diocese of fall river seminarians

Laird: Formation at seminary engages the whole person: human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral. On Saturday, May 22, 2021, I was blessed to ordain four men to the Transitional Diaconate at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River. He saw this as a call from God to go into deeper waters. Growing up he was very involved in the church life (altar server; lector; extraordinary minster; sacristan; taught in faith formation; on the parish council; and was involved in youth ministry). Create or continue efforts for individuals to be heard and share feedback. Deacon Laurent Valliere, 39, is originally from Warwick, R.I., but later, with his mom, Maureen and dad, Laurent, became parishioners of St. Stanislaus Parish in Fall River. 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. Mary's Cathedral, Fall River. 146m Charlton Memorial Hospital Hospital. Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE), Rev. He became very active in his parish and the thought that the Lord may be calling him to the priesthood grew throughout high school. 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. ODonnell: Seminary is prayer. Saint Francis de Sales Seminary | Our Seminarians Our Seminarians The Men of the Salesianum See rollcall videos of our seminarians by diocese. In addition to our studies, we have assignments that bring us into the community and cover all aspects of our lives as Catholics. Within the area the Catholic population numbers over 350,000 persons. To be ordained are Matthew F. Laird, William O'Donnell III, Gregory Quenneville, and Laurent M. [] He was also involved in his high school years at Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis. Synod is a Greek word (synodos) meaning a meeting or assembly. 131m Fall River Vocations Office . 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. 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. Hugh J. McCullough, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in . A list of suggested prayers can be found, Heaven Speaks the Truth About 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. "St. Bernard tells us that everything has come to us through Mary; and we may also say that everything has come to us through the priest; yes, all happiness, all graces, all heavenly gifts. Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. Rather, synodality is the path and process of the Church as communion. 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. The final diocesan report was submitted to the USCCB on June 30, 2022. His family, mom, Elizabeth, dad, Donald and two sisters, have been very supportive of his decision to enter seminary. Rev. Four seminarians studying for the priesthood for the Fall River Diocese will be ordained transitional deacons by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V, in the context of an 11 a.m. Mass on Saturday, May 22, in St. Marys Cathedral, Fall River. Jack M. Schrader, Associate Director of Vocations, the Office of Vocations provides spiritual guidance and services to those who have discerned a call to the priesthood. His sense of the vocation grew in particular through Eucharistic adoration and personal prayer. Support for seminarian education is critical to ensure that we have priests to support our Diocese and all ministries into the future. 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. 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. They are: Brian Connors, John Garabedian, Chris Hughes and Thiago Menezes Santos. But when youre drawn into Jesus, you realize theres more. 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). In particular, the following topics emerged: It is suggested that the Vatican more effectively communicate the next steps for andoutcomes from the Synod, both from this phase as well as through the subsequent phases. ODonnell: There was plenty of faith activity in my family growing up. Bryan is a very active member of Corpus Christi Church in East Sandwich, MA and has been greatly supported by others. Share. His family is very close and the Mass and rosary were an important part of their lives. Neil F. Wack, C.S.C., Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in North Easton. Schrader talking about the Office of Vocations, can be found on the Catholic Foundations website: www.catholicfoundationsema.org/ministry-moments. The vocation to holiness means putting into practice, in ones own daily life, the example and teaching of Jesus Christ. 450 Highland Avenue Seminarian for the Diocese of Fall River Mansfield, Massachusetts, United States. He has thought about the possibility of the vocation to the priesthood for many years and through spiritual direction he came to a greater clarity about the possible calling from the Lord. This summer I have been serving as a transitional deacon at St. Marys in South Dartmouth. I cant imagine ever doing anything higher in life., Looking back, theres a lot of people who have influenced my vocation in many ways. Rev. The Priesthood: A Conduit of Divine Grace & Healing, We invite you to prayerfully consider making the commitment to pray for one priest of the Diocese of Fall River each day. And I owe that to my mom and dad. What tongue, human or angelic, may ever describe a power so immeasurable as that exercised by the simplest priest in Mass? 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. 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. All you had to do was walk into her house and you could see that faith was central to who she was: she had religious icons on just about every wall, a Crucifix, rosary beads. Activities include prayer (Holy Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Liturgy of the Hours, Rosary, etc. It has been a longer journey for me, but now that I am an ordained deacon, I have the peace that I had been seeking for all of those years.. Patrick Fiorillo of the Archdiocese of Boston on drums. He has also been involved with diocesan retreat programs on the Cape. Reverend David Frederici, Vicar for Pastoral Services,vps@dioc-fr.org, David Carvalho, Secretary for the New Evangelization, dcarvalho@dioc-fr.org, Laura Carrillo, Director of Strategic and Pastoral Planning,lcarrillo@dioc-fr.org, 450 Highland Avenue Rev. 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. Michael R. Nagle, Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Vineyard Haven, Rev. Fall River, MA 02720 Three main topics emerged: After sharing ways their communities already journey together, reports noted variouschallenges, observations, and needs for the Church both locally and at large to best move forward in proclaiming the Gospel. The sense of being called to the priesthood has gown within Brian and became clearer and stronger over the years. Rev. It is this aspect that is most important in preparing to serve the Church as a priest and is what I have been most grateful for as a seminarian. His first summer assignment was this year at Santo Christo Parish in Fall River. 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. Laird: Music is a hobby of mine. If youve been away for a while, if youre new to the area or just visiting, one of our 70 parishes is waiting to welcome you! Fall River, MA 02720 Get locations, contact information and Mass schedules here. Entering Second Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, N.J., Bryan Bangs is a very active member of Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich, along with his mother, Joanne, dad, Robert, a sister and two brothers. While attending Harwich High School, he attended an ECHO retreat on the Cape that left a lasting impact on him. He also served there in childhood ministry and was a member of the parish youth group. Home 2021 News & Press Clergy Retirements, Transfers and Assignments Announced. Rev. He is the son of Donald and Elizabeth Quenneville. Diocese of Fall River | 264 (na) tagasubaybay sa LinkedIn. He has attended a number of faith-filled retreats and routinely helped out at his parish. Prayer life flows over and into the classroom. 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. 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. I also have been blessed to have some time to catch up with friends and family and am picking up the game of golf. June 11, 2021. Reverend Steven Booth: Ordained by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha on June 13, 2020 for the Diocese of Fall River. Continuing with his growth in the faith he became very involved in the parish by teaching the faith to children and helping at the parish on a regular basis. 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. 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 . My time in the seminary has been overwhelmingly positive, he told The Anchor. Thiago comes a from a very religious family. Prayer is so central to your formation. Hugh J. McCullough, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Wellfleet and St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Provincetown, Rev. His father is from Angola and his mother is from Sao Miguel in the Acores. Rev. His parents are supportive of his pursuing a possible vocation to the priesthood. The Catholic Population of the diocese is roughly 325,000 people, or roughly about 40% of the general population. Support for seminarian education is critical to ensure that we have priests to support our Diocese and all ministries into the future. The four men, Matthew F. Laird, William J. O'Donnell III, Gregory K. Quenneville and Laurent M. Valliere, will be entering their fourth year of seminary studies at St. John's Seminary in Brighton this fall and are scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood for the diocese sometime in 2022. A helpful short definition of the Synod of Bishops is a gathering of bishops that: Voting in the Synod of Bishops is limited to bishops present at the synod gathering. The Diocese of Fall River is blessed to have 14 seminarians presently studying for the priesthood. Rev. Shayne Victor Dias is 21 years old and lives in Westport. The Catholic Foundation team recently sat down with three seminarians to hear their stories: John Garabedian, Gregory Quenneville, and Peter Scheffer (since his interview, Scheffer has been ordained to the transitional diaconate). We are always praying for the Lord to send more workers into the vineyard. 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? Before his entering seminary, he was a social worker working at the Veterans Administration in Brockton. Laird: I first heard the call in high school, but it was really when I attended college and met others who were having similar experiences, a vocation to the priesthood became a real option for me. I took courses at the Theological Institute in Boston and I prayed about it. The son of Patty and the late William ODonnell, Jr., he is a parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich. For more information, please contact Irina Robinson, Fall River Diocesan Family and Pro-Life Director, at 508-669-7966 or by email, idelucca@dioc-fr.org. With the opening of this Synod in October 2021, Pope Francis has called the entire People of God to journey together. Before he entered the seminary Thiago was a catechist for two years and also served as an altar server. Father Roger J. Landry is a priest of the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, where he was ordained by the Most Reverend Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap. Synodality and the synodal process are not a gathering or meeting of bishops, nor are they the administrative arm of the Church. When youre working in the field of mental health, you encounter human suffering in a way that you may not be able to in any other professional discipline. He graduated from Harwich High School in 1996 and received a bachelors degree in marketing from Stonehill College in Easton in 2000. Thomas E. Costa, Jr., from Pastor in solidum (with Very Rev. Below you will find links for the Vocations Offices of all our sending dioceses. 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. 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. Some of our seminarians share thoughts on their summer assignment experiences as well. At the same time, it awakened a calling within him to enter seminary. (In a similar way) a priest reaches out to the lost sheep in his community., Gregory Quenneville, St. Johns Seminary, Brighton, MA (St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, South Attleboro), The aspect of the priesthood Im most looking forward to is the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Weve often heard the expression, Ill put in a good word for you. These are people who are putting in a good word for us with God. His home parish is Christ the King in Mashpee. What follows is a synthesis of the topics and themes shared in local reports. 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. 137m Holy Trinity Church . He attended Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, where he regularly attended daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Confession. I have been able to participate in various pastoral opportunities which have strengthened my love for the ministerial works of the Church and for the people of God. World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. 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. While each shared a different set of experiences and perspectives that led to their discernment, they are united in a common bond of faith and service. It was the priest. Brian Connors comes from a family of his mom, Janice, dad, Michael, and two brothers. Its long-term goal is to reorient the local Church toward an inherent synodal attitude in decision-making processes through communion, participation, and mission. Behind every seminarian is a large support group; our vocation is the fruit of many people. Area St. Vincent de Paul societies adapt to social distancing without Beloved Statue Returns to Saint Anne Shrine. Thiago Menezes Santos was born in 1996 in Aracaju, Brazil. He also has helped at a soup kitchen, been a leader in a youth group, and volunteered at a nursing home. His faith life was also strengthened when he and his family visited the Vatican and various holy sites in Rome. He and Deacon Laird are musicians and part of the band, Vatican III. of St. Anthony, St. Jude the Apostle and St. Mary Parishes in Taunton, to Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Wellfleet and St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Provincetown, with residence at St. Peter the Apostle Rectory. This Synod is not about changing doctrine or church structures, but rather encountering one another as brothers and sisters in Christ in our post-pandemic world. In this synodal process, Pope Francis is bringing to fruition what he has preached throughout his papacy: the lay faithful have an important role to play in the mission and life of the ChurchThis is an invitation to everyone parishes small and large, all groups, ministries, apostolates, movements, and individuals to be heard. Phone: 508-675-1311 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. We are not priests for what we can get, but for what we can give, he said. . You engage in the development of a healthy prayer life. I am part of a jazz group called Vatican III, we all met in the seminary. Click the button below to see the daily priest intention. Over the years different people would encourage him to think about a calling to the priesthood. Guia do Participante, Gua Embajador Parroquial Resources for the Mission, Secretariat for the New Evangelization Planning Guide & Social/Hospitality Resource. To be ordained are Matthew F. Laird, William O'Donnell III, Gregory Quenneville, and Laurent M . Shayne has a love for learning more about the faith. He is also Ecclesiastical Assistant to Aid to the Church in Need USA, a Papal Missionary of Mercy, a National Eucharistic Preacher for . 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, Eucharistic Nights & Relic Tour East Falmouth. 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. Other News. With continued support from many people, Bangs entered seminary, after graduating from Seton Hall University in South Orange, N.J. Bangs has assisted at Santo Christo Parish in Fall River, and this past summer he served at St. Louis de France Parish in Swansea and St. Patricks Parish in Somerset. I think continuing to develop youth programs will give kids the opportunity to grow, come together as one, and have genuine community, genuine friendships. Required fields are marked *. It all starts there. Valliere, 39, is the son of Laurent and Maureen Valliere, and a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Parish in Fall River. Make a Donation 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. 132m St Vincent Home . Along with Gregory Quenneville and Laurent Valliere, they have begun the final leg of their journey toward ordination to the priesthood next year. There are approximately 100 Diocesan Priests serving in 82 parishes throughout the Diocese. Resources including models for consultations at the regional and parish level will be provided. I worked with combat veterans doing group and individual counseling for men and women returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan, and also with Vietnam veterans. He is very active Santo Christo Parish in Fall River, and over the years he served at St. Annes Church and Good Shepherd Church. I will continue this assignment throughout the coming academic year. Kevin A. Cook, Director of Vocations and Rev. Jay T. Maddock, V.F., Pastor of Holy Name Parish in Fall River. The last four years he has been at Our Lady of Providence Seminary and studying at Providence College. In his 20s he entered the Catholic faith, receiving the Sacraments of Initiation. Sadly, his dad passed away in 2015. We invite you to prayerfully consider getting involved in the important work of supporting our priests in the Diocese of Fall River! ODonnell: When I first got the call, I was working in the restaurant industry on the Cape. In 2018 he started his theological studies in that same seminary, and everything was very well. Your email address will not be published. Over the summers he has served at St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown, Christ the King Parish in Mashpee, and St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet. First, thanks for your contribution of the treasure that you give. 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. 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. Meet Nick Bennett, Eric Stelzer, Bob Hoffman and Matt King, the four newest priests to serve the Diocese of St. Augustine. All priests of the Diocese of Fall River are invited to click below to access the priest portal. He attended Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River and also studied at Rhode Island College in Kingstown, R.I. I look forward to this upcoming semester, particularly Candidacy and, God-willing, ordination to the diaconate next spring.. Brian has a love for the Church and desire to serve others. Facilitator Guide The two Greek words that make up synod aresynmeaning together andhodosmeaning way or journey. Theres pastoral formation. Fifteen New Seminarians For Fall 2022 - Saint Vincent Seminary Fifteen New Seminarians For Fall 2022 September 22, 2022 Saint Vincent Seminary welcomed 15 new students for the 2022-2023 academic year. studies questions concerning the Church in the world (c.f. Gua del Participante, Process for Facilitating Synodal Consultations (Leadership Roundtable), Preparatory Document (Vatican Synod of Bishops), Vademecum for the Synod on Synodality (Vatican Synod of Bishops). Herman C. Agudelo, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mt. 11:00 am. If youre not praying, youre just going through the motions: taking classes, nothing else. Please go to the bottom of this story to watch a video about the Office of Vocations and meet some of our seminarians. 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. Always active in his parish, daCosta had a strong yearning to increase his faith life at an early age. ODonnell: Prayer. Im very grateful for that., To the people who give to the Catholic Appeal, particularly for vocations, I would say thanks in many ways. John Garabedian was raised in Mansfield, and is a parishioner of St. Marys Parish there with his mother, Claire, father John, and two sisters. When I first got this call, it wasnt what I planned. The calling can be a subtle message like the story of Elijah in the Book of Kings, in the cave in silence. 1 was here. 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. Thomas E. Costa, Jr.) of St. Anthony, St. Jude the Apostle and St. Mary Parishes in Taunton, to Pastor of St. Anthony, St. Jude the Apostle and St. Mary Parishes in Taunton. Your gift helps offset those costs. With Gods grace, and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, I finally decided to practice what I taught. . The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts What is the Foundation? Eleven diocesan seminarians gear up for another year of classes, Area Holy Union Sisters gather for first time in two years Sisters meet to celebrate Mass and recognize jubilations, Hispanic youth, parents invigorated by the Heroic Examples of Young Saints of our Time, Diocese to offer Eucharistic Nights and Relic tour, Saint Vincents Services announces the addition of Katie Dawkins as the Director of Donor Relations & Fundraising, Diocese to host events as part of National Eucharistic Revival. Vocations Director, Fr. He was also involved in diocesan retreat programs on the Cape. The years of seminary formation provide the opportunity to come to know Our Lord personally through prayer. Guia do Facilitador Deacon Quenneville attended Attleboro High School and went on to Massasoit Community College in Brockton, earning a degree in psychology. The Diocesan Vocations Office website and Diocesanpriest.comoffer information and resources to help in your discernment. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has accepted the request to retire of: Rev. A list of suggested prayers can be found here. We meet with them before seminary starts as they are beginning to wonder, Is God calling me? We help them through their application process, and we remain with them during their years of formation.. I felt there was something more for my life. Gua de Facilitadores Besides his family, both schools made a big impact on his faith life, as did a trip to the then-diocesan mission in Guaimaca, Honduras. During the upcoming academic year, he will assist at Holy Family Parish in East Taunton on weekends. 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. Bryan attends Mass regularly. Who were some of your biggest influences growing up? Thiago Menezes Santos was born in Aracaju, Brazil, where his family, father, Sergio, mom, Laura, and sister still live. Rev. He is gifted at playing the piano and the organ. I feel like those experiences having to juggle academics, work, practice, and a vigorous schedule has prepared me to reach out to others, like you would reach out to a teammate who maybe is struggling. I look forward to being available for people to talk, to pray together, and to be there when people come seeking help. Who placed Him there, in that tabernacle? Shayne is fluent in English and Portuguese. The men who are out there discerning are the future of our Church. Led by Rev. Gifts to the annual Catholic Appeal directly. This included Matthew Laird and William ODonnell, III. John Oliveira, P.A.) The worthy priest is the living image of Christ in this world, of Christ watching, praying, preaching, catechizing, working, weeping, going from town to town, from village to village, suffering, agonizing, sacrificing Himself and dying for the souls created to His image and likeness.