Vocations

We all have a vocation…

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau wants to help you discover how God is calling you! He loves you personally and intimately through Jesus in the Holy Spirit, and at your baptism, He called you to a vocation to build the kingdom and grow in holiness.

Our vocation is who we are; a career is what we do.

Read on to continue to discern your vocation, whether that is to Diocesan Priesthood, Religious Life, or the Diaconate.

Vocation News

Join Bishop Rice for First Friday Mass for Vocations 2024

Join Bishop Rice on the First Friday of each month to pray for an increase in Vocations to the Priesthood and religious life in the...

Vocation Events

Keep up with Vocations in our diocese on social media!

2023-2024 Diocesan Seminarians

Mr. Daniel Dunn
Theology III
Sacred Heart Seminary – Franklin, WI

Mr. Matthew Byers
Pre-Theology, Propaedeutic Year
Kenrick-Glennon Seminary – St. Louis, MO

Vocation Resources

Serra Club International – Resources for fostering vocations in the parish

Diocesan Priest – What is a Diocesan Priest? Are you called to serve?

NCDVD – Resources from the National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors

Do you feel called to a religious vocation? Let's get in touch!

Use this form if you'd like to be contacted by a local vocations promoter to talk about the discernment process and vocations opportunities in our diocese.

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Diocesan Priesthood

Religious Life (Male)

Religious Life (Female)

Becoming a Deacon

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Choose the promoter who is located closest to your home parish.

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In a few words, where are you at in your discernment?

No one should discern alone. Discerning a vocation looks different for everyone, so we're here to answer your questions and walk with you wherever you're at on your journey.

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Office of Vocations Staff

Fr. Scott M. Sunnenberg

Director of Vocations | [email protected]

Kim Kearbey

Administrative Assistant | [email protected]

VOCATION DIRECTOR

Effective July 2024, The Very Rev. Scott Sunnenberg, will conclude his assignment as diocesan Director of Vocations and Seminarians. Beginning in January 2024, he will mentor the new Vocation Director, while continuing to serve as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Bolivar, and St. Catherine of Siena Mission Church, in Humansville, and as Dean of Deanery 3 of the Diocese.

Beginning in January 2024, Rev. Joseph Stoverink will be mentored by the current Director of Vocations and Seminarians, and will be named as diocesan Director of Vocations and Seminarians in the annual clergy assignments typically announced in July. Reverend Stoverink will continue to serve as Parochial Administrator of St. John Vianney Parish, Mountain View; Sacred Heart Parish, Willow Springs; and St. Sylvester Mission Church, in Eminence.

SEMINARIAN PASTORAL INTERNSHIP
Effective Jan. 12, 2024, diocesan seminarian Daniel Dunn is assigned to St. Vincent de Paul Parish, in Cape Girardeau, for pastoral experience.

Regional Vocation Promoters

Fr. Allen Kirchner
Springfield Area
[email protected]

Fr. Joseph Stoverink
Mountain View Area
[email protected]

Fr. Alex Sutachan
Cape Girardeau Area
[email protected]

Fr. Andrew Williams
Joplin Area
[email protected]

Fr. Charles Peirano
Springfield Area
[email protected]

Office of the Diaconate

Deacon Dan Vaughn
Director of Permanent Diaconate
[email protected] | (417) 546-5208

Deacon Mike Fritz
Associate Director of Formation (West)
[email protected] | (573) 690-5684

Deacon Mark Kiblinger
Associate Director of Formation (East)
[email protected] | (573) 579-3458