Roman Catholic 
Diocese of Ogdensburg

Vocations

I Feel Called
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Welcome

Do you hear the Lord calling out to you to serve His Church? Do you wonder if God has something more planned for your life? 

The Office of Vocations is here to help you hear the Lord’s call – and to respond with a generous heart. So, put out into the deep, and get ready for an amazing new life.

Diocese Rejoices at the Ordination of Five Men

Newly ordained Father Severinus Torwoe celebrates 
his First Mass at Sacred Heart Church in Massena.

Seminarians in the School of Theology at the Pontifical College Josephinum were admitted to Candidacy for Holy Orders by His Excellency, The Most Reverend Robert J. Brennan, Bishop of Columbus and Vice-Chancellor of the Josephinum, during Mass in Saint Turibius Chapel on January 18, 2020.     

The Rite of Admission to Candidacy is a pivotal step in the journey to the ordained priesthood. It is celebrated when a seminarian has reached a maturity of purpose in his formation and has demonstrated the necessary qualifications for ordination. In the presence of the bishop, he publicly expresses his intention to complete his preparation for Holy Orders and his resolve to fully invest himself to that end, so that he will serve Christ and the Church faithfully.  


Lukas Gruber is pictured with The Most Reverend Robert Brennan, Bishop of Columbus and Vice-Chancellor of the Josephinum, and Father Steven Beseau, President/Rector of the Josephinum.

Meet our new transitional deacons

Reverend Mister Matthew Conger and
Reverend Mister John Kennedy Ojuok

Severinus Torwoe and Jude Nnadibuagha are presented to Bishop Terry R. LaValley at the Diaconate Ordination at St. Peter’s Church in Lowville on October 26, 2019.

Deacon Severinus Torwoe receives the laying on of hands from Bishop Terry R. LaValley during the ordination Mass.  

Deacon Jude Nnadibuagha makes his promise of obedience to Bishop Terry R. LaValley during the October 26 ordination Mass at St. Peter’s Church in Lowville.  

Deacons Severinus Torwoe and Jude Nnadibuagha stand with Bishop Terry R. LaValley before the congregation at the closing of the ordination Mass.

Father Carrara, diocesan Director of  Vocations and Catherine Russell, vocations coordinator meet with principal Dan Charlebois at IHC in Watertown. The trio discussed ways the vocations office can assist IHC in helping to form their students in discipleship. Both Father Carrara and Mr. Charlebois are new to these leadership positions.

Visit to Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg Maryland

Reverend Christopher C. Carrara, Most Reverend Terry R.  LaValley, Bishop of Ogdensburg and Reverend Monsignor Andrew R. Barker, S.T.D., Seminary Rector

The Vocations Office assisted in developing a panel discussion on vocations for the confirmation students of St. Mary’s in Brushton and St. Augustine’s in North Bangor. Under the director of pastor Father Ray Moreau and teacher Jane Boyea, the students studied the baptismal call to holiness and mission and the importance of knowing what God is calling them to be. The panel discussion was a wonderful opportunity for students to ask questions about those living in each state of life. 

Pictured are: Father Scott Belina, Lori and Aaron Poupore (married couple), Sister Mary Gregory (consecrated life) and Donna Hanus (single life).

Diocesan Vocation Coordinator, Cathy Russell, meets with Deacon Richard Burns, Director of Campus Ministry, to discuss ways the Vocation office can assist with promoting vocations on our college campuses.

Contact

Reverend Christopher Carrara

Diocesan Director of Vocations and Seminarians
Tel: 315-393-2920 
Ext. 1340
E-mail: ccarrara@rcdony.org

Catherine Russell

Diocesan Vocations Coordinator
Tel: 315-393-2920 
Ext. 1450
E-mail: crussell@rcdony.org

Jessica Hargrave

Secretary, Office of Vocations    
jhargrave@rcdony.org
315-393-2920 Ext: 1451