During the recent National Vocation Awareness Week, the Eighth Grade Vocation Fair for the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Green Bay was held on November 4 and 5, 2025 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Appleton, Wisconsin. Fr. Mark Mleziva, Diocesan Vocation Director welcomed students from fourteen schools. He coached everyone on the meaning of vocation and how each one’s calling from God grows throughout our lives. Carolyn Truty, Vocation Coordinator, directed the many details of the event along with other diocesan staff, Fr. Kevin Ripley and Kairos Men. The Catholic Foundation (Raising Vocations Collection) and St. Lawrence Seminary High School, Mount Calvary, Wisconsin, sponsored the days.
Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Sister Julie Ann Sheahan, Sister Leonette Kochan and Sister Jacqueline Spaniola were among the vendors both days. This year Sister Elaine’s Dad, Ken Turba, cut wood blocks of various sizes that the Sisters either kept in their natural wood or spray painted white and stamped with motivational quotes. All were encouraged to recreate the craft item and give away as a gift. Rebuild My Church.
Along with Kairos Men at the Diocese of Green Bay Vocations table, other vendors included Capuchin Brother Ray Stadmayer and other representatives from St. Lawrence Seminary High School, Conventual Friars of St. Bonaventure Province, Norbertines of St. Norbert Abbey, De Pere, Camp Tekawitha, Spiritus and Our Lady of Champion, Fathers of Mercy.
Sister Mary Ann Spanjers and Novice Sister Rose Reed facilitated the Consecrated Life Sectional. The Keynote Speaker both days was Sister Karolyn Nunes, Franciscan Sisters of the Martyrs of St. George. Her gift of music also inspired all during the afternoon Adoration time.
