Business Network: Bringing Salesian Spirituality to Work
The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Business Network invites you to dedicate a few hours to connect and pray with professionals who are also trying to live as St. Francis de Sales taught. This retreat will explore the intersection of business practices and Salesian Spirituality. You will learn how this rich spirituality can guide you as you navigate a changing landscape - both in your businesses and your lives.
Our speakers - Fr. Joe Morrissey, OSFS, and Deacon Bill Koniers, two successful businessmen, share their perspectives on how they Live Jesus while managing their challenging workloads in education, finance, and business.
Please join us and bring a friend!
Friday, October 17, 2025
7:37 AM-10:00 AM
Mother Boniface Spirituality Center
3501 Solly Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Free Event - Donations Welcome
Attire - Business casual
Schedule
7:37 AM - 8:00 AM Continental Breakfast and networking
8:00 AM - 8:10 AM Opening Remarks & Prayer
8:10 AM - 8:30 AM Business Acument Meets Salesian Spirituality (Fr. Joe Morrissey, OSFS)
8:30 AM - 8:40 AM Break
8:40 AM - 9:15 AM Salesian Spirituality in Our Lives (Deacon Bill Koniers)
9:15 AM - 9:45 AM Spiritual Reflection Activity
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM Closing Remarks & Prayer
About the Keynote Speakers:
Fr. Joe Morrissey, OSFS
Fr. Joe Morrissey, OSFS was born in Philadelphia and is a member of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. He currently serves in a variety of capacities, including Special Assistant to the President at Salesianum School and General Treasurer of the international Congregation of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. In these capacities, he interacts with a variety of publics and is assigned to a wide variety of tasks.
He also serves on the Board of Serviam Girls Academy and is a member of the Board of Trustees at Nativity Preparatory School and Padua Academy. Previously, he has served as Provincial Treasurer (1984-96) and Provincial of the Wilmington–Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, (1996-2008) as well as the founding Board Chair at Nativity Prep.
He is a graduate of Northeast Catholic High School (Philadelphia ‘66), DeSales University (Center Valley, PA), Villanova University, and the DeSales School of Theology. He was ordained a priest in 1977. Besides a B.S. in Chemistry from DeSales, he holds Master degrees in Theology from DeSales School of Theology, and Secondary School Administration and Business Administration Master's degrees from Villanova University.
Fr. Morrissey has been intimately involved in strategic planning, financial oversight, and secondary school administration since he stepped down from his ministry as Provincial in 2008 as well as financial advisor to many religious communities.
Deacon Bill Koniers
Deacon Bill Koniers is a native of Northeast Philadelphia and is married to his wife Jeanne. They celebrated their 50th gold wedding anniversary in June 2024. Their two adult children, Marianne Salerno and Jim Koniers now live in Springfield and Red Lion, PA respectively. Dn. Bill and Jeanne have been blessed with eight grandchildren.
Relocated by the General Electric Company to Fairfield County, CT in 1984, Deacon Bill spent 37 years there where he enjoyed a most distinguished business career as a senior executive in several Fortune 100 and diverse industries. In 2004, he was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Bridgeport (CT) and has been a member of the clergy for two decades. He became a subject matter expert for his competency of introducing cloud technology to the US Catholic Church beginning in 2006.
Dn. Bill and Jeanne returned home to their beloved Philadelphia area in Delaware County, PA in 2021 and they now reside in Springfield, PA. Dn Bill serves as a Deacon in Our Lady of Peace Parish in Milmont Park. He was inducted into the Father Judge Hall of Fame in 2001 in recognition of his very successful business career. He has been an Oblate Business Network member since its inception in the early 1970s. Like many other members, he enjoyed having the late Rev. Bill Guerin, OSFS, as his mentor for many years and has realized the many benefits of the network, started by Fr. Guerin.
The Oblates are celebrating 150 years since our founding & gearing up to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our presence in Philadelphia.
The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Business Network offers opportunities for spiritual and professional growth for Gospel-minded people in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales. The Network hosts Networking Breakfasts, Happy Hours, Lenten Retreat & Rev. William A. Guerin, OSFS, Memorial Dinner Dance!
Continuing the work of the beloved Fr. Bill Guerin, OSFS, the Business Network is designed for business professionals to connect with each other to build and deepen relationships. Just as “Fr. G” did the men and women of the Network support each other’s professional and spiritual growth.
The Network also raises funds to support retired and infirm Oblates of St. Francis de Sales.