Very Reverend Ron Zanoni

Catholic Center
Diocese of Las Vegas
336 Cathedral Way
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 697-5917
 

My name is Fr. Ron Zanoni, and I am the Director of Vocations to the priesthood and religious life in the Diocese of Las Vegas.

The call to the priesthood and religious life consists in seeking Christ in faithful meditation on the Word of God and in active participation in the sacred mysteries of the Church. Any one discerning a call to the priesthood and religious life must be guided by this solid principle given to us by the Second Vatican Council (Optatan Totius:8). This is the way of Christ which leads to Life. It is this Life of Christ that a priest is called to live and to give to others through the ministry of the Word and Sacraments.

It is a wonderful privilege to be called to the ministerial priesthood whereby Jesus Christ communicates his very “sacred power” to a man such that a priest acts in the person of Christ as Head of his Body, Shepherd of his flock, High Priest of the Redemptive Sacrifice, Teacher of Truth (Catechism:1548).

To respond to the call to the priesthood and religious life requires a profound love for Christ and his Church and the readiness to serve whenever one is called upon to do so. The dignity and success of the priesthood is the faithfulness one has to Christ and His mission. On our own, this is not possible to achieve because faithfulness to Christ is to faithfully walk the Way of the Cross. To fulfill this exalted mission, Jesus Christ gives the special gift of the Holy Spirit to enable the one he has called to be faithful. For this reason, the one who realizes that he is called to this mission should not fear to respond because the assistance of the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey Christ’s will (Catechism:1556).

The call to the priesthood and religious life is more urgent today than ever. The lack of peace, immorality, indifferentism, and growing atheistic tendencies all demonstrate the bankruptcy of God’s love in many people’s hearts. The love of Christ, which can only heal these wounds of human sin, must be proclaimed. But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? (Romans 10:14-15).

One should not fear to embrace the will of God. Responding to God’s will is the best decision a human being can ever make. God has the capacity to transform us to His likeness if we allow Him. Our inadequacies can truly be transformed into strength and they should never get in the way to embrace God’s will (See the call of the Prophet Jeremiah: Jer 1:4-10).

If you hear the Voice of Christ calling you to this ministry, respond positively and give me a call or send me an email. You can also contact your parish priest, youth minister, or any person you feel comfortable discussing your vocation with. They will be happy to direct you to the office of vocations.

Vicar for Clergy

The Vicar for Clergy represents the bishops to our priests, and supports our priests in a variety of ways.  This includes providing liaison between the bishops and priests, and laity, in times of conflict and disagreement.  As chair of the Priests Personnel Board, he meets regularly with the bishops and members of the Board to discuss priest assignments, to help mediate stressful relationships among priests, and to help prepare priests for changes in future assignments.  He works to help provide resources for the care of priests in the Diocese, including their ongoing formation to build on their natural gifts and talents, and to provide enrichment in areas where priests may desire to grow.  To that end, the Vicar for Clergy helps to plan workshops, retreats, clergy study days, and other gatherings.

Director of Vocations

The Director of Vocations helps to foster vocations to priesthood and the religious life in the Diocese of Las Vegas.  He does so through preaching at Masses, speaking before parish groups, organizing and facilitating group gatherings for those discerning a calling, and working directly with individuals to assist them in their vocational discernment.  With the assistance of the Assistant Director of Vocations and the Vocations Advisory Committee, he screens candidates for seminary, advises the bishops regarding the suitability of candidates, and helps the candidates in the seminary application process.  The Director continues to work with seminarians in all aspects of their formation toward priesthood, and helps plan the ordination liturgies.