 Bethany Center Drive
Lutz, FLย 33558
What Airport do I fly into?
We recommend that you fly into Tampa International Airport which is an approximate 20-minute drive.
Will NCDVD shuttles be available from the airport to the Bethany Center?
No, NCDVD will not be providing transportation for the conference attendees.
Letters of Suitability
All clergyโdomestic and international priests, permanent deacons, and transitional deaconsโwishing to concelebrate mass and/or hear confessions and/or provide sacramental ministry in their ordained capacity are required to submit a letter of suitability to the Diocese of Saint Petersburg.ย
These letters should be dated no sooner thanย March 1, 2026 and no later than April 22, 2026. They should be issued from the diocese in which the clergy is incardinated, in which they serve, or from their religious order.
These letters should be addressed to the following:
Deacon Rick Wells, J.C.L.
Chancellor
Diocese of Saint Petersburg
They should be emailedย toย mtg@dosp.org. Questions regarding letters of suitability can be emailed to this address as well.
Are there Recreational Facilities at the Conference Center?
The Retreat Center is situated on 200 acres of natural habit which offers several walking trails.ย There is no fitness room on site.
Will there be on-site registration for the conference?
On-site registration is extremely limited. It is highly recommended that you register prior to arriving at the conference. There is a $100 extra registration fee for registration made after April 3, 2026, or on off site.
How do I make changes to my registration?
Contact the National Office atย events@ncdvd.orgย with your updated information.
Can I go hiking on the grounds?
The conference center is situated on 200 plus acres of natural habit property, including two lakes. There are paved paths and wooded trails on site.
Iโm not sure if my office is a member of NCDVD, how can I find out?
Contact the National Office atย office@ncdvd.orgย or via telephone at (631) 645-8210.
Do priests need to bring their own alb and stole?
Yes, please bring your own alb and stole.
What is the dress code for the conference?
Business casual for lay attendees.ย NOTE: Most priests wear clerics throughout the day.
Will copies of the talks/workshops be available following the conference?
It is the policy of NCDVD not to record our presenters.
How do I obtain a press pass for the conference?
This is a private event and Press Passes will not be distributed.ย For Questions, please contact the National Office atย executive@ncdvd.org or via telephoneย
at (631) 645-8210.