Chapter 11

Suppression Notice

Diocese Studying Priest Vocation

Message from 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

About the Coat of Arms

Bishop Pulido’s coat of arms is divided into four quarters with wavy horizontal lines from top to bottom. The blue and white lines represent the Blessed Virgin Mary. They also suggest water, which alludes to Jesus washing the feet of His disciples and to the waters of baptism. The red and gold lines represent the Holy Spirit and fire. The colors also can be seen as referring to the Blood that (along with water) poured from Jesus’ side at His crucifixion, as well as to the bread (gold) and wine (red) transformed into the Eucharist. At the center is a roundel featuring a symbolic representation of the “mandatum” (washing of the feet), which he believes exemplifies service to all humanity. The roundel’s outer edge is a line composed of small humps; it is borrowed from the coat of arms of the Diocese of Yakima, where Bishop Pulido served as a priest before being named a bishop.

About the Coat of Arms

Bishop Pham’s coat of arms combines the Diocese of San Diego’s coat of arms on the left side, and his on the right. On his, a red boat on a blue ocean sits on diagonal lines suggesting a fisherman’s net. This symbolizes his ministry as a “fisher of men,” as well as how his own father had been a fisherman. The boat is also a symbol of the Church, which is referred to as the “barque of Peter.” At the center of the sail is a red beehive (a symbol of the bishop’s baptismal patron saint, St. John Chrysostom, known as a “honey-tongued” preacher). The beehive is surrounded by two green palm branches (an ancient symbol of martyrdom; the bishop’s ancestors were among Vietnam’s first martyrs). The eight red tongues of fire around the boat are a symbol of the Holy Spirit and a representation of the diversity of ethnic communities.

About the Coat of Arms

The coat of arms combines symbols that reflect Bishop Bejarano’s spiritual life and priestly ministry. The main part of the shield shows four wavy vertical lines on a gold background. These represent flowing waters. This alludes to his chosen motto and also symbolizes the graces that come from the Divine life to quench our thirst for God. The upper third of the shield is red because it is borrowed from the coat of arms of the Order of Mercy, of which the Bishop’s patron saint, Raymond Nonnatus, was a member. The central symbol resembles a monstrance because St. Raymond is often depicted holding one. The Eucharist is Bishop Bejarano’s inspiration for his vocation. It was through the Eucharist that he received his call to the priesthood at age seven and which keeps his faith and his ministry going. It represents the call to offer oneself as a living sacrifice. The monstrance is flanked on either side by an image of the Sacred Heart, alluding to the mercy of God and echoing the idea of a sacrificial offering of oneself united to the sacrifice of Christ, and of a rose for Our Lady. It is an allusion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, and highlights the bishop’s Hispanic heritage.

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