Vocations Team
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Father Jason HageDirector of Vocation Promotion
Father Jason Hage grew up in Brockport, NY and was a serious hockey player in high school, winning the New York State title his junior year. He attended Xavier University in Cincinnati and earned his Bachelor’s in Philosophy. Upon graduation from Xavier, he entered St. Mary’s Seminary & University in Baltimore, MD and earned his Master’s of Divinity as well as his Sacred Bachelor’s in Theology. Fr. Hage spent the first three years of his priestly ministry at Holy Family Church in Syracuse, where he worked intensely with the youth and young adult ministry programs. In 2015, Bishop Cunningham appointed Fr. Hage the coordinator of “Fisherman’s Club”, the diocesan outreach to college-age men discerning the priesthood. He currently serves as the pastor of Mary Mother of Our Savior Parish in Utica. Bishop Lucia appointed Father Hage the Director of the Office of Vocation Promotion on October 1, 2019.
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Father James ButtnerAssociate Director of Vocation Promotion
Father James Buttner grew up in Camillus, NY, and attended Colgate University, where he studied Physics. Father Buttner completed his seminary studies and formation at Theological College and The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. He was ordained by Bishop Douglas Lucia on June 3, 2023, and is currently the Parochial Vicar at Spirit of Hope Parish, serving the areas of Canastota, Sylvan Beach, Oneida, Sherrill, and Vernon. Father Buttner helps facilitate “Fishermans Club” and Vocation Visits to local Newman Centers around the Diocese. He enjoys discussing themes about discernment and helping young adults navigate the discernment process. In his free time he enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee, practicing French Horn, bicycling/motorcycling, and reading.
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Father Chris Ballard
Fr. Chris is the pastor of Spirit of Hope Catholic Community in Oneida and was ordained a priest on June 5, 2010. Fr. Chris’ favorite part of priestly ministry is preaching and teaching, as he enjoys the opportunity to dialogue and defend the Faith. He enjoys traveling, hanging out at the lake, and spending time with his cats, Francis and Clare.
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Father Ken Kirkman
Fr. Ken is the Pastor of St. Ambrose, St. Anthony of Padua, and St. Joseph in Endicott, NY. He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Syracuse in June 2016 and served as parochial vicar in Cortland, NY. A native of Holy Cross Church and School in Dewitt, Fr. Ken graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 2005 and from SUNY Geneseo in 2009 with a BA in history. His hobbies include foreign languages, literature, music, and astronomy.
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