Bob McCarty is a pastoral ministry consultant and trainer and has been in professional ministry since 1973, serving in parish, school, diocesan, and national settings. He offers retreats, workshops and training programs in ministry skills internationally. Bob serves as the project coordinator for the Saint Mary’s Press research project on disaffiliated young Catholics.

He appeared at the Blanchette Catholic Center on Sept. 20 and shared his ministry expertise on the subject of “Going, Going, Gone” -- which focused on helping Church leaders understand why teens and young adults leave the church. He also provided some strategies for meaningful conversations with them. (The event was co-sponsored by the Young Adult & Youth Ministry Office and the Religious Education Office of the Diocese of Joliet.)