About
We are an international network of men and women who have received significant formation from the Catholic Church in seminary, religious life, institutions of consecrated life, and have now discerned that is not our calling. We have returned to the world and gone on to the next step in our vocation, some as married people, some as diocesan priests. We have matured by figuring out how to live and operate in the world. The Next Step Network is an alumni association which enables us to stay in contact with each other, assist each other as we continue to fulfill our mission in the world, whatever area of influence that might be in, and have fun doing it. The Next Step Network is a not for profit corporation registered in the state of Texas and has 501c3 exemption from the IRS.
Our Core Values
we are full of gratitude to God for having called us to experience the Church in such a deep way, and we are grateful for all that we have received in our formation. We’re also grateful God has helped us discern our second calling. We also recognize where there were human errors and sin but we don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.
Gratitude
We think that particular friendships are good and we want to make both more and deeper connections. As much as possible we try to walk together, as accompaniment combats loneliness and is truly the way we are made to live.
Connection and Friendship
Original sin and actual sin, both ours and others, cause wounds in us. We want to be a source of healing for ourselves and others through our community and offering specific resources to help each other. We try to understand our own story, with its highs and lows, and share it as appropriate so that we can integrate our past with our present and build towards the future.
Healing
We are men and women who are focused on how we can always grow, both individually and together. We want to excel in all areas of our lives and do it by challenging each other and supporting each other.
Continual Growth
Understanding each member's unique journey and point of view, while being able to share our own story and perspectives on life and the world.
Empathy
We believe that walking together through transitions in life as well as the ordinary and mundane moments just makes life better for all of us.
Accompaniment
Vision
This worldwide network received millions of dollars worth of formation from Catholic institutions, so bringing these men and women together will enable the network effect to take place, leading to lots of new initiatives to serve the world and the Church in various ways, as well as growing current projects. We want to enable this by giving the network space and a simple but effective structure.
We offer our members, who have received deep spiritual and human formation, a place for camaraderie, business and career networking, professional development, and ways to help those who are going through that transition to lay life now. We also advocate for our members towards various institutions inside and outside the Catholic Church.
There should be no blame or shame in discerning out of seminary, religious life, or even ordained ministry, and we also realize that often people flop around some trying to understand how to fit into the world, so we want every person who discerns a different path to be able to do so with support from people he or she trusts.
We see a world in which everyone going through that transition has a bridge they can walk over with solid footing, and someone to go through it with them to help them land well on the other side.
Mission
We empower individuals transitioning from religious life by providing:
-
A supportive bridge to secular life
-
Deep, lasting community connections
-
Professional growth opportunities
-
Advocacy for your needs
Our Impact
The Next Step Network transforms spiritual and personal formation into:
-
Meaningful service opportunities
-
Sustainable career paths
-
Dignified lifestyle choices
-
Lasting professional connections
We believe our members' unique formation and experience can create profound positive change in the secular world while maintaining their core values and spiritual foundation.
Members
We currently have hundreds of members across the world. They are CEOs and pastors, moms and dads, teachers and principals, founders and workers. They strive to use their formation to serve their loved ones and the world in amazing ways. They write books and articles, speak on podcasts and stages, and know how to listen and offer advice.
This international network of Next Steppers has a great power, due to our common formation and experience and the desire to help each other and the world. Whether you are looking for your first job or want to hire someone for your own company, have an idea for a new movie or want to invest in a movie, are looking for someone to have a drink with in a new city or want to host a dinner in your city, the network increases the potential of everything you do.
While we have a non-solicitation policy, it is only valid until you ask a fellow member if they want to hear about a project. If they say yes, go for it! If they say no, then we respect that boundary.
Kristian R. Jaloway
Founder / Director
Kristian started mentoring other alumni soon after he left the LC's in 2012. He was the driving force to found the Next Step Network and currently directs the overall effort to grow it to a sustainable stage. He is currently chairman of the board as well.
Eric Bello
Board of Directors
Erik started his pathway in the minor seminary of the Legionaries of Christ. He eventually discerned that was not his calling and now lives in Atlanta. He works in the film and entertainment industry and is making a movie about the Swiss Guards.
Vincent Higgins
Board of Directors
Vincent was in the Legionaries for many years before and was always involved in technology initiatives. When he discerned his new calling, he started a software company in Houston. He now works in the oil and gas industry, always on the technology side. He is a grandfather.
Pete Dolan
Board of Directors
Pete is originally from the Philadelphia area but now resides in Austin, TX. He loves God, his family, and classic race cars. He serves as a board member who is always pushing us to be better at what we do.
Michael Gross
Database and Project Management
Michael leads the day to day operations of the organization. He is currently focused on coordinating the database build out as well as other essential projects to keep the Network growing successfully.
Diana Hardy
Women's Groups
Diana is a therapist, wife, and mother who lives in the Dallas area. She mentor's women in this particular stage of transition as well as in their success in life, whatever that means for each person.
Fernando Adorno Sanchez
Treasurer
Fernando supports the team through both financial oversight as well as his fundraising efforts to ensure a healthy budget for the Network. Originally from Venezuela, he left the Legion in 2020 and currently lives in Chicago.
Michael Aoyama
IT
After discerning a call to go home in 2013, Michael worked for the Diocese of Providence for several years before starting his own web development and consulting company. He now lives in Rhode Island.
Christopher Scroggin
Fundraising
Chris is an independent fundraising consultant who serves nonprofits that want to raise more money for their mission. He has 4 daughters and lives in the Austin area with his beautiful wife and family.
Rick Voor
Fundraising
Rick was a Legionary of Christ priest before he discerned his true calling as lay man. He has a large family in the Tampa area and works in the banking industry.
Carlos Macías
International Networking
Carlos is an Executive Coach who lives in Guadalajara, Mexico, with his wife and son.
Leaving religious or consecrated life is one of the biggest transitions a person can face. The Next Step Network provides community, mentorship, and practical support for those walking this road. Together, we rediscover our mission and bring our formation to bear for the good of the Church and the world.
YOUR NEXT STEP NETWORK MEMBERSHIP
Free Lifetime Membership
As someone who decided to give your life to God and the Church, your membership comes at no cost. While donations are welcomed to support future members, there's never an obligation.
Getting Started Is Simple
-
Email us through the "Contact Us" prompt on this website to schedule a time to talk and learn more.
-
Click the link to Join and fill out the Membership Form to let us know about you and pick how you want us to communicate with you.
-
Log in to the private LinkedIn group to start participating in the community.
-
Begin accessing all member benefits immediately.
Core Benefits
-
Let us help you get a job, or a better job.
-
Build your business better with people who share values.
-
Tap into this international network for work, friendship, and more.
Professional Growth
-
Twice annual in-person gatherings.
-
Regular online webinars and meetups.
-
Private member forum.
-
Mentorship opportunities.
Community Connection
-
Comprehensive transition guide.
-
Real success stories and practical insights.
-
Expert advice on common challenges.
-
Personal support network.
Transition Support
Why Join Now?
Our network's value grows stronger each day as members advance in their careers and expand their influence. By joining today, you:
-
Connect with those who understand your journey.
-
Build lasting relationships.
-
Join a growing network of successful alumni
-
Access immediate support for your transition
