St. Philomenas' Apostolate

Testimonials

The work of the St. Philomena Apostolate has greatly benefited my life as a pastor. Being a pastor is very lonely. Hardly anyone shares the experience of pastors and we are saddled with numerous burdens. The St. Philomena Apostolate has brought us together to share experiences, best practices, and insights. Also Tate’s experience as a father and professionally provides guidance and insight into our role. I’m very blessed by his work and friendship.

- Fr. Sean Wilson, Pastor of St. Joseph - Wapakoneta, St. John - Fryburg, St. Lawrence - Rhine, Immactulate Conception - Botkins

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Tate's aid has helped me to become bolder in moving my parishes forward in devotion, reverence, and even administration. At the same time, he has helped me to reflect on how to be a more caring and invested spiritual father. Tate has also helped me to be more willing to receive people's feedback in a fruitful manner. I now have hope that my life as a pastor can be better day by day and that my parish can become a hub for those desiring to be saints.

- Fr. Jarred Kohn, Pastor of St. Michael - Ft. Loramie, Sts. Peter and Paul - Newport, Holy Angels - Sydney, Sacred Heart of Jesus - McCartyville

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In our Archdiocese, where we have historically struggled for vocations, pastors are becoming younger and younger. I was 30 years old when I first became a pastor and I knew that I had a lot that I needed to learn if I was going to be a dedicated, but prudent pastor to lead my parishioners to Heaven. There's a lot of resources out there that treats the parish like a business and insists that the more professional we are as priests, the more successful we will be. But that always felt off to me. St. John Vianney didn't have business savvy, but he did what we all want to do! That's where St. Philomena Apostolate stepped in. Tate Hilgefort relies on his professional experience, but knows that the key to a truly successful parish is that the pastor, staff, and people become saints. He speaks from his experience as a father to help me to understand how I can be a father to my people. The insights, training, and feedback I have received through the St. Philomena Apostolate have truly helped me to grow as a pastor, a father, and a man of faith.

- Fr. Alex Witt, Pastor of St. Anthony - St. Anthony, Holy Trinity - Coldwater, St. Peter - St. Peter, St. Mary - Philothea, St. Joseph - St. Joseph, Mary Help of Christians - Ft. Recovery, St. Paul - Sharpsburg