Bishop Thomas Daly has appointed Father Kyle Ratuiste, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral, as the next director of vocations for the Diocese of Spokane. In addition, he has appointed Father Matthew Nicks as director of theologians (i.e., director for the men in their final preparation for priestly ordination).

Father Ratuiste is a graduate of Tri-Cities Prep High School in Pasco. While a seminarian at Bishop White Seminary, he graduated with honors from Gonzaga University and received priestly formation at Theological College and The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

In addition to several other duties, he has served as parochial vicar in Walla Walla and at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, his current assignment.

The various programs of the Office of Vocations are all in good hands: Quo Vadis Days for young men, Vocare for young women, and the Melchizedek Project.

Please pray for and support Father Ratuiste and Father Nicks as they work to cultivate and form shepherds after the Heart of Christ.

Additional priest assignments

• Father David Kuttner is returning to the Diocese of Spokane from the Diocese of Las Vegas. He will serve as parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish, Spokane Valley, with sacramental assistance offered at St. Augustine, St. John Vianney  and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes.

• Father Curtis Seidel is assigned to serve as president of Walla Walla Catholic Schools.