Exorcist is Keynote for Hundreds Gathered at the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD)
Hundreds have gathered at the annual National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD).
(Image from a previous NCDVD Conference from their FB Page)
The yearly NCDVD conference by the organization sees hundreds traveling from across the United States and from about 10 different countries to gather for education and support for Vocation Directors.
Their annual convention is a time for prayer, liturgy, fraternity, and continuing education. It is a source of renewal for our members, who look forward to sharing ideas for our unique ministry.
The 2025 NCDVD Convention is being held at the location of our national office: Retreat and Conference Center of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, NY, from Aug. 25-29. This year's keynote speaker is Exorcist Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti a priest of the Diocese of Syracuse
Speakers include our brother Vocation Directors, as well as experts in psychology, culture, communications, and priestly formation.
The goal of every convention is to draw closer to Christ, grow in brotherhood with fellow Vocation Directors, and learn best practices for creating a culture of vocations in our dioceses.
The National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors supports priests and personnel responsible for mentoring and forming healthy and holy priests for their dioceses.
FORMATION – We provide resources and programs to equip members for effective vocation promotion, candidate assessment, and seminarian formation, offering unparalleled training in the selection and screening of priestly candidates.
SUPPORT – As a fraternity of Vocation Directors, we offer spiritual support and a network of shared knowledge, experience, and wisdom, helping members find joy and fulfillment in their ministry.
ADVOCACY – We champion diocesan vocation ministry, advocate for our shared mission, and provide essential resources to support priestly discernment both in the U.S. and internationally.
Their annual convention is a time for prayer, liturgy, fraternity, and continuing education. It is a source of renewal for our members, who look forward to sharing ideas for our unique ministry.
The 2025 NCDVD Convention is being held at the location of our national office: Retreat and Conference Center of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, NY, from Aug. 25-29. This year's keynote speaker is Exorcist Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti a priest of the Diocese of Syracuse
Speakers include our brother Vocation Directors, as well as experts in psychology, culture, communications, and priestly formation.
The goal of every convention is to draw closer to Christ, grow in brotherhood with fellow Vocation Directors, and learn best practices for creating a culture of vocations in our dioceses.
The National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors supports priests and personnel responsible for mentoring and forming healthy and holy priests for their dioceses.
FORMATION – We provide resources and programs to equip members for effective vocation promotion, candidate assessment, and seminarian formation, offering unparalleled training in the selection and screening of priestly candidates.
SUPPORT – As a fraternity of Vocation Directors, we offer spiritual support and a network of shared knowledge, experience, and wisdom, helping members find joy and fulfillment in their ministry.
ADVOCACY – We champion diocesan vocation ministry, advocate for our shared mission, and provide essential resources to support priestly discernment both in the U.S. and internationally.
JOIN the NCDVD as a Member: https://www.ncdvd.org/membership/
2025 KEYNOTE Exorcist Msgr Stephen Rossetti: Deliverance Ministry for Priests (SEE VIDEO Explanation of his Deliverance Ministry)
Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti is a priest of the Diocese of Syracuse. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1973 and spent six years in the Air Force. For 18 years, he served as the Executive Vice President and then the President and CEO of Saint Luke Institute in Silver Spring, MD, a residential treatment program for clergy and religious men and women. He is author of over a dozen books such as the Paulist
Press bestseller I Am Awake and Twenty-Third Publications’ Fire on the Earth. He is author of the Spirit Daily book: When the Lion Roars: A Primer for the Unsuspecting Mystic. His 2021 book Diary of an American Exorcist: Demons, Possession, and the Modern-Day Battle against Ancient Evil has been a bestseller for both Sophia Institute Press and Amazon, and is being published in five different languages, the latest being Portuguese and Polish. On May 1, 2025, his latest book My Confrontation with Hell: Real Demonic Encounters of an Exorcist was released by Spirit Daily. A licensed psychologist in the State of Maryland, Msgr. Rossetti has a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Boston College and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Catholic University. He received a Proclaim Award from the U.S. Bishops’ Conference, a Lifetime Service Award from Theological College, the 2013 John Paul II leadership award from the National Catholic Education Association, and an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from St. Mary’s Seminary and University. Msgr. Rossetti is a research associate professor at the Catholic University of America (CUA) and the President of St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal (www.catholicexorcism.org). Msgr. Rossetti is the chief exorcist for the Archdiocese of Washington and has conducted hundreds of exorcisms for over 18 years. He helps to train exorcists around the country and abroad. He has over 250k followers on social media (e.g. Instagram (msgr.rossetti), Facebook, TikTok (msgrrossetti)) and YouTube (@stmichaelcenter), with over 22 million views in two and a half years. He conducts a monthly online healing and deliverance session which typically has over 25k people participating.
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Tuesday Keynote
Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.: The impact of the Spiritual Direction relationship on personal discernment and prayer
The relationship of a Spiritual Director and directee plays a vital role in spiritual development, discernment and personal prayer. Far beyond simply processing information and giving answers (which Chat GPT can probably do much better), the spiritual director plays a formative role in a person’s life, modeling and then deepening that person’s relationship with God as the spiritual director relationship develops. Something comparable occurs in the vocation director’s relationship with a candidate, but also with noteworthy differences. These God-focused, affirming, committed relationships are vital and even developmental in a world that is increasingly fragmented. In this talk, we will focus on the impact of these relationships and the dynamics of these relationships that will bring about the greatest benefit for men in discernment.
Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B. became a Benedictine monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania in 1998. Since his ordination to the priesthood in 2004 he has provided spiritual direction for many men and women, including married couples, seminarians, consecrated religious and priests, even as he completed his Ph.D. in computer science at Penn State University. He became the programming manager and an on-air contributor for We Are One Body® Catholic radio in 2010 and has recorded thousands of radio programs on theology and the spiritual life. He has extensive experience as a retreat master for laity, consecrated religious and priests. He became the Director for Spiritual Formation for Saint Vincent Seminary in 2016 and Director of the Institute for Ministry Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary in 2019 and has offered many courses on spiritual direction and the spiritual life. While continuing his other responsibilities he is also currently enrolled in the STL program at Sacred Heart Seminary on the New Evangelization. He is author of Through the Heart of St. Joseph and together with Fr. Thomas Acklin, OSB he is author of the book Spiritual Direction: A Guide for Sharing the Father’s Love and Personal Prayer: A Guide for Receiving the Father’s Love, all published by Emmaus Road Publishing.
Fr. Hicks can be contacted via the Institute for Ministry Formation at imf@stvincent.edu.
Several Workshops were held to Educate Vocation Directors:
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti's Bio
Monday Pre-Con Workshop | Msgr. Stephen Rossetti
Deliverance Ministry for Priests
Msgr. Rossetti will help priests safely and effectively assist the laity who come to them for deliverance.
Most Rev. Edward M. Lohse's Bio
Tuesday AM Workshop | Most Rev. Edward M. Lohse
Confidentiality, Conscience, and the External Forum: Canonical insights for assessing candidates for seminary admission and formation.
Vocation directors often struggle with questions over what can or should be asked of candidates and what should not. This presentation will look at the distinctions between the internal forum, external forum, and conscience and what properly belongs to each; how the non-sacramental internal forum can and should be used at times; the use of psychological instruments in admissions and formation; the role of agency for vocation directors and formators, and other related topics.
Sr. Mercedes Torres, O.P's Bio
Tuesday AM Workshop | Sr. Mercedes
Drawing from the Wellspings: Seeing Christ’s work in us and in our ministry
“All the good we do in the exercise of our ministry is the work of Christ and not our own, for we can do nothing without him. Yet we glory in him, from whom all the effectiveness of our work is derived” Saint Leo the Great
In this workshop, for Administrative Assistants, Sr. Mercedes will talk about the importance of centering Christ in ourselves and in the work performed in the vocation offices.
Fr. Brian Alford's Bio
Tuesday AM Workshop | Fr. Brian Alford
From Seminary to the Presbyterate: A Vicar for Clergy’s Perspective on Men Preparing for Ordination
Once a man is ordained to the priesthood, he is transferred to the care of the Vicar for Clergy for the diocese. He inherits the fruit of the relationship that has been fostered by the Vocation Director and the seminary, and in many cases, that transition is seamless. However, there are times when a man enters the priesthood with areas that maybe have not been addressed during formation. Speaking from the perspective of a Vicar for Clergy, I will share some reflections on things I wish I had been more attentive to as Vocation Director, with an eye toward how that may affect the man’s transition from seminary to ministry.
Randy Raus' Bio
Tuesday AM Workshop | Randy Raus
The Upper Room Generation: Guiding Teens to a Life of Vocational Clarity
The Upper Room Generation: Guiding Teens to a Life of Vocational Clarity is a workshop for those accompanying young people as they seek God’s call in their lives. Rooted in Scripture and the Church’s rich tradition, this session will explore practical strategies and spiritual best practices to help teens discern their vocation. We’ll discuss how to create a culture of prayerful listening, Eucharistic devotion, mentorship, and trust in God’s providence, equipping Diocesan Vocation Directors to walk with teens as they climb to the “Upper Room” of clarity and mission.
Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck's Bio
Tuesday PM Workshop | Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck
The Sacred Balance: Fostering Vocation Vitality in both Discerners and Directors
Early in ministry, a priest experiences the dichotomy of calling his people to excellence in holiness, discipleship, and in configuring their lives to Christ, while struggling to live excellence in those same areas himself. This dichotomy is often reinforced and enhanced when the priest becomes a formator, judging the readiness of men to stand in the person of Jesus Christ as His priest. In the hiddenness of specialized ministry, it seems that we can either soothe inadequacy by dulling the call to excellence in one of the parties, or we can find a sacred balance, which calls both higher. This session will address the unique demands and personal struggles within vocation ministry that often go unnoticed, and we will discuss strategies that will help us to live the vibrancy that we are looking for in the vocations we serve.
Tanner Kalina's Bio
Tuesday PM Workshop | Tanner Kalina
Create Digitally, Connect Personally
Social Media. We all have mixed feelings about it. But could it actually be the resource that allows us to cast the widest net? And if that’s the case, how could we use it in a way that Jesus would if he were in our shoes?
Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B's Bio
Tuesday PM Workshop | Fr. Boniface Hicks O.S.B.
The Impact of the Spiritual Direction relationship on personal discernment and prayer
The relationship of a Spiritual Director and directee plays a vital role in spiritual development, discernment and personal prayer. Far beyond simply processing information and giving answers (which Chat GPT can probably do much better), the spiritual director plays a formative role in a person’s life, modeling and then deepening that person’s relationship with God as the spiritual director relationship develops. Something comparable occurs in the vocation director’s relationship with a candidate, but also with noteworthy differences. These God-focused, affirming, committed relationships are vital and even developmental in a world that is increasingly fragmented. In this talk, we will focus on the impact of these relationships and the dynamics of these relationships that will bring about the greatest benefit for men in discernment.
Fr. Brett Brannen's Bio
Tuesday PM Workshop | Fr. Brett Brannen
How to Let a Guy Go
One of the most unpleasant duties of a vocation director is when he has to give a seminarian the news that he will be unable to continue as a seminarian for the diocese or religious order. This news will likely cause the seminarian great pain, and some embarrassment back home. Yet we all know that at times it becomes evident that a man simply should not become a priest, at least in the particular diocese or order. This may be because of some serious formation issue or it may be that he is just not a good fit. Not only do we want to bring this news with kindness and compassion, but we also need to give the reasons only after careful consideration and perhaps consult with diocesan officials. This same conversation sometimes has to be had with a discerner, not yet a seminarian, whom we have determined will not be invited to apply. Finally, our work as vocation director is always first the work of a priest; and that is to walk with these men wherever they are called, and to help them find their true vocation even after they are no longer a seminarian.
Thursday, August 28th
Miguel Naranjo's Bio
Thursday AM Workshop | Miguel Naranjo
Immigration Issues
This workshop will discuss current changes to U.S. immigration policies with special attention to the religious worker immigration law programs. Though immigration laws and regulations permit international religious workers to work in the U.S., the process of obtaining an R-1 religious worker visa and religious worker permanent residence has become more challenging in the past several years. This workshop will discuss the latest legal updates.
Fr. Craig Giera's Bio
Thursday AM Workshop | Fr. Craig Giera
Organizing and Leading the Vocations Office
This presentation will provide a basic and practical overview of the essential components for organizing and operating and effective vocation office. Drawing on successful strategies used in the Archdiocese of Detroit, it will cover key tools in each domain, such as organization and data management, digital content, interviewing and walking with candidates, methods for promoting vocations, and much more. The session will conclude with an open Q&A to address specific questions.
Fr. Eric Augenstein's Bio
Thursday AM Workshop | Fr. Eric Augenstein
Vocational Synthesis Stage
As dioceses and seminaries begin implementing the Vocational Synthesis Stage in light of PPF6, this facilitated conversation will be an opportunity to share questions, ideas, and emerging best practices regarding this stage of formation. Explore models and insights from those who have begun the Vocational Synthesis Stage, from both the seminary and diocesan perspectives. For those who have not yet begun implementation of this stage of formation, there will be opportunity to address challenges and opportunities they may face. The conversation will be facilitated by Fr. Eric Augenstein, NCDVD Executive Board member and Director of Seminarians for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, which began implementing the Vocational Synthesis Stage in 2024.
Fr. Conor Sullivan's Bio
Thursday PM Workshop | Fr. Conor Sullivan
Distinguishing between “Clinical” and “Growth” counseling in seminary admissions and formation
Suggestions for ongoing counseling are increasingly common in psychological evaluations for seminary applicants. This workshop addresses the distinction between growth counseling and clinical psychotherapy. Both kinds of counseling have unique trajectories, styles of intervention, and other important implications for determining strengths, challenges, suitability, and the overall mental health of candidates for the priesthood. In addition to addressing this distinction, this workshop will address avenues of integration between vocation directors, seminary formators, and counselors; common misperceptions and stigma around growth counseling; boundaries and reasonable expectations for counseling outcomes; and a time for Q & A.
Maggie Hagenauer's Bio
Thursday PM Workshop | Maggie Hagenauer
Vocations Office 101: Learn where to start, how to find support, and tips and tricks in all things Vocations
Are you the only full time person in your office? Do you work with multiple priests? Are you overwhlemed with all the tasks you are asked to complete on a day to day basis? Come and learn effectient and effective ways to plan and implement events, communicate within and outside of the office (social media included), and how to keep Jesus and prayer in the center of all you do.
Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress, OP's Bio
Thursday PM Workshop | Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress, OP
The Current State of Campus Ministry and Vocation Promotion
Fr. Joseph-Anthony will discuss the historical arc of campus ministries over the past few decades. He will focus on how the emphasis of campus ministry has evolved in response to the needs of students in different generations. This will conclude with looking at how vocation promotion is integrated in the current landscape of campus ministry in the United States.
Fr. Derek Aaron's Bio
Thursday PM Workshop | Fr. Derek Aaron
Knights of the Holy Temple – Forming high school young men to Worship God, Love the Brotherhood, and Serve the Church.
The Knights of the Holy Temple assists high school-aged men to experience Godly masculine adventure, battle, and beauty, with a foundation firmly grounded on fraternity, formation, prayer, and parish service. Founded in 1999, the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana established a model of formation for high school young men in parishes to foster an environment for leadership development, Christian fellowship, and growth in relationship with God by prayer. The Knights of the Holy Temple has encouraged high school young men to follow the fraternity’s three tenets to Worship God, Love the Brotherhood, and Serve the Church. Fr. Aaron and two other men will share experiences of how each have been involved with the Knights of the Holy Temple and offer available resources to those interested.
Source: https://www.ncdvd.org/about/2025 KEYNOTE Exorcist Msgr Stephen Rossetti: Deliverance Ministry for Priests (SEE VIDEO Explanation of his Deliverance Ministry)
Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti is a priest of the Diocese of Syracuse. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1973 and spent six years in the Air Force. For 18 years, he served as the Executive Vice President and then the President and CEO of Saint Luke Institute in Silver Spring, MD, a residential treatment program for clergy and religious men and women. He is author of over a dozen books such as the Paulist
Press bestseller I Am Awake and Twenty-Third Publications’ Fire on the Earth. He is author of the Spirit Daily book: When the Lion Roars: A Primer for the Unsuspecting Mystic. His 2021 book Diary of an American Exorcist: Demons, Possession, and the Modern-Day Battle against Ancient Evil has been a bestseller for both Sophia Institute Press and Amazon, and is being published in five different languages, the latest being Portuguese and Polish. On May 1, 2025, his latest book My Confrontation with Hell: Real Demonic Encounters of an Exorcist was released by Spirit Daily. A licensed psychologist in the State of Maryland, Msgr. Rossetti has a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Boston College and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Catholic University. He received a Proclaim Award from the U.S. Bishops’ Conference, a Lifetime Service Award from Theological College, the 2013 John Paul II leadership award from the National Catholic Education Association, and an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from St. Mary’s Seminary and University. Msgr. Rossetti is a research associate professor at the Catholic University of America (CUA) and the President of St. Michael Center for Spiritual Renewal (www.catholicexorcism.org). Msgr. Rossetti is the chief exorcist for the Archdiocese of Washington and has conducted hundreds of exorcisms for over 18 years. He helps to train exorcists around the country and abroad. He has over 250k followers on social media (e.g. Instagram (msgr.rossetti), Facebook, TikTok (msgrrossetti)) and YouTube (@stmichaelcenter), with over 22 million views in two and a half years. He conducts a monthly online healing and deliverance session which typically has over 25k people participating.
–
Tuesday Keynote
Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B.: The impact of the Spiritual Direction relationship on personal discernment and prayer
The relationship of a Spiritual Director and directee plays a vital role in spiritual development, discernment and personal prayer. Far beyond simply processing information and giving answers (which Chat GPT can probably do much better), the spiritual director plays a formative role in a person’s life, modeling and then deepening that person’s relationship with God as the spiritual director relationship develops. Something comparable occurs in the vocation director’s relationship with a candidate, but also with noteworthy differences. These God-focused, affirming, committed relationships are vital and even developmental in a world that is increasingly fragmented. In this talk, we will focus on the impact of these relationships and the dynamics of these relationships that will bring about the greatest benefit for men in discernment.
Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B. became a Benedictine monk of Saint Vincent Archabbey in Latrobe, Pennsylvania in 1998. Since his ordination to the priesthood in 2004 he has provided spiritual direction for many men and women, including married couples, seminarians, consecrated religious and priests, even as he completed his Ph.D. in computer science at Penn State University. He became the programming manager and an on-air contributor for We Are One Body® Catholic radio in 2010 and has recorded thousands of radio programs on theology and the spiritual life. He has extensive experience as a retreat master for laity, consecrated religious and priests. He became the Director for Spiritual Formation for Saint Vincent Seminary in 2016 and Director of the Institute for Ministry Formation at Saint Vincent Seminary in 2019 and has offered many courses on spiritual direction and the spiritual life. While continuing his other responsibilities he is also currently enrolled in the STL program at Sacred Heart Seminary on the New Evangelization. He is author of Through the Heart of St. Joseph and together with Fr. Thomas Acklin, OSB he is author of the book Spiritual Direction: A Guide for Sharing the Father’s Love and Personal Prayer: A Guide for Receiving the Father’s Love, all published by Emmaus Road Publishing.
Fr. Hicks can be contacted via the Institute for Ministry Formation at imf@stvincent.edu.
Several Workshops were held to Educate Vocation Directors:
Msgr. Stephen Rossetti's Bio
Monday Pre-Con Workshop | Msgr. Stephen Rossetti
Deliverance Ministry for Priests
Msgr. Rossetti will help priests safely and effectively assist the laity who come to them for deliverance.
Most Rev. Edward M. Lohse's Bio
Tuesday AM Workshop | Most Rev. Edward M. Lohse
Confidentiality, Conscience, and the External Forum: Canonical insights for assessing candidates for seminary admission and formation.
Vocation directors often struggle with questions over what can or should be asked of candidates and what should not. This presentation will look at the distinctions between the internal forum, external forum, and conscience and what properly belongs to each; how the non-sacramental internal forum can and should be used at times; the use of psychological instruments in admissions and formation; the role of agency for vocation directors and formators, and other related topics.
Sr. Mercedes Torres, O.P's Bio
Tuesday AM Workshop | Sr. Mercedes
Drawing from the Wellspings: Seeing Christ’s work in us and in our ministry
“All the good we do in the exercise of our ministry is the work of Christ and not our own, for we can do nothing without him. Yet we glory in him, from whom all the effectiveness of our work is derived” Saint Leo the Great
In this workshop, for Administrative Assistants, Sr. Mercedes will talk about the importance of centering Christ in ourselves and in the work performed in the vocation offices.
Fr. Brian Alford's Bio
Tuesday AM Workshop | Fr. Brian Alford
From Seminary to the Presbyterate: A Vicar for Clergy’s Perspective on Men Preparing for Ordination
Once a man is ordained to the priesthood, he is transferred to the care of the Vicar for Clergy for the diocese. He inherits the fruit of the relationship that has been fostered by the Vocation Director and the seminary, and in many cases, that transition is seamless. However, there are times when a man enters the priesthood with areas that maybe have not been addressed during formation. Speaking from the perspective of a Vicar for Clergy, I will share some reflections on things I wish I had been more attentive to as Vocation Director, with an eye toward how that may affect the man’s transition from seminary to ministry.
Randy Raus' Bio
Tuesday AM Workshop | Randy Raus
The Upper Room Generation: Guiding Teens to a Life of Vocational Clarity
The Upper Room Generation: Guiding Teens to a Life of Vocational Clarity is a workshop for those accompanying young people as they seek God’s call in their lives. Rooted in Scripture and the Church’s rich tradition, this session will explore practical strategies and spiritual best practices to help teens discern their vocation. We’ll discuss how to create a culture of prayerful listening, Eucharistic devotion, mentorship, and trust in God’s providence, equipping Diocesan Vocation Directors to walk with teens as they climb to the “Upper Room” of clarity and mission.
Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck's Bio
Tuesday PM Workshop | Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck
The Sacred Balance: Fostering Vocation Vitality in both Discerners and Directors
Early in ministry, a priest experiences the dichotomy of calling his people to excellence in holiness, discipleship, and in configuring their lives to Christ, while struggling to live excellence in those same areas himself. This dichotomy is often reinforced and enhanced when the priest becomes a formator, judging the readiness of men to stand in the person of Jesus Christ as His priest. In the hiddenness of specialized ministry, it seems that we can either soothe inadequacy by dulling the call to excellence in one of the parties, or we can find a sacred balance, which calls both higher. This session will address the unique demands and personal struggles within vocation ministry that often go unnoticed, and we will discuss strategies that will help us to live the vibrancy that we are looking for in the vocations we serve.
Tanner Kalina's Bio
Tuesday PM Workshop | Tanner Kalina
Create Digitally, Connect Personally
Social Media. We all have mixed feelings about it. But could it actually be the resource that allows us to cast the widest net? And if that’s the case, how could we use it in a way that Jesus would if he were in our shoes?
Fr. Boniface Hicks, O.S.B's Bio
Tuesday PM Workshop | Fr. Boniface Hicks O.S.B.
The Impact of the Spiritual Direction relationship on personal discernment and prayer
The relationship of a Spiritual Director and directee plays a vital role in spiritual development, discernment and personal prayer. Far beyond simply processing information and giving answers (which Chat GPT can probably do much better), the spiritual director plays a formative role in a person’s life, modeling and then deepening that person’s relationship with God as the spiritual director relationship develops. Something comparable occurs in the vocation director’s relationship with a candidate, but also with noteworthy differences. These God-focused, affirming, committed relationships are vital and even developmental in a world that is increasingly fragmented. In this talk, we will focus on the impact of these relationships and the dynamics of these relationships that will bring about the greatest benefit for men in discernment.
Fr. Brett Brannen's Bio
Tuesday PM Workshop | Fr. Brett Brannen
How to Let a Guy Go
One of the most unpleasant duties of a vocation director is when he has to give a seminarian the news that he will be unable to continue as a seminarian for the diocese or religious order. This news will likely cause the seminarian great pain, and some embarrassment back home. Yet we all know that at times it becomes evident that a man simply should not become a priest, at least in the particular diocese or order. This may be because of some serious formation issue or it may be that he is just not a good fit. Not only do we want to bring this news with kindness and compassion, but we also need to give the reasons only after careful consideration and perhaps consult with diocesan officials. This same conversation sometimes has to be had with a discerner, not yet a seminarian, whom we have determined will not be invited to apply. Finally, our work as vocation director is always first the work of a priest; and that is to walk with these men wherever they are called, and to help them find their true vocation even after they are no longer a seminarian.
Thursday, August 28th
Miguel Naranjo's Bio
Thursday AM Workshop | Miguel Naranjo
Immigration Issues
This workshop will discuss current changes to U.S. immigration policies with special attention to the religious worker immigration law programs. Though immigration laws and regulations permit international religious workers to work in the U.S., the process of obtaining an R-1 religious worker visa and religious worker permanent residence has become more challenging in the past several years. This workshop will discuss the latest legal updates.
Fr. Craig Giera's Bio
Thursday AM Workshop | Fr. Craig Giera
Organizing and Leading the Vocations Office
This presentation will provide a basic and practical overview of the essential components for organizing and operating and effective vocation office. Drawing on successful strategies used in the Archdiocese of Detroit, it will cover key tools in each domain, such as organization and data management, digital content, interviewing and walking with candidates, methods for promoting vocations, and much more. The session will conclude with an open Q&A to address specific questions.
Fr. Eric Augenstein's Bio
Thursday AM Workshop | Fr. Eric Augenstein
Vocational Synthesis Stage
As dioceses and seminaries begin implementing the Vocational Synthesis Stage in light of PPF6, this facilitated conversation will be an opportunity to share questions, ideas, and emerging best practices regarding this stage of formation. Explore models and insights from those who have begun the Vocational Synthesis Stage, from both the seminary and diocesan perspectives. For those who have not yet begun implementation of this stage of formation, there will be opportunity to address challenges and opportunities they may face. The conversation will be facilitated by Fr. Eric Augenstein, NCDVD Executive Board member and Director of Seminarians for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, which began implementing the Vocational Synthesis Stage in 2024.
Fr. Conor Sullivan's Bio
Thursday PM Workshop | Fr. Conor Sullivan
Distinguishing between “Clinical” and “Growth” counseling in seminary admissions and formation
Suggestions for ongoing counseling are increasingly common in psychological evaluations for seminary applicants. This workshop addresses the distinction between growth counseling and clinical psychotherapy. Both kinds of counseling have unique trajectories, styles of intervention, and other important implications for determining strengths, challenges, suitability, and the overall mental health of candidates for the priesthood. In addition to addressing this distinction, this workshop will address avenues of integration between vocation directors, seminary formators, and counselors; common misperceptions and stigma around growth counseling; boundaries and reasonable expectations for counseling outcomes; and a time for Q & A.
Maggie Hagenauer's Bio
Thursday PM Workshop | Maggie Hagenauer
Vocations Office 101: Learn where to start, how to find support, and tips and tricks in all things Vocations
Are you the only full time person in your office? Do you work with multiple priests? Are you overwhlemed with all the tasks you are asked to complete on a day to day basis? Come and learn effectient and effective ways to plan and implement events, communicate within and outside of the office (social media included), and how to keep Jesus and prayer in the center of all you do.
Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress, OP's Bio
Thursday PM Workshop | Fr. Joseph-Anthony Kress, OP
The Current State of Campus Ministry and Vocation Promotion
Fr. Joseph-Anthony will discuss the historical arc of campus ministries over the past few decades. He will focus on how the emphasis of campus ministry has evolved in response to the needs of students in different generations. This will conclude with looking at how vocation promotion is integrated in the current landscape of campus ministry in the United States.
Fr. Derek Aaron's Bio
Thursday PM Workshop | Fr. Derek Aaron
Knights of the Holy Temple – Forming high school young men to Worship God, Love the Brotherhood, and Serve the Church.
The Knights of the Holy Temple assists high school-aged men to experience Godly masculine adventure, battle, and beauty, with a foundation firmly grounded on fraternity, formation, prayer, and parish service. Founded in 1999, the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana established a model of formation for high school young men in parishes to foster an environment for leadership development, Christian fellowship, and growth in relationship with God by prayer. The Knights of the Holy Temple has encouraged high school young men to follow the fraternity’s three tenets to Worship God, Love the Brotherhood, and Serve the Church. Fr. Aaron and two other men will share experiences of how each have been involved with the Knights of the Holy Temple and offer available resources to those interested.
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