Their ordination to the transitional diaconate will begin the final leg of their journey toward the priesthood. The following excerpts were taken from each conversation. I took courses at the Theological Institute in Boston and I prayed about it. Freddie Babiczuk, V.F., from Pastor in solidum (with Rev. Laird: I went to Catholic school growing up; at St. Francis Xavier Prep in Hyannis, and John Paul II High School, the priests I met were my biggest role models. His home parish is Christ the King in Mashpee. Support for seminarian education is critical to ensure that we have priests to support our Diocese and all ministries into the future. In 2015 he was approved to study philosophy at Our Lady of Conception Major Seminary in Aracaju, where he studied philosophy for three years. Our Priests also work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, missions and other diocesan offices and special ministries. The calling can be a subtle message like the story of Elijah in the Book of Kings, in the cave in silence. 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). 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. 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.. 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. Michael R. Nagle, Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Vineyard Haven, Rev. To register, click here. Laird: Formation at seminary engages the whole person: human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral. The Diocese of Fall River is blessed to have 14 seminarians presently studying for the priesthood. Laird: Dont be afraid to make use of the resources around you. Even today with my parents and my sisters, whenever we get together, the first question from my parents is: What time is Mass? We need people to affirm our calling. The Ordination on Saturday will be livestreamed on the Fall River Diocesan Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fallriverdiocese. His home parish is Christ the King in Mashpee. The courses that I enjoy the most are the courses about what takes place in a Catholic Liturgy. The ordination, during the context of a Mass, was celebrated at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River on June 5, attended by . 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. Theres pastoral formation. 558 South Ave, Weston, MA 02493 (781) 899-5500 2021 All Rights Reserved. I have seen the most selfless people praying for us. Please contact the Catholic Foundation office at 508-675-1311 with any questions. 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. 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. Kevin A. Cook, Director of Vocations and Rev. 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. Fr. The vocation to holiness means putting into practice, in ones own daily life, the example and teaching of Jesus Christ. ODonnell: Seminary is prayer. 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. Herman C. Agudelo, Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mt. Our federal tax ID number is 04-2104873. 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. Paul C. Fedak, from Pastor of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton, to Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Vineyard Haven. The series, which includes Fr. I am part of a jazz group called Vatican III, we all met in the seminary. 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. A list of suggested prayers can be found, Heaven Speaks the Truth About the Priesthood. The Diocese of Fall River is blessed to have 14 seminarians presently studying for the priesthood. 1 was here. 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. 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. I could always share my ideas with him. Fall River, MA 02720 Now, as director of vocations and seminarians for the Diocese of Fall River, Cook helps other men with their own calling to the vocation, including Matthew Laird, 29, of Sandwich; and. Bryan attends Mass regularly. He was also a baseball player at Bridgewater. Gua de Facilitadores He attended Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, where he regularly attended daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Confession. His parents and his sister have been supportive of his possible priestly vocation. The one person that really stands out was my grandmother. He became very active in his parish and the thought that the Lord may be calling him to the priesthood grew throughout high school. David Costa Endowed Scholarship Fund, 450 Highland Avenue, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720. Phone: 508-675-1311 Brian Patrick Connors, son Michael and Janice Connors, is a a parishioner of Holy Family Church in East Taunton. Fall Discernment Retreat; Close; Vocations FAQ; Close; Paths to Chaplaincy. 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 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. Please go to the bottom of this story to watch a video about the Office of Vocations and meet some of our seminarians. The Diocese of Fall River is blessed with devoted seminarians. Each of the 11 are studying and gaining parish experience to eventually become priests for the diocese. He has always shown great zeal for the life of prayer, for the Holy Eucharist and other Sacraments. Rev. He has an older sister and younger sister. His home parish is St. Marys Parish in Mansfield. He also served there in childhood ministry and was a member of the parish youth group. ODonnell: When I first got the call, I was working in the restaurant industry on the Cape. Any final words of advice for someone who is considering a vocation to the priesthood? 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. Garabedian told The Anchor, My time at seminary thus far has been very fruitful. They are: Brian Connors, John Garabedian, Chris Hughes and Thiago Menezes Santos. Matthew Gill on bass guitar, Larry Valliere on guitar, and Fr. Vicar General; Advancement; Chancellor; Child and Youth Protection; Father Capodanno Cause; Finance and . Inside the priest portal, priests will find various supportive documents, resources, and video's to assist you in your priestly life and ministry. He is now in his senior year of college seminary. His family lives Aracaju. 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. Your gift to the Catholic Appeal helps ensure all of them 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. Saint John's Seminary127 Lake StreetBrighton, MA 02135617-254-2610. For More information, please contact, Asst. I think continuing to develop youth programs will give kids the opportunity to grow, come together as one, and have genuine community, genuine friendships. 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. I look forward to this upcoming semester, particularly Candidacy and, God-willing, ordination to the diaconate next spring.. Home 2021 News & Press Clergy Retirements, Transfers and Assignments Announced. Deacon ODonnell grew up in Harwich. Additionally, i t is recommended that our diocese, parishes, and other communities who shared in this diocesan synodal process: Journeying Together: And help lead them into a genuine relationship with Christ and help them notice and appreciate the Lord working in their own lives. studies questions concerning the Church in the world (c.f. He also attended Stonehill College, graduating with a BA in marketing. Msgr. The Mass is a timeless reality, where the passion of Christ is represented and infinite grace is brought into the world. Fall River, Ma. 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. She was definitely someone who had a deep impact on my life as a child. 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. At the same time, it awakened a calling within him to enter seminary. 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. 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. 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! Click here to read about the ordination. We have reason to be thankful to God for His generosity, to be thankful to these men for saying yes, and to celebrate that they are on their way to serving God as priests and serving us, His Church, said Fr. First, thanks for your contribution of the treasure that you give. Rev. Click the button below to see the daily priest intention. 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. Click the button below to see the daily priest intention. Please contact the Catholic Foundation office at 508-675-1311 with any questions. Rev. The Catholic Population of the diocese is roughly 325,000 people, or roughly about 40% of the general population. I cant imagine ever doing anything higher in life., Looking back, theres a lot of people who have influenced my vocation in many ways. Other News. We need our priests: to baptize, to anoint, to hear confessions, and to keep parishes vibrant. Fall River, MA 02720 My goal as a future priest would be to work with them, to listen to them. The years of seminary formation provide the opportunity to come to know Our Lord personally through prayer. Rev. It has been an excellent opportunity to learn about my faith and grow through interesting classes, enjoyable pastoral experiences, Spiritual direction, and holy friendships. He is very active Santo Christo Parish in Fall River, and over the years he served at St. Annes Church and Good Shepherd Church. Its long-term goal is to reorient the local Church toward an inherent synodal attitude in decision-making processes through communion, participation, and mission. He also finds strength in helping those marginalized having a better life. 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. 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. While attending Harwich High School, he attended an ECHO retreat on the Cape that left a lasting impact on him. He is the son of Victor and Dina Dias and has an older sister. 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? He is the son of Donald and Elizabeth Quenneville. I felt there was something more for my life. View the Presentation Flyer here. 11:00 am. Accept the answer. 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. 146m Charlton Memorial Hospital Hospital. Originally from Sandwich, Deacon Laird is the son of David and Kathleen Laird. Please contact the Catholic Foundation office at 508-675-1311 with any questions. Brian has a love for the Church and desire to serve others. Recorder Sheets With the opening of this Synod in October 2021, Pope Francis has called the entire People of God to journey together. Jack M. Schrader, Assistant Director of Vocations. And sometimes when you let that resonate and you let it set in, its really the most powerful thing., On June 13, Scheffer was ordained to the transitional diaconate and Deacon Steven Booth was ordained to the priesthood at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River. Rev. Give it a try! Synod is a Greek word ( synodos) meaning a meeting or assembly. He attended Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River and also studied at Rhode Island College in Kingstown, R.I. is theEighth Bishop ofthe Fall RiverDiocese. "It is my prayer that we will all open our hearts to the Lenten journey ahead". 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. Riley J. Williams, from Pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet, to Pastor of Holy Name Parish in Fall River. Before that move, he was a catechist and an altar server in his parish in Brazil. Edward A. Murphy, from Pastor of Annunciation of the Lord and St. Andrew the Apostle Parishes in Taunton, to Pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Taunton while remaining Chaplain of the St. Annes Shrine Preservation Society and St. Annes Shrine in Fall River. Support for seminarian education is critical to ensure that we have priests to support our Diocese and all ministries into the future. I did some things like serving at daily Mass, giving weekly reflections, making Communion calls, and helping out at the local food pantry. We invite you to prayerfully consider making the commitment to pray for one priest of the Diocese of Fall River each day. It was an especially joyful occasion as this was the largest group to be ordained together in the diocese in 20 years. 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. Notas do Gravador Make a Donation Along with Gregory Quenneville and Laurent Valliere, they have begun the final leg of their journey toward ordination to the priesthood next year. Bryan is a very active member of Corpus Christi Church in East Sandwich, MA and has been greatly supported by others. 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. 132m St Vincent Home . 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. 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. Show More . He also twice participated in the Quo Vadis Days retreat sponsored annually by the diocesan Vocation Office. It is a journey that follows in the wake of the Churchs renewal as proposed by the Second Vatican Council. And I owe that to my mom and dad. 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 . With Gods grace, and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, I finally decided to practice what I taught. 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. 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 takeaways are based solely on input from our faithful and are not intended to represent an officialdiocesan position on any specific topic. 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. For more information about admissions to the Priestly Formation Program, click below AdmissionsPriestly Formation 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. Vocations Director, Fr. Behind every seminarian is a large support group; our vocation is the fruit of many people. 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. 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. 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. He has two brothers. Thiago comes a from a very religious family. Rather, synodality is the path and process of the Church as communion. After graduating from Bishop Connolly High School in Fall River, Shayne studied at Rhode Island College and last year entered Our Lady of Providence Seminary and transferred to Providence College. I have also brought Holy Communion to the homebound. Hugh J. McCullough, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Wellfleet and St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Provincetown, Rev. 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. 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. St. Mary's Seminary Pontifical North American College St. Joseph Seminary College St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary Deacon Lewis King Mount St. Mary's Seminary Year of Study: Theology IV Anticipated Ordination: 2023 Home Parish: St. Joseph, Macon Francisco Gamboa St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary What aspect of priesthood are you looking forward to the most? ODonnell: I look forward to administering the sacraments, and I look forward to the people. Before he entered the seminary Thiago was a catechist for two years and also served as an altar server. James M. Fitzpatrick, from Pastor of St. Bernard Parish in Assonet, to Pastor of St. Ann Parish in Raynham. Seminarian for the Diocese of Fall River Mansfield, Massachusetts, United States. 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. Copyright 2023 CFSEMA. 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. In my time there, I was able to learn about parish life and was immersed in Portuguese ministry, which is very close to my heart. Brian Connors comes from a family of his mom, Janice, dad, Michael, and two brothers. It all starts there. 3685. He is a parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich. 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. His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Bishop of Fall River, has accepted the nomination of the Reverend Peter A. Jarret, C.S.C., Provincial Vicar of the Congregation of the Holy Cross, and has made the following appointment: Rev. 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. 149 in- person and virtual sessions were held at churches, local halls, or private homes. What lessons have you learned in the seminary that have most resonated with you? His Excellency, the Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D., Bishop of Fall River, has made the following appointments: Very Rev. In a recent testimonial about his work in the Office of Vocations, Fr. Originally from West Warwick, R.I., he is a 1999 graduate of Tollgate High School in Warwick. . On May 22, Laird and ODonnell were ordained to the transitional diaconate at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption in Fall River.