Vocations
What is a vocation?
A vocation is a divine callingto live a particular state of life that serves God and others. The word “vocation” comes from the Latin vocare, meaning “to call.”
Every person has a vocation, a specific way God is calling them to love and serve. Discovering and living out one’s vocation is essential to finding purpose, joy, and holiness in life, which christ gives to us in the gospel (John 13:34): I give you a new commandment: Love one another.
Want to know more about Vocations?
Here are many helpful resources available to assist with discernment and formation. Here are just a few:
- Vocations page on the USCCB website
- Diocese of Phoenix Vocations Page
Prayer to know my Vocation
"Heavenly Father, I believe that you have created me for a special mission. From the moment I began to live in my mother’s womb, you have been preparing my path to Heaven. Lord, show me your will for my life. Help me to trust you, no matter the cost. Help me to believe that I will be happiest doing your will. Give me the grace to say yes to what you ask of me today so that I can say yes to my vocation. I make this prayer through Christ our Lord. Amen."
Vocations At ASU Catholic Newman Center
“Do not be afraid to say ‘yes’ to Jesus. He gives you the grace you need to follow Him and become who you are meant to be.”
— Pope St. John Paul II
We are proud to share that many from our Newman community have responded to God’s call and entered into lifelong service of the Church. Whether you're called to become a priest, religious sister or brother, missionary, or to live a faithful married life, Newman is here to walk with you on your journey.
We are blessed with a growing number of vocations that have come from our community. Here's a glimpse at those who have said "yes" to the call:
Priests

Fr. Kevin Penkalski
Year Ordained: 2020

Fr. Rob Clements
Year Ordained: 1990

Fr. Bruce Downs
Year Ordained: 1994

Fr. John Parks
Year Ordained: 2010

Fr. Matt Lowry
Year Ordained: 2008

Fr. Basil Nixen, OSB
Year Ordained: 2011

Fr. Gabriel Sabado
Year Ordained: 2023

Fr. Chris Frazier
Year Ordained: 2001

Fr. Ken Gumbert, OP
Year Ordained: 1985

Fr. Daniel Rolland, OP
Year Ordained: 1993

Fr. Miguel Rolland

Fr. Jacob Chavez
Year Ordained: 2025

Fr. Connor Companick
Year Ordained: 2025

Fr. Daniel A. Nevares, S.J.
Year Ordained: 2022

Fr. Sam Bellino, SJ
Year Ordained: 1964
Seminarians

Michael Robbins
Year Graduated: BA, 2024

Christopher Arteaga
Year Graduated: BA, 2022

Mark Salgado
Year Graduated: 2026

Aaron Acunin
Year Graduated: 2022

Joseph Olakkengil
Year Graduated: BA, 2024

Chris Lukaszewski
Year Graduated: BA, 2022

Justin Sand
Year Graduated: BA, 2018

Alexander Vinciguerra
Year Graduated: BSD, 2020

Nathan Miller
Year Graduated: BS, 2021

Daniel Carlisi
Year Graduated: BM, 2020

Ryan Everson
Year Graduated: BM, 2019

Ryan Wiensch

Bobby Balsar
Year Graduated: BA, 2023

Logan Jones
Bishops

Bishop James Wall
Year Ordained: 2009
Other Religious Brothers & Sisters

Sr. Sydney Moss, FMA
Year Ordained: 2019

Sr. Meg van Brunt, RJM
Year Ordained: 2023

Natalie Valles, OP

Sr. Mary Lawrence, Sisters of Charity
Year Ordained: 1974

Lynn Windsor, BVM

Andrew Olsen, OMV
Missionaries

Kevin Mackesy
Year Ordained: 2019

Sam Magnotto
Year Ordained: 2024

Jeff Zelkin
Year Ordained: 2023

Andre Regorgo
Year Ordained: 2023