Vicar for Clergy
The Vicar for Clergy is responsible for all matters pertaining to clergy. These include assignments, retirements, serving outside the diocese, leave of absences or sick leave. The Vicar of Clergy serves the bishop in his relationships to the priests of the diocese. The Executive Director assists in the administration of the retired priests program and policy and attends to the needs of senior priests. He also works with the Diocese to complete the processes of Clergy being incardinated into or excardinated from.
Offices under the direction of the Vicar for Clergy include Continuing Formation of Clergy, Priest Personnel, Permanent Diaconate, Vocations and Vowed Religious.
For More Information, Contact:
Rev. Michael Balash
Vicar For Clergy & Religious
To request a letter of suitability
(Priests/Deacons/Seminarians only):
Vicar for Clergy
The Vicar for Clergy is responsible for all matters pertaining to clergy. These include assignments, retirements, serving outside the diocese, leave of absences or sick leave. The Vicar of Clergy serves the bishop in his relationships to the priests of the diocese. The Executive Director assists in the administration of the retired priests program and policy and attends to the needs of senior priests. He also works with the Diocese to complete the processes of Clergy being incardinated into or excardinated from.
Offices under the direction of the Vicar for Clergy include Continuing Formation of Clergy, Priest Personnel, Permanent Diaconate, Vocations and Vowed Religious.
For More Information, Contact:
Rev. Michael Balash
Vicar For Clergy & Religious
To request a letter of suitability
(Priests/Deacons/Seminarians only):
Director of Continuing Formation
The Director of Continuing Formation of clergy presents opportunities for clergy to develop holistically. He offers opportunities to celebrate and develop together, and affirms and encourages clergy to continue to grow in their ministry. The office provides opportunities such as the diocesan celebration of ordination anniversaries, days of recollection, retreats and convocations.
Announcements
SAVE THE DATES! Priest Events in 2025
The Priest Convocation on September 8 – 11, 2025 is titled “Pilgrims of Hope—Hope does not disappoint… let us be drawn to this hope!” This year’s event will include an Ordination Anniversary and Retirement Celebration and Enthronement to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Resources
Catholic Leadership Institute Update
As part of a grant to the Catholic Leadership Institute for this initiative, personal coaching is available to all clergy. All priests and deacons are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity.
Letters of Suitability Required – Request Now Online
Letters of suitability are to be sent from one bishop/superior to another. An electronic form is now available online for diocesan priests to request a letter of suitability from Bishop Bonnar.
New Ritual Book – Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharistic Mystery Outside of Mass
Deacons, Diocesan Pastoral Associates, and Lay Leaders of Prayer should familiarize themselves with the new “The Order of Distributing Holy Communion Outside of Mass” with implementation of the new service no later than December 1, 2024.
Priest Policy Handbook
Bishop Bonnar has promulgated the revised Priest Policy Handbook.
Stay Informed on Legislation from the Catholic Conference of Ohio (CCO)
The Ohio Catholic Conference acts as the official voice of the Catholic Church in Ohio, providing monthly newsletters that summarize key legislation and action alerts to empower Catholics in upholding the Church’s beliefs and values.
