WELCOME TO THE NEXT STEP NETWORK
Discover your next step and take it with us
Welcome to our community! We are an alumni association of men and women who gave our lives to God and then discerned that was not the path for us, so we pivoted. I was in the Legionaries of Christ for 19 years, four as a priest, before I realized God didn't want me there. It took a while to figure out my next steps, and this network helped me in many ways. Now it can help unlock the incredible potential within you. I've seen our shared formation make waves in fields as diverse as business, nonprofits, the Church, and politics.
Many have remarked that, if we can organize our efforts, the network effect will yield exponential results, empowering us to make a profound contribution to the world. What will that look like? I can’t say for sure, but I believe deeply in the potential we possess. Imagine if thousands of other alumni were connected and available to support one another, both personally and professionally.
We understand that not everyone may want to participate at this time, and if that’s where you are, we respect your journey. But when you’re ready, we’re here, knowing we are stronger together.
In this website, you’ll find more on the history of this effort, an update on where things stand now, a look ahead at what’s coming up, and ways for you to get involved.
We're here to listen to your story and walk together as you take your next step.
Sincerely,
Kristian Jaloway
Executive Director, The Next Step Network
MISSION
Our mission is to make a huge positive impact on the world by unleashing the leadership potential of this international network.
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.
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.
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.
Testimonials
What People Are Saying
Most of my closest friends, I met in seminary. We're like a Band of Brothers, and now we are also a worldwide force for good. I can't wait to see all the growth that comes about through the power of this well formed network of men and women.
Kristian Jaloway
Among others, Kristian and Fr. David accompanied me as I took my first steps outside the Legion. Their mentoring and aid in finding connections showed me a clear path among the tumult and uncertainty of transition. Thank you for bringing stability in a very unstable time.
Paul Maleski
You have something to offer, and you have something to learn. The world is full of alumni networks that people use for personal and professional development, whether school, fraternal, or military, and we should be doing the same. We "get" one another in a way that others might not, we have been through similar struggles and successes, and we owe it to ourselves to build the potential of this network.
David Monahan
It was really enjoyable and relaxing to spend time with the others that lived through the same mix of strange, sometimes, beautiful, and sometimes hilarious experiences that I lived through in the seminary. Ultimately, they are the ones that most get me.
Chris Stafford, Los Angeles, CA
The Next Step Network is a great initiative. I attended the March 2024 event in Park City, UT. I enjoyed connecting with old friends and making new ones. The schedule is fun and relaxing, and I found it really helpful to reflect on my years in the Legion. I would recommend it to any ex-LC who is seeking guidance for the next step, or who simply wants to enjoy some good times with people who've had similar experiences.
The best part was the sharing of our stories with each other.
Joseph Freyman, Los Angeles, CA
The trip was great. Hard to put it all in an email. Being with the "Brothers" brought back a ton of memories. It was cathartic for some in the group and overall a learning experience. There should be more opportunities for events like this. It's probably akin to old war buddies getting together. The bonds and friendships are unique.
Stellar job by Kristian putting it together and at a great location. Hope to join the group in the future. The friendship and camaraderie may be the best avenue to help former LCs heal or simply remember the blessings of those formative, valuable years (and perhaps unify the past with the present).
Kyle Dardis
