Aug. 14, 2024

By Darcy Fargo
Editor

A group of newly ordained priests of the Diocese of Ogdensburg recently traveled to Villanova University in Pennsylvania to earn certificates in church management.

“We chose to send priests who had been ordained for three to five years,” said diocesan Vicar for Clergy Father Christopher C. Carrara. “The guys who went spoke very highly of the program, and it was all at no cost to the diocese. They received very generous scholarships that covered their travel and the cost of the program, meals, lodging – everything they needed.”

Attending from the diocese were Father Matthew S. Conger, Father Jude Nnadibuagha, Father John Kennedy Ojuok and Father Severinus Torwoe.

According to the course description, the certificate program focuses on pastoral and strategic church management, budgeting for mission, missional and financial reporting, human resources and Catholic social thought, building trust and leading change, and the ministry of clergy fundraising.

“The course was really great,” said Father Ojuok. “You learn a lot of different perspectives, and you consider scenarios in different fields. The topics discussed were really relevant. I’m glad I went.”

“It was a wonderful program,” added Father Conger. “It was very helpful for young guys who are new priests and trying to learn the ropes. The professors they brought in offered whole new sets of skills –  stuff we don’t learn in seminary. And they offered good resources to us that we’ll be able to use when we’re pastors, as well as good general knowledge.”

Father Ojuok said the coursework also showed him the commonality of the issues faced in parishes and dioceses around the country.

“It’s not only the North Country facing mergers of parishes, shortages of priests,” he said. “We did projects with guys from dioceses in Austin and Miami. We heard a lot of different perspectives. There were people from all over the United States and from Canada. The things we’re facing here, people are facing everywhere.”

Both priests said the program helped changed the way they view the administrative portions of their ministries.
“Manage people and the church as a minister – and that’s church as in the people, the building and the income,” said Father Ojuok. “There’s a connection between the money and the ministry.”

“My biggest takeaway was a whole new approach on running a parish and looking at it through the lens of ‘it’s all for the people and for the good of the Church,’” added Father Conger.

Father Carrara noted that the program can be attended by seminarians at a certain point in their formation through priests who have been ordained up to five years. Deacons could potentially attend, as well.

Based on the feedback given by this year’s participants, Father Carrara said it’s likely the diocese will send participants to future offerings of the program.

“It’s something we’ll look at doing in the future,” he said. “It offered a lot of practical knowledge.”

“I think our participation in this as a diocese points to the fact that Bishop (Terry R.) LaValley really cares about the future of our diocese and who will be leading your parishes,” Father Conger said. “He doesn’t want us flying in blindly when we become pastors. He’s giving us opportunities to learn and develop through both training and through our experiences.”