Bobby Pantuso SDS | Vocations Director
Bobby, a graduate of University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, has an education and extensive background in Community Engagement and Education. Growing up, his family was active in a parish led by members of the Society, helping him clearly understand the mission and vision of the Salvatorians.
Having discerned priesthood with the Order before meeting his wife and starting a family, as a Lay Salvatorian, Bobby is in a unique position to not only share the Order’s vision and mission, but to help men considering religious life to better understand what it means to be a Salvatorian.
In addition to his role with the Society, Bobby also serves as Associate Director of New Membership for the Sisters of the Divine Savior.
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Our biggest challenge in formation is not finding men who are interested in religious life: Our challenge remains the budget.
Having enough funds to educate and form these future brothers and priests, in addition to effectively managing our limited personnel resources to pull it all together, becomes quite costly.
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Support a Future Apostle by considering a gift to our Adopt an Apostle initiative today.
Fr. Peter Schuessler SDS | Vicar Provincial & Formation Director
A Salvatorian for more than 40 years, Fr. Peter professed his vows in 1976. Before becoming a Salvatorian, he worked as a counselor for a drug rehabilitation program, learning a lot about the strengths/weaknesses and gifts/limitations of people. “God prepares us for our work through our prior experiences,” he reflected.
As individuals came to him more frequently for spiritual direction, he pursued a Master of Arts in Spiritual Direction – earning his second MA in 1987. He has served more than 25 years as director of formation for the Society, taking only a six year hiatus to serve as Provincial for the USA.
“Bobby Pantuso is the gate keeper for procuring new vocations,” said Fr Peter. “However, we work together closely in terms of looking at perspective points of view; Bobby from the secular world, and me from religious life.”
As an individual considering religious life Fr. Peter asks them to consider this: Salvatorians are very collaborative, international and open to as many ministries that come their way. While we generally live in small communities, our experiences of larger community come together more as a Salvatorian Family comprised of priests, brothers, deacon, sisters and laity.
“Vocation is a calling. To answer that call takes serious discernment and one should not be surprised if he/she is called in another direction.” said Fr. Peter. “I was initially living a monastic life, and now am living an apostolic life as a Salvatorian.”
