Join us for a special evening of faith, fellowship, and inspiration as we come together to support the future shepherds of our Church. The Our Shepherds, Our Future event is your opportunity to meet the seminarians preparing for the priesthood and learn how you can make a lasting impact on their journey.
Event Details
Date:
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Time:
5:00 – 6:00 PM | Cocktail Hour
6:00 – 7:30 PM | Event Program
Location:
The Owl's Nest
7369 800 N.
North Webster, IN 46555
Cost: Free to attend; donations welcome
What to Expect
- Meet Our Seminarians: Hear their stories and witness their dedication to the priesthood.
- Engage with Current Clergy: Gain insights into the importance of seminarian education.
- Learn about the Saint John Paul II Fund: Discover how this endowment supports the formation of future priests and how you can contribute to its growth.
- Enjoy Fellowship: Savor hors d'oeuvres and meaningful conversations with fellow parishioners and the Office of Vocations.
- Come As You Are: Business casual attire is appropriate for this event.
Event Program:
- Keynote | Msgr. Michael Heintz, Pastor, St. Pius X, Granger
- Path of Discipleship | Michael Florin, Seminarian, First Year Configuration Stage
- Journey to the Priesthood Q&A | Moderated by Rev. Jonathan Norton & Rev. Daniel Niezer
- Supporting Tomorrow's Priests | Mackenzie Ritchie, CEO Catholic Community Foundation
A Message from Bishop Rhoades
Support the Saint John Paul II Endowment Fund
The St. John Paul II Fund for Seminarian Education is a dedicated endowment that offsets the high costs of priestly formation – now over $50,000 per seminarian each year. In addition to hearing from today’s seminarians and priests, guests will be invited to support the fund with a gift today or to create a lasting legacy through a bequest in their estate plans.
If you are unable to attend but would still like to support our seminarians, your generosity can make a difference.
To leave a bequest to the St. John Paul II Fund for Seminarian Education, please share the following language with your attorney:
"I give, devise, and bequeath the sum of ($ or %) of my residuary estate to the Catholic Community Foundation of Northeast Indiana, Inc., a nonprofit organization located in Fort Wayne, Indiana (Tax ID #61‑1885921). This bequest shall be permanently added to and held as part of the endowed St. John Paul II Fund for Seminarian Education (Fund ID 1115)."
Click below to make an online donation.
If you'd like more information, or to discuss more ways to give, please complete our contact form.
Let’s Build Our Future Together
Whether you attend in person or contribute online, your participation in this event strengthens the foundation of our faith community. Together, we can nurture the next generation of priests who will lead us in Christ’s mission.
