diocese of fall river seminarians

This included Matthew Laird and William ODonnell, III. He started to have the desire to be a missionary and it was then that he first felt the desire to be a priest and to give all his life to Jesus and his Holy Church. You cannot recall one single blessing from God without finding, side by side with this recollection, the image of the priest.". Resources including models for consultations at the regional and parish level will be provided. This year you can watch a series of Ministry Moments videos featuring individuals reflecting on good works supported by the Catholic Appeal. Before his entering seminary, he was a social worker working at the Veterans Administration in Brockton. 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. Even today with my parents and my sisters, whenever we get together, the first question from my parents is: What time is Mass? After high school, he traveled to Portugal to work on his Portuguese. Diocesan Response to the Sexual Abuse Crisis Video and Letter from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha You engage in the development of a healthy prayer life. Meet Our Seminarians; Meet Our New Priests; Close; Co-Sponsored Seminarian Program; Vocations Director; Seminarian Application; . Some of his parish assignments have been serving at St. Anns Parish in Raynham, St. Anthony Parish in Falmouth, Our Lady of Grace in Westport, and Holy Name in Fall River. He also served in the childhood missionary and was a member of the parish youth group. Seminarian for the Diocese of Fall River Mansfield, Massachusetts, United States. 450 Highland Avenue Deacon Gregory Quenneville, 36, grew up in South Attleboro, a parishioner of St. Theresas Parish there. Select the "Sign in " tab in the top right corner. Always active in his parish, daCosta had a strong yearning to increase his faith life at an early age. This summer Lucas served at Santo Christo Parish in Fall River. 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. 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. 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. is theEighth Bishop ofthe Fall RiverDiocese. 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. 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. 2021 Fall River Vocations Office | 47 Underwood Street, Fall River, MA 02720 | 508-336-5549 |. 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. I have also brought Holy Communion to the homebound. 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. 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. 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. By reaching out to these men, you can build a strong future. In September 2021, the Diocese of Fall River began planning for the Diocesan phase of the Synod after receiving information from the Holy See. Just as all are redeemed, so all are called. Laird: Formation at seminary engages the whole person: human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral. 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. He also attended Stonehill College, graduating with a BA in marketing. The ordination, during the context of a Mass, was celebrated at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River on June 5, attended by . Tom Frechette; I spoke with him the most about getting the call. 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. It was there where he met Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., who encouraged Santos to think about serving as a priest in the U.S., particularly in the Diocese of Fall River. Each year, over $500,000 is needed to assist our seminarians with tuition, room and board, health care and other . Before he entered the seminary Thiago was a catechist for two years and also served as an altar server. Thiago is entering third theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, NJ. It was the priest. This Synod is unique in that the Holy Father is asking that the entire Church participate. 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. studies questions concerning the Church in the world (c.f. Schrader said, We accompany men in their journey towards the priesthood. 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 . 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. Phone: 508-675-1311 It is not just academic. 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. Home 2021 News & Press Clergy Retirements, Transfers and Assignments Announced. June 11, 2021. I am part of a jazz group called Vatican III, we all met in the seminary. Who was it that received your soul, on its entrance into life? In the fall, they will begin their final year of studies at St. Johns Seminary in Brighton. His home parish is St. Marys Parish in Mansfield. John M. Murray, from Pastor of St. Ann Parish in Raynham, to Pastor of St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish in Nantucket. 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. 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. 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. Dias spent this past summer working and took a college course. Area St. Vincent de Paul societies adapt to social distancing without Beloved Statue Returns to Saint Anne Shrine. ). He is gifted at playing the piano and the organ. 149 in- person and virtual sessions were held at churches, local halls, or private homes. Brian is entering third theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, New Jersey. There is still time to make a gift or pledge in support of the many agencies and apostolates that carry out the work of the Church throughout the Diocese of Fall River, assisting tens of thousands each year. He attends the Mass daily, he makes time during the week to be with the Lord in the chapel, prays Lectio Divina, and every day prays the Rosary. His parents are supportive of his pursuing a possible vocation to the priesthood. 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. Again the priest. Your email address will not be published. He helped me remain focused and I often found myself asking, how does he know exactly what I need to hear, when I needed to hear it? 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." 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. He has two younger brothers and a younger sister Anna. In 2015 he was approved to study philosophy at Our Lady of Conception Major Seminary in Aracaju, where he studied philosophy for three years. Accept the answer. The most important thing, when you sense you are being called, is prayer. 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. 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. Hugh J. McCullough, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in . Ever feel God is calling you to serve? Very Rev. 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. There are approximately 100 Diocesan Priests serving in 82 parishes throughout the Diocese. As a child he joined the childrens choir at his parish and was a member of it for six years (he sees that played a large role in his growing in his faith). Ryan J. Healy, from Parochial Vicar of St. Anthony Parish in East Falmouth, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish in North Falmouth and St. Patrick Parish in Falmouth, to Administrator of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet. Show More . He grew in a strong practicing Catholic home. His family is very close and the Mass and rosary were an important part of their lives. To pray for and promote priestly vocations in individuals parishes, starting a "Parish Vocation Team" is a great a to accomplish this task. In the Fall River Diocese, this local-level participatory process will take place between December 2021 and late winter 2022. Meet our Seminarians Seminaries Mt. 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. We need people to affirm our calling. Within the area the Catholic population numbers over 350,000 persons. Your gift helps offset those costs. To be ordained are Matthew F. Laird, William O'Donnell III, Gregory Quenneville, and Laurent M . 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. 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 . Paul A. Caron, Pastor of St. Pius Tenth Parish in South Yarmouth. Each year, over $500,000 is needed to assist our seminarians with tuition, room and board, health care and other expenses including inviting more men to consider the priesthood. Vicar General; Advancement; Chancellor; Child and Youth Protection; Father Capodanno Cause; Finance and . 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. Their ordination to the transitional diaconate will begin the final leg of their journey toward the priesthood. 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. 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. This Synod is entitled: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission., Journeying Together: With Jesus on the Path of Faith and Hope, Updates & Information for Parish Ambassadors, Process for Facilitating Synodal Consultations. In 2018 he started his theological studies in that same seminary, and everything was very well. I look forward to this upcoming semester, particularly Candidacy and, God-willing, ordination to the diaconate next spring.. As he grew closer to the Lord so did the sense of being called by the Lord to be a priest. Spend the day. 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. And there was also a kind of peaceful serenity that was so central to who she was. 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. He has two brothers. And its a deeper development. He also has attended different retreats and helped as well in giving witness to the faith to others. We invite you to prayerfully consider making the commitment to pray for one priest of the Diocese of Fall River each day. Watch the following videos to get to know our future priests. 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. Prayer life flows over and into the classroom. 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. Rev. I will continue this assignment throughout the coming academic year. Rev. My goal as a future priest would be to work with them, to listen to them. Reverend Steven Booth: Ordained by Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha on June 13, 2020 for the Diocese of Fall River. They are: Brian Connors, John Garabedian, Chris Hughes and Thiago Menezes Santos. By "serving those who serve," the Office of Clergy Support promotes the health, happiness, and holiness of those men who have given their lives in service to the Church and God's people. However, clergy, men and women religious, theologians, catechists, canon lawyers, and lay experts all participate in the synod gathering with bishops by providing their counsel. Rev. To be ordained are Matthew F. Laird, William ODonnell III, Gregory Quenneville, and Laurent M. Valliere. Specifically, Pope Francis is asking each local diocese to gather clergy, religious and laity together- to listen to each other in a discussion on the state of the Church. The years of seminary formation provide the opportunity to come to know Our Lord personally through prayer. My time has been spent preaching at Mass, preparing parents to have their children baptized, and baptizing children. Rev. Thiago Menezes Santos was born in Aracaju, Brazil, where his family, father, Sergio, mom, Laura, and sister still live. Very Rev. Thanks for the prayers. There are approximately 100 Diocesan Priests serving in 82 parishes throughout the Diocese. We are not priests for what we can get, but for what we can give, he said. Diocese of Rochester: June 13 Reverend Joseph Martuscello: Ordained by Bishop Salvatore R. Matano on June 13, 2020 as the newest priest of the Diocese of Rochester. Sometimes, others see what you arent seeing. 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. 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. When I first got this call, it wasnt what I planned. All Rights Reserved. I think continuing to develop youth programs will give kids the opportunity to grow, come together as one, and have genuine community, genuine friendships. Rev. Click here to read about the ordination. But theres other dimensions as well. Herman C. Agudelo, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mt. He is also Ecclesiastical Assistant to Aid to the Church in Need USA, a Papal Missionary of Mercy, a National Eucharistic Preacher for . But looking back over my life, I can see the Lord leading me each step of the way and preparing my heart so when I did finally surrender my will and asked Him what my vocation was, I had a lot of peace and clarity and a sense of freedom accepting the wonderful journey to the priesthood., The future of the Church is the youth. To be ordained are Matthew F. Laird, William O'Donnell III, Gregory Quenneville, and Laurent M. [] The two Greek words that make up synod aresynmeaning together andhodosmeaning way or journey. Rev. He holds the Eucharist, Adoration, Confession and a devotion to Our Lady near and dear to his heart. Join to connect Diocese of Fall River, MA. My biggest influence was Fr. Saint Francis de Sales Seminary | Our Seminarians Our Seminarians The Men of the Salesianum See rollcall videos of our seminarians by diocese. After high school he spent a year in Portugal to work on his ability to speak Portuguese. The calling can be a subtle message like the story of Elijah in the Book of Kings, in the cave in silence. He has an older sister and younger sister. John is entering third theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, NJ. A list of suggested prayers can be found, Heaven Speaks the Truth About the Priesthood. Please contact the Catholic Foundation office at 508-675-1311 with any questions. Deacon Quenneville attended Attleboro High School and went on to Massasoit Community College in Brockton, earning a degree in psychology. Msgr. He is the son of Donald and Elizabeth Quenneville. 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. We are always praying for the Lord to send more workers into the vineyard. Get locations, contact information and Mass schedules here. On Saturday, May 22, 2021, I was blessed to ordain four men to the Transitional Diaconate at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River. Required fields are marked *. He also served there in childhood ministry and was a member of the parish youth group. is the Eighth Bishop of the Fall River Diocese. Also, come up to the seminary for a visit. It has been an excellent opportunity to learn about my faith and grow through interesting classes, enjoyable pastoral experiences, Spiritual direction, and holy friendships. His father is Sergio Santana Santos and his mother is Laura Teles Menezes Santos. Gerard A. Hebert, from Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Parish in New Bedford, to Pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Assonet. And a life of joy., Ive been very blessed to be able to play baseball while at Bridgewater State University. In his 20s Brian underwent a conversion and in 2015 received the sacraments of initiation. He has an older sister. The team usually meets throughout the year to discuss creative ways of supporting our seminarians as well as cultivating nurturing priestly vocations in the young men of their parish. For many years he has given thought and prayer to that the Lord may be calling him to the priesthood. Deacon Quenneville said that working as a counselor with people helped him realize the great joy of helping and supporting all kinds of men, women and children, leading him to enter seminary. Over the years different people would encourage him to think about a calling to the priesthood. Facilitator Guide Of the 72 parishes in the diocese, 69 parishes ( 96 %) designated ambassadors for this synodal process, and 54 parishes ( 75 %) submitted final reports to the diocese. 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! If we had not the Sacrament of Orders, we should not have Our Lord. View the Presentation Flyer here. 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. 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. The Diocese of Fall River is blessed to have 14 seminarians presently studying for the priesthood. He is a parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich. The Mass is a timeless reality, where the passion of Christ is represented and infinite grace is brought into the world. I frequently reminded my students that your occupation is not your vocation, he told The Anchor. ODonnell: I enjoy cycling, and also boating with my family and fishing. His father is from Angola and his mother is from Sao Miguel in the Acores. Contributions to the Catholic Appeal may be made as a one-time donation or through monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual pledges. 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. 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. 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. 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). His summer days were spent at St. Marys Parish in South Dartmouth. He was also involved in diocesan retreat programs on the Cape. 146m Charlton Memorial Hospital Hospital. Fall River, MA 02720 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.. The Ordination on Saturday will be livestreamed on the Fall River Diocesan Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fallriverdiocese. He has one younger brother and one younger sister. Sudhir C. Nayak, from Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville and Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville, to (Moderator) Pastor in solidum (with Rev. Paul A. Caron, Pastor of St. Pius Tenth Parish in South Yarmouth, Very Rev. Paul C. Fedak, from Pastor of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton, to Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Vineyard Haven. Patrick Fiorillo of the Archdiocese of Boston on drums. He became very active in his parish and the thought that the Lord may be calling him to the priesthood grew throughout high school. His home parish is Christ the King in Mashpee. Rev. 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 Bring it before the Lord; get the answer. Video and Letter from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha The last few summers he has assisted at St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown, Christ the King Parish in Mashpee, and most recently, this summer at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet. 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). We invite you to prayerfully consider getting involved in the important work of supporting our priests in the Diocese of Fall River! Additionally, i t is recommended that our diocese, parishes, and other communities who shared in this diocesan synodal process: Journeying Together: