Three seminarians of the Diocese of Green Bay make the next step in priestly formation
ALLOUEZ, WI — After a few years of seminary, three young men took the next step in their priestly formation, called the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders, at St. Joseph Chapel at the offices of the Diocese of Green Bay this Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
The seminarians were Nicholas Klika, currently in formation at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, Minnesota, and Matthew Schumacher and Benedict Wood, both in formation at St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.
They all traveled from seminary to declare, before Bishop David Ricken, their desire and resolve to dedicate their lives to God in priestly ministry and complete their preparation for that ministry. The rite is the first formal step toward the Sacrament of Holy Orders, as the candidates are sent forth to begin their theological studies.
“It’s not a huge step, but it’s not a small step either,” said Fr. Mark Mleziva, vocation director for the Diocese of Green Bay.
Friends, family, fellow seminarians and their home parish priests gathered to support and celebrate the candidates.
See more photos here: onmiss.io/candidacy
2026 Catholic Charities Inspired to Act event hosts guest speaker Fr. Leo Patalinghug
GREEN BAY, WI — The 12th annual Inspired to Act event, held by Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Green Bay, took place at Stadium View in Green Bay last Thursday, May 7, 2026.
The event included a social, a silent auction, an award presentation, and a talk and cooking demonstration given by Fr. Leo Patalinghug, who spoke about family and prepared a dessert live.
Fr. Patalinghug is a priest member of a community of consecrated life called Voluntas Dei, an award-winning chef, and the founder of Plating Grace, a ministry that brings families and communities closer together around meals.
See more photos here: onmiss.io/inspiredtoact2026
Catholic Charities USA encouraged by pope amid challenges of service
VATICAN — Pope Leo XIV offered words of encouragement and gratitude to the leadership of Catholic Charities USA during a meeting at the Vatican on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Speaking to journalists after the papal audience, Kerry Alys Robinson, president of the organization — the American branch of Caritas Internationalis — said the pope expressed appreciation “that the work of Catholic Charities across all 50 states, the five U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia is a manifestation of Christ’s love for humankind and serves as a beacon of hope.”
She said that Pope Leo recognized the suffering endured by those assisted by Catholic Charities “is compounded and exacerbated by poverty.” The Holy Father, she added, also acknowledged the challenges faced by those engaged in charitable ministry and urged the delegation to remain steadfast in their service.
Read the full article from Vatican News here: onmiss.io/popeleocatholiccharities