Too many times people try to fit their vocation around their occupation, instead of first saying yes to God, and then finding an occupation that is complementary to their vocation. Now members of the transitional diaconate, Deacon Laird and Deacon ODonnell joined the community of Holy Family in East Taunton while continuing their studies as part of the St. Johns Seminary Ordination Class of 2022. In addition to our studies, we have assignments that bring us into the community and cover all aspects of our lives as Catholics. Hugh J. McCullough, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in . I think that naturally oriented me to the importance of God, the way He works in peoples lives in a particular way., Peter Scheffer, Pope St. John XXIII Seminary, Weston, MA (St. Pius X Parish, South Yarmouth), The program for priestly formation is more than just academic education. I cant imagine ever doing anything higher in life., Looking back, theres a lot of people who have influenced my vocation in many ways. The power of the priest, is the power of the divine person; for the transubstantiation of the bread requires as much power as the creation of the world. John is entering third theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, NJ. Frechette was a big influence on me, too, like he was for Bill. Fall River, Ma. Each of the 11 are studying and gaining parish experience to eventually become priests for the diocese. Bryan received bachelors degree from Seton Hall University. The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts What is the Foundation? Rev. He also twice participated in the Quo Vadis Days retreat sponsored annually by the diocesan Vocation Office. Click the button below to see the daily priest intention. Hugh J. McCullough, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Wellfleet and St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Provincetown, Rev. They are: Brian Connors, John Garabedian, Chris Hughes and Thiago Menezes Santos. Shayne is fluent in English and Portuguese. A recipient of the Diocese of Fall Rivers Pope Pius X Award, he taught in the parish Faith Formation program and was a member of the youth group there. His parents and his sister have been supportive of his possible priestly vocation. John Oliveira, P.A.) In his 20s he entered the Catholic faith, receiving the Sacraments of Initiation. Deacon Bill ODonnell, 41, hails from Harwich, where he, his mom, Patty, dad, William, and a younger brother and sister, were parishioners at Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich. They are the future leaders of our Church, united in a common bond of faith and service. 101. Matthew G. Gill, from Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville and Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville, to Administrator of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton, and Minister to the Hispanic Community of Taunton. Gregory A. Mathias, V.F., from Pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown, to Pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville and Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville, with residence at Our Lady of Victory Rectory, while remaining Director of Continuing Education and Formation of Clergy. He is a 2011 graduate of St. John Paul II High School in Hyannis and a 2015 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, from which he earned a bachelors degree in biology. The Catholic Population of the diocese is roughly 325,000 people, or roughly about 40% of the general population. Before he entered the seminary Thiago was a catechist for two years and also served as an altar server. Rev. With the opening of this Synod in October 2021, Pope Francis has called the entire People of God to journey together. Since coming to the diocese, Santos has served at St. Marys Cathedral in Fall River, and most recently at the Taunton Catholic North collaborative, made up of St. Jude, St. Anthony and St. Marys parishes in Taunton. DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Office of Clergy Support 450 Highland Avenue Fall River, MA 02720-3701 Email: [email protected] Tel: 508-675-1311 MENU About Get Involved For Our Clergy Prayers for Priests Contact Us QUICK LINKS Diocesan Website Vocations Office Safe Environment 2021 by The Diocese of Fall River Office of Clergy Support bottom of page Shayne has a love for learning more about the faith. As he discerns a vocation to the priesthood, Dias said in his biography on the diocesan Vocation Office website that he finds strength in helping marginalized people to have a better life, and what excites him most about the thought of becoming a priest is bringing the Sacraments to Gods people. In the words of Saint John Vianney, "we may also say that everything has come to us through the priest; yes, all happiness, all graces, all heavenly gifts." Diocese to offer Eucharistic Nights and Relic Tour, Return of Women and Mens Conference is just weeks away, Saint Vincents Services announces the addition of Katie Dawkins as Director of Donor Relations and Fundraising, St. Anne Shrine announces 2023 schedule of events, Bishop da Cunha has a new post: Lenten Passages, 450 Highland Avenue
149 in- person and virtual sessions were held at churches, local halls, or private homes. Ensure that parishes have active parish councils representative of the entire parish and in keeping with the guidelines promulgated by Bishop da Cunha in December 2021 . 2021 Fall River Vocations Office | 47 Underwood Street, Fall River, MA 02720 | 508-336-5549 |. Rev. The Diocese of Fall River is blessed to have 14 seminarians presently studying for the priesthood. Prayer has been very important to him and he has a love for the Church (especially a love for the Eucharist, Adoration, Confession, and Our Lady). He also finds strength in helping those marginalized having a better life. What follows is a synthesis of the topics and themes shared in local reports. Who were some of your biggest influences growing up? Lucas daCosta grew up in New Bedford, and with his mother, Fatima, father, Daniel, and sister, he is a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet. FALL RIVER Four seminarians studying for the priesthood for the Fall River Diocese will be ordained transitional deacons by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, at an 11 a.m. Mass on Saturday, May 22, in St. Marys Cathedral, Fall River. In his 20s Brian underwent a conversion and in 2015 received the sacraments of initiation. ODonnell: Seminary is prayer. Laird, 28, is from Sandwich, Mass., and is the son of David and Kathleen Laird. Jack M. Schrader, Assistant Director of Vocations. A graduate of Attleboro High School in 2003, he went on to earn a bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts in 2007 and a masters in social work from Rhode Island College in 2012. Synod is a Greek word (synodos) meaning a meeting or assembly. He was a past recipient of the Pope Pius X Award, taught faith formation at Corpus Christi, and active member of the parishs youth group, and participated for two years in Quo Vadis Days. Rev. Recorder Sheets He attended Toll Gate High School in Warwick and went on to earn a bachelors degree in Religious studies from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Conn. Deacon Valliere took a teaching position at Bishop Stang High School in North Dartmouth, and it was there he had the growing sense that he was being called to enter seminary. Rev. Donations may be mailed directly to the Catholic Foundation office, 450 Highland Ave., Fall River, MA 02720, made online at www.givefrdiocese.org/2021, or dropped off at any parish in the Diocese. Other News. God is forming my heart and increasing my joy and desire to become a priest despite the ups and downs of daily life. Prayerfully discern what was heard and the ideas shared to determine what should or can be addressed locally in the short term while prudently awaiting the final results andexhortations stemming from the 2023 Synod in Rome. Watch the following videos to get to know our future priests. His family lives Aracaju. During college and after John went deeper in knowing and living his faith, especially growing in his living of the sacramental life (regular Confession, daily Mass, and Eucharistic Adoration). As a result of those heritages, Dias is fluent in Portuguese. The two Greek words that make up synod aresynmeaning together andhodosmeaning way or journey. Obviously we spend most of our time in the classroom studying theology, liturgy, those sorts of things. I am part of a jazz group called Vatican III, we all met in the seminary. But theres other dimensions as well. She was definitely someone who had a deep impact on my life as a child. Give it a try! But when youre drawn into Jesus, you realize theres more. All Rights Reserved. Diocese of Arlington Navy. Theres spiritual formation. Currently, 14 seminarians from the Diocese of Fall River are at different stages of formation as they prepare for the priesthood. And if that soul comes to the point of death, who will raise it up, who will restore it to calmness and peace? Get locations, contact information and Mass schedules here. The men who are out there discerning are the future of our Church. Required fields are marked *. The vocation to holiness means putting into practice, in ones own daily life, the example and teaching of Jesus Christ. He is the son of Donald and Elizabeth Quenneville. diocese of joliet priest assignments 2022. dennistoun, glasgow rent . My time in the seminary has been overwhelmingly positive, he told The Anchor. He is very active Santo Christo Parish in Fall River, and over the years he served at St. Annes Church and Good Shepherd Church. Daniel M. Nunes, from Parochial Vicar of Holy Name Parish in Fall River, to Parochial Vicar of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton and Annunciation of the Lord Parish in Taunton, with residence at Annunciation of the Lord Rectory. O God, Who wish all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of Your truth: send, we beg You, laborers into Your harvest, and grant them grace to speak Your Word with all boldness; so that Your Word may spread and be glorified, and all nations may know You, the only God, and Him Whom You have sent, Jesus Christ Your Son, Our Lord, Who lives and reigns world without end. Share copies of the diocesan and local- level reports publicly and in their entirety to their respective communities. The Churchs treasure is its people: those who come to Mass, volunteer, and are always there for you. of Our Lady of Fatima, St. Joseph-St. Therese, and St. Mary Parishes in New Bedford, to Pastor in solidum (with Rev. Gua de Facilitadores John M. Schrader, from Parochial Vicar of Transfiguration of the Lord Parish in North Attleboro, to Administrator of St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown, while remaining Associate Director of Vocations and Seminarians. The son of Patty and the late William ODonnell, Jr., he is a parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich. Deacon Laird spent this past summer interning at St. John the Baptist and Our Lady of Grace parishes in Westport. When I first got this call, it wasnt what I planned. This Synod is to be a process of journeying together by listening, dialoguing, praying, discerning and making decisions together for the purpose of proclaiming the . A life of faith. He has two younger brothers and a younger sister Anna. Facilitator Guide Click here to read about the ordination. Father Landry was one of the six seminarians profiled in the 1997 book The New Men: Inside the Vatican's Elite School for Priests by Brian Murphy and the subject of profiles by USA . Donations may be mailed directly to the Catholic Foundation office, 450 Highland Ave., Fall River, MA 02720, made online at www.givefrdiocese.org, or dropped off at any parish in the Diocese. David Costa Endowed Scholarship Fund, 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720. All Rights Reserved. Who could ever have imagined that the voice of man, which by nature hath not the power even to raise a straw from the ground, should obtain through grace a power so stupendous as to bring from Heaven to earth the Son of God? Jay T. Maddock, V.F., Pastor of Holy Name Parish in Fall River, Rev. The Ordination on Saturday will be livestreamed on the Fall River Diocesan Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fallriverdiocese. Saint John's Seminary127 Lake StreetBrighton, MA 02135617-254-2610. In September 2021, the Diocese of Fall River began planning for the Diocesan phase of the Synod after receiving information from the Holy See. His family has always nurtured his faith life and while in Brazil, after his First Communion in 2006, he joined The Missionary Childhood, a group that helps young people minister to their peers. Diocesan Response to the Sexual Abuse Crisis Video and Letter from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Journeying Together: With Jesus on the Path of Faith and Hope, Parish Ambassador Guidebook Also, come up to the seminary for a visit. Each year, young men from around our diocese gather for a week long retreat at the Betania II Retreat Center in Medway, where priests and seminarians of our diocese will be there providing conferences, spiritual guidance and fraternity. Despite the overarching challenges presented by the pandemic, i t was evident that there are various ways in which churches and communities within the Diocese of Fall River are already proclaiming the Gospel together. Meet Nick Bennett, Eric Stelzer, Bob Hoffman and Matt King, the four newest priests to serve the Diocese of St. Augustine. Laird: Dont be afraid to make use of the resources around you. He also served there in childhood ministry and was a member of the parish youth group. Rev. Bryan attends Mass regularly. ODonnell: When I first got the call, I was working in the restaurant industry on the Cape. On May 22, Laird and ODonnell were ordained to the transitional diaconate at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River. There are approximately 100 Diocesan Priests serving in 82 parishes throughout the Diocese. Brian Patrick Connors, son Michael and Janice Connors, is a a parishioner of Holy Family Church in East Taunton. Fourth Theology Deacon Ryan Ackmann Archdiocese of Milwaukee Deacon Julian Druffner Diocese of Superior Deacon Alex Kren Diocese of La Crosse Deacon Kevin Tanel Archdiocese of Milwaukee Deacon John Zweber Brian Connors comes from a family of his mom, Janice, dad, Michael, and two brothers. Very Rev. After high school he spent a year in Portugal to work on his ability to speak Portuguese. He also has helped at a soup kitchen, been a leader in a youth group, and volunteered at a nursing home. My time has been spent preaching at Mass, preparing parents to have their children baptized, and baptizing children. Participant Guide, Guia Embaixador Paroquial He is particularly drawn to the beauty of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the idea that as a possible priest being an instrument of mercy for others fills him with joy. Four of the men, all entering fourth Theology at St. Johns Seminary in Brighton shortly, will attend school in the fall during the week and work at parishes on weekends. Michael A. Ciryak, from Parochial Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in North Easton, to Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mt. What aspect of priesthood are you looking forward to the most? All priests of the Diocese of Fall River are invited to click below to access the priest portal. I felt there was something more for my life. James M. Fitzpatrick, from Pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Assonet, to Pastor of St. Ann Parish in Raynham. John A. Raposo) of Our Lady of Fatima, St. Joseph-St. Therese, and St. Mary Parishes in New Bedford, with residence at St. Mary Rectory. FAQs and Glossary, Dispensation Granted for St. Patricks Day, Application Period Open for FACE Scholarships, Parishes Asked to Hold Special Collection for Earthquake Victims, Raynham Priest Placed on Administrative Leave, Ash Wednesday is Feb. 22, Marks Beginning of Lent, Audited Financial Statements for FY Ended 6-30-22. He holds the Eucharist, Adoration, Confession and a devotion to Our Lady near and dear to his heart. My goal as a future priest would be to work with them, to listen to them. Saint Johns Seminary is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. This summer was spent at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet. Carmel Rectory, and Minister to the Hispanic Community of New Bedford, while remaining Vicar General of the Diocese and Executive Editor of The Anchor. Neil F. Wack, C.S.C., Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in North Easton. I could always share my ideas with him. Quenneville, who is 36, is from South Attleboro and is a parishioner of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish in that city. David Frederici, Vicar General, as our Synod contact person, along with an ad hoc planning committee. The Diocese of Fall River is blessed to have 14 seminarians presently studying for the priesthood. The courses that I enjoy the most are the courses about what takes place in a Catholic Liturgy. In seventh grade he began to go through a conversion and grew tremendously in his faith. Any final words of advice for someone who is considering a vocation to the priesthood? Under the auspices of the Bishop, the Office of Clergy Support serves a key role in supporting the priests of the Diocese of Fall River. ODonnell: There was plenty of faith activity in my family growing up. Deacon Quenneville attended Attleboro High School and went on to Massasoit Community College in Brockton, earning a degree in psychology. Very Rev. The breakdown of local synod consultations, as reported to the diocese, is as follows: There were various joys, challenges, and needs shared by parishes and Catholic communities. Gifts to the annual Catholic Appeal directly support these men, through the Diocese of Fall River Office of Vocations. He also has attended different retreats and helped as well in giving witness to the faith to others. This provides a great opportunity to provide catechesis on this Sacrament as well as discussing with parents what it truly means to raise a child in the faith.. ODonnell, 41, grew up in Harwich, Mass., the son of Patty and the late William ODonnell, Jr. Tom Frechette; I spoke with him the most about getting the call. A Diocesan Synodal Phase has been added for widespread consultation at the local level. While attending Harwich High School, he attended an ECHO retreat on the Cape that left a lasting impact on him. I always ask myself, how did I miss that? Its fascinating what Christ passed on to us to be able to do in His Church., I believe that the best seminary I ever attended was my home, growing up. His father is Sergio Santana Santos and his mother is Laura Teles Menezes Santos. Leverage parish ambassadors as leaders in the community to help facilitate regular checkpoints, ensuring feedback and ideas are shared with the pastor. The Catholic Foundation team sat down with Laird and ODonnell to learn more about the experiences and perspectives that led to their discernment, their work at seminary, and their plans for the future as they prepare to become priests. Who was it that received your soul, on its entrance into life? He briefly entered the Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary order in Powell, Wyo., but didnt feel that was his calling, but his desire to become a priest didnt ebb. Christopher Hughes is from Sandwich where he is a parishioner of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee, as are his mom, Joanna, dad, Daniel, and his brother and sister. All applications for the program of Priestly Formation at Saint John's Seminary go through the candidate's Diocesan Vocation Office. He was also involved in diocesan retreat programs on the Cape. Garabedian told The Anchor, My time at seminary thus far has been very fruitful. In 2015 he was approved to study philosophy at Our Lady of Conception Major Seminary in Aracaju, where he studied philosophy for three years. 450 Highland Avenue
Support for seminarian education is critical to ensure that we have priests to support our Diocese and all ministries into the future. His dad is from Angola and his mom is a native of Sao Miguel in the Azores. He has been very active in his parish of Santo Christo in Fall River. It was during that year that he spoke with Bishop daCunha by which he sensed by the invitation from Bishop daCunha to possibly serving as a priest in the United States, in particular in the Diocese of Fall River. Before his entering seminary, he was a social worker working at the Veterans Administration in Brockton. Fall River, MA 02720
He attended St. John Paul II High School in Hyannis, and was involved in many activities there. Amen. You cannot recall one single blessing from God without finding, side by side with this recollection, the image of the priest.". His father is from Angola and his mother is from Sao Miguel in the Acores. The priest. SOUTH DARTMOUTH While most of us are trying to find ways to keep cool during the dog days of August, 11 men, each in various stages of their priestly study and formation, are preparing to head back to class and working at parish assignments across the Diocese of Fall River. Riley J. Williams, from Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet, to Pastor of Holy Name Parish in Fall River. That will hopefully prepare them and equip them for a life of service. Vicar General; Advancement; Chancellor; Child and Youth Protection; Father Capodanno Cause; Finance and . Laird: I am looking forward to administering the sacraments too, and to being there for such important parts of peoples lives in a unique way. Originally from West Warwick, R.I., he is a 1999 graduate of Tollgate High School in Warwick. It all starts there. We need people to affirm our calling. 146m Charlton Memorial Hospital Hospital. With 82 parishes, the Catholic Diocese of Fall River covers 1,194 square miles in Southeastern Massachusetts, including Bristol County, Cape Cod, Marthas Vineyard, Nantucket and the towns of Mattapoisett, Marion and Wareham in Plymouth County. 204 followers 205 connections.