Outgoing Visitor Br. Donald Johanson welcomes newly appointed Visitor Br. Nick Gonzalez (center) and Auxiliary Visitor Br. Christopher Brady.
On July 1, 2022, the Brothers and Partners of the District of San Francisco New Orleans (SFNO) welcomed a new administration of Brother leadership for our District. Brother Nick Gonzalez, FSC, is the new Visitor of the District, and Brother Christopher Brady, FSC, is the new Auxiliary Visitor.
Brother Nick succeeds Brother Donald Johanson, FSC, who has served as SFNO’s Brother Visitor since 2014. He had previously served as Visitor of the former District of San Francisco 2011-2014. Brother Christopher succeeds Brother James Joost, FSC, who has served as SFNO’s Auxiliary Visitor since 2014.
The leadership passage was marked on June 30th in a simple prayer service and meal at the conclusion of the Brothers’ annual retreat at Mont La Salle. Local Partners also attended. July 1 was the first official day of Brother Nick’s and Brother Christopher’s four-year appointments.
Br. Christopher greets Br. Nicholas Biehle.
Both Brothers received their appointments as Visitor and Auxiliary Visitor from former Brother Superior General Robert Schieler, FSC. Brothers Nick ‘s appointment was announced in December, 2021. Brother Christopher’s appointment was announced in February, 2022.
In his remarks to the Brothers and Partners during the service, Br. Nick offered his encouragement and assurances, saying, “With simple faith in a loving God whose dreams exceed our own, and the support of our Brothers and Partners, we begin the next four years. I can only promise to do what my beloved parents taught me: Trust God. Work hard. Stay grounded. I am your brother and your servant. Please keep me in your prayers as you are in mine.”
Among the first items of business for Brother Nick and Brother Christopher will be their participation in the SFNO Mission Assembly, July 10-14, and in the concluding session of the SFNO District Chapter, July 16-20. Much of the leadership agenda for the District will be envisioned by these two gatherings.
Along with Brothers Nick and Christopher, several other Brothers and Partners stepped into District leadership roles on July 1:
- Brother David Caretti, FSC, Vocation Ministry Director. Brother David succeeds Brother Chris Patiño, FSC.
- Yolanda Franco, Beyond Borders Initiatives Coordinator. Ms. Franco succeeds Alma Mejia-Garcia.
- Andrew Kuffner, Formation for Mission Director. Mr. Kuffner succeeds Greg Kopra.
- Maria Ribera, Board Formation Director. Ms. Ribera succeeds Janet Ruggiero.
Br. Nick addresses the ceremony’s Brothers and Partners.
As the new leadership members assume their roles, the outgoing members will assist with the transition through the remainder of the summer. New leadership members’ monthly calendars will be published beginning August 1.
The Brothers and Partners of the District of San Francisco New Orleans join together in offering their congratulations, prayers, and support for these Brothers and Partners.
