diocese of fall river seminarians

We need people to affirm our calling. Accept the answer. If you have done training in the past and set up an account, please use that same username and password. 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. Bishop da Cunha commenced the diocesan phase of the Synod with a Mass of the Holy Spirit at the Cathedral of St Mary of the Assumption on October 17, 2021, with each priest in the diocese asked to do likewise on the same weekend in their own parishes. in 1999. . Fall River, MA 02720 The priest. It was an especially joyful occasion as this was the largest group to be ordained together in the diocese in 20 years. FALL RIVER On what is always a joyous day in the diocese, last Saturday was a sun soaked day of celebration and thanks, as Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., ordained Father Peter R. Scheffer Jr. John Garabedian, Immaculate Conception Seminary, South Orange, NJ (St. Marys Parish, Mansfield), I felt the Lord calling me to be a priest, to be open to the priesthood. Thiago Menezes Santos was born in Aracaju, Brazil, where his family, father, Sergio, mom, Laura, and sister still live. The call to holiness is a universal call, valid for all human beings without distraction of age, profession, race or language. He also has helped at a soup kitchen, been a leader in a youth group, and volunteered at a nursing home. Local synod consultations and surveys took place between January and April 2022, a diocesan gathering on April 23, 2022, and final local reports submitted to Rev. The input and feedback generated through this consultation will become part of a national report submitted for the 2023 gathering of Bishops in Rome that will bring the Synod to its conclusion. His home parish is Christ the King in Mashpee. Hugh J. McCullough, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in . I have enjoyed the opportunity to study Catholic Theology in detail to come to understand more deeply the teachings of the Church in order to be able to bring the faith to others. Your email address will not be published. The Diocese of Fall River is blessed to have 14 seminarians presently studying for the priesthood. 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. As a community of believers, let us support our priests, our fathers in the order of grace, who labor each day that we might have access, especially through the Sacraments, to the saving mysteries of our faith. The Diocese of Fall River, MA has taken a step in FAITH and HOPE to formally establish an independent, charitable foundation responsible for raising, managing and distributing philanthropic funds to provide long-term, sustainable support for the parishes, schools and life-changing ministries across its Diocese. What aspect of priesthood are you looking forward to the most? He is a parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich. Hugh J. McCullough, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Wellfleet and St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Provincetown, Rev. Synod information regarding was shared through: the diocesan website and social media accounts, Existing Ministries, Small Groups, and Communal Gatherings, such as retreats, missions, parish festivals, and dinners, Engagement with young people should be the highest priority, There is importance in prioritizing a relationship with God and first focusing on Jesus Significantly better communication is essential, Connection with and visibility within our larger communities are desired, There is a need and desire for more in- person connections, especially after COVID- 19 Developing a more welcoming atmosphere in our churches, Our laity wants to be more involved; most just waiting to be asked Our Pastors should be prioritized as spiritual leaders, There is a desire to grow formation efforts and rethink previous models and methods Our Church continues to struggle with transparency, Clergy sex abuse has not been sufficiently addressed Multilingual communities desire more support, The synodal process was received with mixed emotions, Despite initial skepticism, reports noted participants appreciation for the opportunity to come together and be heard. That will hopefully prepare them and equip them for a life of service. Theres really four pillars. Thiago Menezes Santos was born in 1996 in Aracaju, Brazil. 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. After his first communion in 2006, he joined The Missionary Childhood, a group that helped him to learn how to evangelize other children and by doing this it all the more awaken within him to possibility of a divine calling. Our Priests also work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, missions and other diocesan offices and special ministries. He has two brothers. Holy Hours for Vocations: David Costa Endowed Scholarship Fund, 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720. Required fields are marked *. Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. Synod is a Greek word ( synodos) meaning a meeting or assembly. Copyright 2023 CFSEMA. FALL RIVERThe 80th Annual Catholic Appeal Time to Gather, Time to Heal, Time to Love has raised $2.8 million to date, with less than three weeks remaining in the annual campaign, which ends on Wednesday, June 30. Riley J. Williams, from Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet, to Pastor of Holy Name Parish in Fall River. David Frederici, Vicar General, as our Synod contact person, along with an ad hoc planning committee. 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. What lessons have you learned in the seminary that have most resonated with you? 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. Before he entered the seminary Thiago was a catechist for two years and also served as an altar server. His home parish is St. Marys Parish in Mansfield. First, thanks for your contribution of the treasure that you give. Brian has a love for the Church and desire to serve others. Bridgewater State University. 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. I look forward to being available for people to talk, to pray together, and to be there when people come seeking help. Phone: 508-675-1311 Resources for the Mission, Secretariat for the New Evangelization Planning Guide & Social/Hospitality Resource. What tongue, human or angelic, may ever describe a power so immeasurable as that exercised by the simplest priest in Mass? In addition to our studies, we have assignments that bring us into the community and cover all aspects of our lives as Catholics. Jack Schrader at. The years of seminary formation provide the opportunity to come to know Our Lord personally through prayer. 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. Share copies of the diocesan and local- level reports publicly and in their entirety to their respective communities. Just as all are redeemed, so all are called. When I first got this call, it wasnt what I planned. 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. Lucas Daniel daCosta, son of Daniel and Fatima daCosta, grew up in New Bedford, MA and is a parishioner of St. Francis Xavier Church in Acushnet. It is the communion of all the baptized who are listening to each other, dialoguing with each other and praying together to hear the voice of Holy Spirit as we all seek holiness and proclaim the Gospel. His summer days were spent at St. Marys Parish in South Dartmouth. John P. Kelleher, from Pastor of St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish in Nantucket, to Pastor of St. Pius Tenth Parish in South Yarmouth. Behind every seminarian is a large support group; our vocation is the fruit of many people. He has an older sister. Synodality involves clergy, religious and laity listening and speaking, praying and discerning together, and placing the hopes and concerns of the People of God at the foot of the bishops, who, united with the Pope, decide matters of faith and morals in order to preserve the faith and strengthen the Church throughout the world. 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. Originally from West Warwick, R.I., he is a 1999 graduate of Tollgate High School in Warwick. E-mail: jkearns@dioc-fr.org, Statistical Overview (as of December 31, 2021), A-Z List of Diocesan Offices & Ministries, Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts/Catholic Appeal, Faith Formation/Secretariat for the New Evangelization, Diocesan Health Facilities (Nursing Homes & Elder Care), Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, FACE Foundation to Advance Catholic Education, Annual Catholic Appeal Supports Vocations Office, Seminarians, www.catholicfoundationsema.org/ministry-moments. During his formation, Connors has served at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Westport, and this summer at the Cathedral of St. Mary the Assumption in Fall River. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Journeying Together: With Jesus on the Path of Faith and Hope, Parish Ambassador Guidebook Each year, over $500,000 is needed to assist our seminarians with tuition, room and board, health care and other . He also has attended different retreats and helped as well in giving witness to the faith to others. His parents and his sister have been supportive of his possible priestly vocation. Your gift to the Catholic Appeal helps ensure all our seminarians receive the foundation they need to realize their calling and do Gods work in our parishes, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, missions and other diocesan offices and special ministries. In September 2021, the Diocese of Fall River began planning for the Diocesan phase of the Synod after receiving information from the Holy See. My biggest influence was Fr. Other News. ODonnell: Prayer. In 2018 he started his theological studies in that same seminary, and everything was very well. He has attended a number of faith-filled retreats and routinely helped out at his parish. We invite you to prayerfully consider making the commitment to pray for one priest of the Diocese of Fall River each day. His dad is from Angola and his mom is a native of Sao Miguel in the Azores. Thanks for the prayers. We invite you to prayerfully consider getting involved in the important work of supporting our priests in the Diocese of Fall River! 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. Gifts to the Appeal directly support the formation of our devoted seminarians as they prepare for lives as future priests, as well as the work of the Diocesan Office of Vocations, led by Rev. He has an older sister and younger sister. Garabedian told The Anchor, My time at seminary thus far has been very fruitful. 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. Gua de Facilitadores Dias spent this past summer working and took a college course. Click here to read about the ordination. This summer I was lucky enough to be assigned to Santo Christo Church in Fall River where I was warmly welcomed into their beautiful community. When are we going? I dont think anybody could ever ask for a greater foundation in terms of whats at the center of it all and what its really all about. Established on March 12, 1904 by Pope Pius X, the Diocese of Fall River covers 1,194 square miles in Southeastern Massachusetts, comprising Bristol County; Barnstable County - recognizable on any map as Cape Cod; Dukes County or Martha's Vineyard; Nantucket County; and the towns of Mattapoisett, Marion and Wareham in Plymouth County. After much prayer and speaking with his spiritual director, his Rector, his Archbishop, and his parents, he decided to say yes to the Lord, and is seeking to serve him in the Diocese of Fall River. Guia do Facilitador Click the button below to see the daily priest intention. Seminarian for the Diocese of Fall River Mansfield, Massachusetts, United States. For more information contact the Vocations office at (904) 262-3200, ext. 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. 150m Charlton Memorial Hospital At Southcoast Health. 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). 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? Bishop Edgar da Cunha, SDV appointed Rev. The sense of being called to the priesthood has gown within Brian and became clearer and stronger over the years. He has also been involved with diocesan retreat programs on the Cape. Get locations, contact information and Mass schedules here. By reaching out to these men, you can build a strong future. And I dont think I realized it at the time, but just like many things in life, you can kind of look back and learn that those experiences did play a role in who I am today. The Diocesan Vocations Office website and Diocesanpriest.comoffer information and resources to help in your discernment. Theres pastoral formation. This summer was spent at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet. Gifts to the annual Catholic Appeal directly support these men, through the Diocese of Fall River Office of Vocations. She was a woman of extraordinary faith and extraordinary virtue. ODonnell: When I first got the call, I was working in the restaurant industry on the Cape. Neil F. Wack, C.S.C., Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in North Easton. He began thinking about a possible vocation in his early teenage years, and though at first he was afraid of a possible vocation, gradually the sense of a calling increased and his embracing the possible calling grew, especially with the joyful example and encouragement of his pastor. The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus. I think continuing to develop youth programs will give kids the opportunity to grow, come together as one, and have genuine community, genuine friendships. Jack M. Schrader, Assistant Director of Vocations. To be ordained are Matthew F. Laird, William ODonnell III, Gregory Quenneville, and Laurent M. Valliere. The Mass is a timeless reality, where the passion of Christ is represented and infinite grace is brought into the world. 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 . 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. Rev. It is a journey that follows in the wake of the Churchs renewal as proposed by the Second Vatican Council. Quenneville, who is 36, is from South Attleboro and is a parishioner of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish in that city. Michael A. Ciryak, from Parochial Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in North Easton, to Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mt. I have gone into the hospital, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Boston University Catholic Center. As deacons, they will be able to assist the priest at Mass and be an ordinary minister of the Eucharist, proclaim the Gospel and preach, baptize, and minister at other services. 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. Rather, synodality is the path and process of the Church as communion. In his home parish, Hughes has been an altar server, lector, special minister of Holy Communion, sacristan, taught in the Faith Formation program, was on the parish council and was involved in youth ministry. In the Fall River Diocese, this local-level participatory process will take place between December 2021 and late winter 2022. 149 in- person and virtual sessions were held at churches, local halls, or private homes. provides counsel to the Pope on matters of faith and morals, and discipline of the Church. Area St. Vincent de Paul societies adapt to social distancing without Beloved Statue Returns to Saint Anne Shrine. Any final words of advice for someone who is considering a vocation to the priesthood? 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. I could always share my ideas with him.