Meet our Seminarians Seminaries Mt. Laird: Music is a hobby of mine. 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. Theres really four pillars. John Garabedian was born in 1991, the son of John and Claire Garabedian, and he grew up in a close loving family in Mansfield, MA. Rev. Laird, 28, is from Sandwich, Mass., and is the son of David and Kathleen Laird. He is a parishioner of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton. . Quenneville, who is 36, is from South Attleboro and is a parishioner of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish in that city. Rev. Phone: 508-675-1311 In the fall, they will begin their final year of studies at St. Johns Seminary in Brighton. . Lists of Credibly and Publicly Accused Clergy The most important thing, when you sense you are being called, is prayer. He was also involved in his high school years at Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis. 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. 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 . All Rights Reserved. Please contact the Catholic Foundation office at 508-675-1311 with any questions. Home 2021 News & Press Annual Catholic Appeal Supports Vocations Office, Seminarians. 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. We invite you to prayerfully consider making the commitment to pray for one priest of the Diocese of Fall River each day. He was also a baseball player at Bridgewater. This summer Lucas served at Santo Christo Parish 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Journeying Together: With Jesus on the Path of Faith and Hope, Parish Ambassador Guidebook Your email address will not be published. Make a Donation ODonnell: I look forward to administering the sacraments, and I look forward to the people. Notas de la Grabadora DIOCESE OF FALL RIVER Office of Clergy Support 450 Highland Avenue Fall River, MA 02720-3701 Email: mrobinson@dioc-fr.org Tel: 508-675-1311 MENU About Get Involved For Our Clergy Prayers for Priests Contact Us QUICK LINKS Diocesan Website Vocations Office Safe Environment 2021 by The Diocese of Fall River Office of Clergy Support bottom of page Patrick Fiorillo of the Archdiocese of Boston on drums. I have seen the most selfless people praying for us. Diocese of Arlington Navy. To ensure that every parish was heard, each parish was instructed to select two individuals to serve as Parish Ambassadors and organize the synodal process locally with the pastors approval, receiving formation and materials on November 6, 2021. A list of suggested prayers can be found here. 11:00 am. The men who are out there discerning are the future of our Church. Guia do Participante, Gua Embajador Parroquial Vicar General; Advancement; Chancellor; Child and Youth Protection; Father Capodanno Cause; Finance and . Bishop Edgar da Cunha, SDV appointed Rev. Four of the diocesan seminarians are entering third Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, N.J. He has assisted at a soup kitchen, has been a youth group leader, and did volunteer work in a nursing home. He attended Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, where he regularly attended daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Confession. 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). 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. After that daCosta attended four years at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Providence, R.I., and also studied at Providence College there. Michael A. Ciryak, from Parochial Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in North Easton, to Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Mt. Copyright 2023 CFSEMA. 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. With the opening of this Synod in October 2021, Pope Francis has called the entire People of God to journey together. 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. Very Rev. 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. 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. Always active in his parish, daCosta had a strong yearning to increase his faith life at an early age. Theres pastoral formation. This included Matthew Laird and William ODonnell, III. Diocesan Response to the Sexual Abuse Crisis Video and Letter from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha 137m Holy Trinity Church . Additionally, i t is recommended that our diocese, parishes, and other communities who shared in this diocesan synodal process: Journeying Together: It is a journey that follows in the wake of the Churchs renewal as proposed by the Second Vatican Council. of Our Lady of Fatima, St. Joseph-St. Therese, and St. Mary Parishes in New Bedford, to Pastor in solidum (with Rev. is the Eighth Bishop of the Fall River Diocese. Valliere, 39, is the son of Laurent and Maureen Valliere, and a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Parish in Fall River. 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. 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. Considering this I ask for your participation and support throughout the diocesan phase of this synodal experience. Click the button below to see the daily priest intention. 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. Jack Schrader at. Neil F. Wack, C.S.C., Administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in North Easton. 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. Laity, clergy and religious are invited to pray, listen and share in order to better journey together as a Church in living our baptismal mission. 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. Who were some of your biggest influences growing up? 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! The last four years he has been at Our Lady of Providence Seminary and studying at Providence College. Kevin A. Cook, Director of Vocations and 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. 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, Clergy Retirements, Transfers and Assignments Announced. Tell us a little about when you first heard the calling to the priesthood. Deacon Gregory Quenneville, 36, grew up in South Attleboro, a parishioner of St. Theresas Parish there. He is gifted at playing the piano and the organ. Prayer life flows over and into the classroom. He has one younger brother and one younger sister. 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. Deacon ODonnell grew up in Harwich. 150m Charlton Memorial Hospital At Southcoast Health. Support for seminarian education is critical to ensure that we have priests to support our Diocese and all ministries into the future. The priest. Some of our seminarians share thoughts on their summer assignment experiences as well. The years of seminary formation provide the opportunity to come to know Our Lord personally through prayer. Rev. His faith life was also strengthened when he and his family visited the Vatican and various holy sites in Rome. We invite you to prayerfully consider getting involved in the important work of supporting our priests in the Diocese of Fall River! 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. Laird: Formation at seminary engages the whole person: human, intellectual, spiritual, and pastoral. ODonnell: Prayer. As he prays about the vocation to the priesthood, he is comforted especially with the thought of providing people with the Eucharist. Saint John's Seminary127 Lake StreetBrighton, MA 02135617-254-2610. 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. 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. In 2018 he started his theological studies in that same seminary, and everything was very well. "It is my prayer that we will all open our hearts to the Lenten journey ahead". As a result of those heritages, Dias is fluent in Portuguese. 3685. What lessons have you learned in the seminary that have most resonated with you? Jay T. Maddock, V.F., Pastor of Holy Name Parish in Fall River. Over the years different people would encourage him to think about a calling to the priesthood. Fall River, Ma. 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. Lucas daCosta grew up in New Bedford, and with his mother, Fatima, father, Daniel, and sister, he is a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet. Fall River, MA 02720 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. 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. Deacon Bill ODonnell, 41, hails from Harwich, where he, his mom, Patty, dad, William, and a younger brother and sister, were parishioners at Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich. Schrader. There are approximately 100 Diocesan Priests serving in 82 parishes throughout the Diocese. You cannot recall one single blessing from God without finding, side by side with this recollection, the image of the priest.". What tongue, human or angelic, may ever describe a power so immeasurable as that exercised by the simplest priest in Mass? 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. Participant Guide, Guia Embaixador Paroquial 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. It is not just academic. I frequently reminded my students that your occupation is not your vocation, he told The Anchor. Laird: Dont be afraid to make use of the resources around you. Schrader said, We accompany men in their journey towards the priesthood. Freddie Babiczuk, V.F.) 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. He has an older sister and younger sister. He also has attended different retreats and helped as well in giving witness to the faith to others. 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. But theres other dimensions as well. The Ordination on Saturday will be livestreamed on the Fall River Diocesan Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fallriverdiocese. Show More . Kevin A. Cook, Director of Vocations and Rev. 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. Also, come up to the seminary for a visit. Paul C. Fedak, from Pastor of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton, to Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Vineyard Haven. 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. Copyright 2023 CFSEMA. Meet Nick Bennett, Eric Stelzer, Bob Hoffman and Matt King, the four newest priests to serve the Diocese of St. Augustine. His sense of the vocation grew in particular through Eucharistic adoration and personal prayer. Brian Connors comes from a family of his mom, Janice, dad, Michael, and two brothers. She was a woman of extraordinary faith and extraordinary virtue. He was also involved in diocesan retreat programs on the Cape. Transitional Diaconate Ordination. Rev. 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. 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. Currently, 14 seminarians from the Diocese of Fall River are at different stages of formation as they prepare for the priesthood. In a recent testimonial about his work in the Office of Vocations, Fr. Its long-term goal is to reorient the local Church toward an inherent synodal attitude in decision-making processes through communion, participation, and mission. Notas do Gravador To pray for and promote priestly vocations in individuals parishes, starting a "Parish Vocation Team" is a great a to accomplish this task. 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. 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. 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. Give it a try! The one person that really stands out was my grandmother. He is a 2011 graduate of St. John Paul II High School in Hyannis and a 2015 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, from which he earned a bachelors degree in biology. The Diocese of Fall River Training Hub This online system will help walk you through training requirements for your organization. ODonnell: There was plenty of faith activity in my family growing up. 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. 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. Im very grateful for that., To the people who give to the Catholic Appeal, particularly for vocations, I would say thanks in many ways. To be ordained are Matthew F. Laird, William ODonnell III, Gregory Quenneville, and Laurent M. Valliere. By reaching out to these men, you can build a strong future. Home - Fall River Diocese Find Your Parish If you've been away for a while, if you're new to the area or just visiting, one of our 70 parishes is waiting to welcome you! Very Rev. His family lives Aracaju. Thiago comes a from a very religious family. He grew in a strong practicing Catholic home. 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 Fall River, MA 02720 Santos studied philosophy at Our Lady of Conception Major Seminary in Aracaju for three years. Thiago Menezes Santos was born in 1996 in Aracaju, Brazil. 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. Originally from Sandwich, Deacon Laird is the son of David and Kathleen Laird. Biography. 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. Refreshments will be served. "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. I have gone into the hospital, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Boston University Catholic Center. To be ordained are Matthew F. Laird, William ODonnell III, Gregory Quenneville, and Laurent M. Valliere. The Churchs treasure is its people: those who come to Mass, volunteer, and are always there for you. He has two brothers. 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. Phone: 508-675-1311 The final diocesan report was submitted to the USCCB on June 30, 2022. 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? Bridgewater State University. If we had not the Sacrament of Orders, we should not have Our Lord. 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. Our Priests also work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, missions and other diocesan offices and special ministries. Prayer is so central to your formation. I cant imagine ever doing anything higher in life., Looking back, theres a lot of people who have influenced my vocation in many ways. What follows is a synthesis of the topics and themes shared in local reports. The Catholic Population of the diocese is roughly 325,000 people, or roughly about 40% of the general population. Obviously we spend most of our time in the classroom studying theology, liturgy, those sorts of things. 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. 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. And I owe that to my mom and dad. Kathleen also works at the parish. Select the "Sign in " tab in the top right corner. 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. 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.