Bishop Earl K Fernandes is spearheading efforts to cultivate a thriving culture of vocations within his diocese.

Since his ordination as bishop in 2022, Bishop Fernandes has witnessed a remarkable turnaround. In the past two years, the number of vocations to the priesthood has doubled in the Diocese of Columbus.

Contrastingly, there were no priestly ordinations and only 17 seminarians during his ordination year.

However, the recent surge in vocations is evident. Sixteen men entered the seminary this past year and 12 are in the application process for the following year.

The diocese currently boasts 37 seminarians and has celebrated five ordinations of priests this year. Three men were ordained to the transitional diaconate.

Vibrant culture of vocations

Central to Bishop Fernandes' approach is cultivating a vibrant culture of vocations. This is evidenced by the joyful witness of priests across all age groups within the diocese.

He cited the example of 87-year-old Msgr James Walter whose unwavering dedication and infectious joy have attracted young men to consider a life in the priesthood.

Moreover, Bishop Fernandes emphasised the importance of priests and religious engaging directly with young people. This fosters trust and builds meaningful relationships.

The bishop has implemented various initiatives within the diocese to further nurture priestly vocations. These include the reinstatement of the Andrew Dinner which provides opportunities for young men to engage with him and seminarians, and the Marian Dinner which offers a similar platform for young women discerning religious orders.

Additionally, the diocese launched the Melchizedek Project, facilitating monthly meetings between young priests and those considering a vocation.

Day-to-day contact

The diocese has priests and religious teaching in diocesan high schools because Bishop Fernandes believes in "day-to-day contact with young people".

Despite challenges such as the fallout from past scandals and societal pressures, Fernandes remains optimistic. He urges young people to prayer, frequent Mass attendance and time with the Lord in adoration.

He encouraged them to embrace their unique identities and heed the words of St Francis de Sales - "Be who you are and be that well. So that you may bring honour to the Master Craftsman whose handiwork you are".

"We're called to be comfortable in our own skin" Fernandes said. "God has given us this mind, this body, this heart by which we can love him and serve him and know him. And it's important for us, for our own humanity, to encounter the Lord and to see how he's calling us."

Sources

OSV News

CathNews New Zealand

Bishop Earl Fernandes, who was installed on May 31, is the Catholic Church's first Indian-American bishop.

Fernandes advised the Paulist fathers on 12 July that, effective from 31 July, Rev. Adam Streitenberger will be the new executive director of the Newman Center.

Fernandes said the centre will have a new vision going forward.

"This is the first step in an exciting and renewed vision for vocations and evangelisation within the Diocese of Columbus, in which the St Thomas More Newman Center will play a vital role," Bishop Fernandes said in the statement.

The Paulist fathers have ministered to the Ohio State University students, faculty, staff and community since 1956.

A letter sent to parishioners by the local centre's director, the Rev. Ed Nowak, said "Bishop Fernandes has informed us that he no longer wants the Paulists to be in charge of the ministry here".

Nowak said he and others are shocked, angry and "devastated" at the news.

"Everyone is experiencing shock and outrage and using words like 'unconscionable' about the decision and trying to wrap their minds around it," Nowak said.

The four Paulist fathers serving at the centre, including the Rev. Vinny McKiernan who is 91, have ministered to the centre for more than 30 years

"In a diocese that is short of priests and personnel, to lose three able-bodied men overnight does seem unconscionable, and people are questioning that," Nowak told The Columbus Dispatch.

The Paulist Fathers leadership of the Newman Center was known as a vibrant, diverse and inclusive faith community including LGBTQ people. A welcoming community built over 65 years, they see the bishop's actions have been unfair and uncivil.

The Rev. Rene Constanza, president of the New York-based Paulist Fathers, said in a separate letter that it was the bishop's decision to change the centre's leadership and to "make significant changes to the nature of the ministry to align with the bishop's vision for St Thomas More Newman Center."

Sources

The Columbus Dispatch

Seattle Times