On Thursday, June 15, Father Austin Gilstrap, episcopal vicar of education and formation for the Diocese of Nashville, announced that Assistant Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Shelby Conner would officially be taking on a new role in the diocesan Office of Faith Formation as the associate director.
“As we continue to develop our Office of Faith Formation and to provide more opportunities to serve the parishes of our diocese, I am pleased to announce that Shelby Conner will assume the new position of associate director of faith formation,” Father Gilstrap said in the official announcement. “Over the past two years, Shelby has been the assistant director for youth and young adult ministry, collaborating with the leaders of our parishes and schools in this ministry as well as organizing and developing our diocesan-based youth programs” including SEARCH Retreats, as well as leading pilgrimages to the March for Life in Washington, D.C., the National Catholic Youth Conference, and more.
“Prior to coming to Nashville, Shelby was the coordinator of youth ministry at Blessed Trinity Church in Ocala, Florida, for four years,” Father Gilstrap said. “We are excited for Shelby to take on this new role and continue serving our diocese and the Office of Faith Formation.”
As the associate director of faith formation, Conner will help lead and coordinate the Office of Faith Formation; organize and oversee professional and spiritual development opportunities for its members as well as for lay parish leaders; review and monitor monthly budget recording and reports; supervise the office’s policies and procedures; maintain awareness of all relevant documents from the Holy See and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; and more.
“This new role is an excellent fit for Shelby and the skills she brings to the faith formation team,” said Dr. Brad Peper, director of the Office of Faith Formation. “We look forward to her continued leadership and service to our community.”
Conner, who attends St. Stephen Catholic Community in Old Hickory with her husband and two children, said she is looking forward to the transition into her new role.
“It has been a great privilege working and serving alongside our diocesan youth ministry programs over the last two years,” Conner said. “As I transition into my new role as the associate director of faith formation, I look forward to working with our faith formation team as we continue to serve and support our parish ministry leaders with the ultimate goal of leading others to encounter Christ.”
