There are preaching moments in your everyday life.

CALLED is a community that helps you recognize, embrace, and live those moments with authenticity, connection, and purpose.

About Our Community

Compelling preaching is needed now more than ever. Yet, many who are CALLED to preach do not do so from the pulpit. Inspired by the contemplative and mystical tradition of the Church, we yearn to cultivate Preaching Moments in our own daily lives.

You are invited to discover how daily attention to our personal joys and sufferings can reveal and proclaim the compassion of Christ in our Church and world. If you are new to CALLED a great place to start is by subscribing to our newsletter or listening to Fr John’s Attentive Heart Podcast!

Embark on a profound journey, as we embrace the CALL to become a compassionate, prophetic voice in our world. Start the journey to mastery of finding the “preaching moments” in your own life, and in others. Whether

The CALLED Retreat is hosted, designed, and facilitated by the CALLED Curriculum Team with extensive pastoral and ministerial experience.

Find Your Voice, Share Your Story, Inspire Change

“Preaching Moments” happen in ordinary and unexpected places: classrooms, dinner tables, weekend soccer games, choir practices, or even a conversation with a new friend. CALLED helps us see these opportunities as an encounter with God.

  • DescriptionCALLED is a dynamic program tailored to create an experience of personal and spiritual growth. Whether you follow us on social media, join us for a one day workshop, weekend retreat, or in-depth course, CALLED invites you to become more attentive to your heart, one Preaching Moment at a time.

  • What makes CALLED different? CALLED is an intentional community for those seeking to deepen their hearts and share words of compassion through everyday interactions. CALLED equips you to recognize and embrace the sacred opportunities for healing and growth.

  • Like any journey, with small steps. Start with subscribing to our newsletter, listen to a few podcasts and the download our CALLED Community App. With a blend of reflective practices, interactive learning, and communal support, CALLED is designed to meet you where you are, helping you unlock the unique gifts and wisdom within you. Whatever format you choose, CALLED is an invitation to grow, learn, and transform—together!

Meet the Team

  • Fr. John Gribowich

    Fr. John Gribowich, a priest of the Diocese of Brooklyn since 2015, holds advanced degrees in theology, art history, library science, and an MBA from UC Berkeley. He teaches theology at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory in San Francisco and has lectured at institutions like DeSales University. A writer for America Media and The National Catholic Reporter, Fr. John integrates theology, art, and business to inspire faith and leadership.

  • Nina Laubach

    Nina Laubach earned her Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, where she received multiple awards, including the 2023 Jagow Award in Preaching. A former structural engineer and meditation teacher, she has taught yoga for over a decade and studied contemplative dialogue for four years. Nina lives with her husband and two children at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, where she integrates a life of contemplation and service.

  • Kathy Lorentz

    Kathy Lorentz, Associate Director of Campus Ministry at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory since 1996, holds an MS in Counseling from San Francisco State University with certifications in compassion teaching and mindfulness. She coaches the speech team, moderates the TEDx program, and has created courses on mindfulness and human meaning. Kathy, her husband, and their five sons are active liturgical ministers in the Bay Area.

  • Gary Maccaroni

    Gary Maccaroni, Pastoral Associate at the Church of Saint Ann in Lawrenceville, NJ, since 1996, holds an MA from Princeton Theological Seminary. He directs religious education and leads programs like The Christian Spiritual Journey, a formation series on contemplative living. Gary is dedicated to fostering healthy church cultures and balances ministry with raising his five children in Ewing, NJ.

Upcoming Workshops & Retreats

Don’t miss your chance to join our next program—spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and be part of this transformative journey!

LOS ANGELES
CALLED FOR MUSIC MINISTERS

ONE DAY WORKSHOP

AUGUST 2025

LOS ANGELES
CALLED FOR CATECIST MINISTERS

ONE DAY WORKSHOP

AUGUST 2025

TBD
THE CALLED RETREAT

THREE DAY RETREAT

FALL 2025

Coming Soon: The CALLED Course

Weeks 1-6: Through the CALLED app, participants gather weekly to reflect upon and explore Preaching Moments through conversation and community.

Week 7: The group meets in person for a serene retreat, deepening connections and spiritual insights through immersive activities and reflection.

Weeks 8-9: Participants return online to solidify their experiences, integrate learnings, and prepare to share Preaching Moments in their everyday lives.