By Bishop Michael Pham
As we continue our shared commitment to strengthening the life of the Church of San Diego and fostering a culture of vocations, I write to inform you that a diocesan task force has been established to oversee a comprehensive study of our diocesan vocations efforts and priestly formation. I established the task force last December and, now, we have recently engaged Avanti Advisors, a Philadelphia-based consulting firm, to collaborate with us as we listen, discern and plan for the future. The names of those I have appointed to the task force are included here.
In partnership with Avanti Advisors, the task force will focus its work on several key areas vital to the future of priestly life and ministry in our diocese in the next 12 months.
Vocations
Efforts will be made to better understand the motivations of those discerning a vocation and to identify them earlier. The task force will also evaluate current admission practices and consider alternative models, such as preparatory programs or other best practices from around the country. Strengthening engagement with high school discerners and deepening pre-evangelization efforts will be essential components of this work.
Selection and Retention
The task force will examine diocesan selection processes and the experiences of candidates in formation. Attention will be given to identifying common factors among those who discontinue formation, as well as assessing how the unity and witness of our clergy may influence vocational interest.
Seminary Formation
A thorough evaluation of our partnership with the Franciscan School of Theology will be undertaken. The structure and effectiveness of pastoral year and semester placements will be reviewed to ensure a proper balance of academic, pastoral and spiritual formation. Additionally, attention will be given to fostering a culture of charity, unity and collaboration within seminary life.
Post-Ordination Formation
Recognizing the importance of ongoing formation, we will also explore the development of a leadership and management certificate program for priests in their first five years of ordination. The task force will also review current mentor-mentee structures and continuing formation practices.
Additional Considerations
The study will also address the effective use of digital media in promoting vocations, review current admission criteria and explore ways to alleviate administrative burdens on priests, including the development of emerging lay leadership models.
This effort represents an important step forward as we seek to strengthen our diocesan Church at this challenging time and ensure that we are faithfully and effectively forming the priests our people need — now and in the future.
I ask for your prayers for the members of the task force, Avanti Advisors and for all those who will contribute to this important work. May the Holy Spirit guide us in wisdom, unity and zeal for the Gospel.
Wishing you blessings during this Easter Season!
Mary, Mother of the Church, Pray for Us!
Task Force Members
Father Ronald Bagley, CJM
Msgr. Steven Callahan, Chair
Pilar Cárdenas-Gimber
Sister Katia Chavez, SJS
Stephen J. Conroy, Ph.D.
Msgr. Daniel Dillabough
Charlotte Fajardo
Father Marc Gandolfo
Father Anthony Jimenez
Father Peter McGuine, Vice Chair
Father Lauro Minimo
Deacon Manuel Rivas
Father Anthony Saroki, Secretary
Father Edmundo Zárate-Suárez
Avanti Advisors Team
Christopher Mominey, Founder and Principal Consultant
Father Ronald Nuzzi, University of Notre Dame and Diocese of Youngstown
Katie Clinton – Syracuse University and Diocese of Syracuse
Hector Ramirez, Diocese of Phoenix
Gabriel Gambert, Archdiocese of Miami
