Father Carl Arcosa, 43, has been appointed director of Vocations, BIshop Michael C. Barber, SJ, announced May 13. The appointment is effective June 1.
Born in IloIlo in the Philippines, Father Arcosa completed his seminary formation at St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park. He was ordained for the Diocese of Oakland in 2007. He was previously pastor of Good Shepherd in Pittsburg, and since 2018, pastor of St. Michael's in Livermore - in which role he will remain. Since 2012 Father Arcosa has been chaplain to the diocesan Divine Mercy Apostolate. "Grounded in prayer, and with broad pastoral experience and vision, Father Arcosa has been at the forefront in implementing the Diocese's pastoral priorities in his parish," Bishop Barber said. "He will need your prayers and support. Vocations are a gift from God - but it is up to us to create the place and conditions where our young people can hear the Lord's voice."
Bishop Barber also warmly thanked Father Wayne Campbell, who has served as director of vocations for the past three years. "At great sacrifice, he left his flourishing parish, St. Monica’s in Moraga, to come and work for the diocese," Bishop Barber said. "As he completes his term, we owe Father Wayne a great deal of thanks. With more energy than men half his age, Father Wayne has promoted vocations to the priesthood and religious life throughout our diocese, and responded promptly to assist young people seeking to discern God’s will in their lives.
"With the care of a Good Shepherd, Father Wayne has also provided a guiding hand for our seminarians studying at five seminaries across the United States. Having himself spent time as a Christian Brother and OFM Franciscan, Fr. Wayne was in a unique position to help discern the call to religious life as well as the diocesan priesthood.
"I shall miss his close collaboration and loyalty to the diocese and the Church. Going forward, Father Wayne will be helping with Masses and confessions in various parishes and convents in the diocese, as no priest ever retires from the priesthood."