We are always praying for the Lord to send more workers into the vineyard. Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., Journeying Together: With Jesus on the Path of Faith and Hope, Parish Ambassador Guidebook Any final words of advice for someone who is considering a vocation to the priesthood? Recorder Sheets 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. He saw this as a call from God to go into deeper waters. The two Greek words that make up synod aresynmeaning together andhodosmeaning way or journey. Over the summers Brian has served at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Westport and St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral in Fall River. 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. It all starts there. Thiago is entering third theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, NJ. And there was also a kind of peaceful serenity that was so central to who she was. 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. 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. 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. I think continuing to develop youth programs will give kids the opportunity to grow, come together as one, and have genuine community, genuine friendships. His home parish is Christ the King in Mashpee. His home parish is St. Marys Parish in Mansfield. Give it a try! Deacon Matt Laird, 28, is a Sandwich resident, who along with his mom, Kathleen, dad, David and two younger sisters are parishioners of Christ the King Parish in Mashpee. Biography. First, thanks for your contribution of the treasure that you give. 101. What aspect of priesthood are you looking forward to the most? He received his masters in social work from UMass. 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. Im very grateful for that., To the people who give to the Catholic Appeal, particularly for vocations, I would say thanks in many ways. 150m Charlton Memorial Hospital At Southcoast Health. Theres really four pillars. His father is from Angola and his mother is from Sao Miguel in the Acores. 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. We are not priests for what we can get, but for what we can give, he said. Bryan has served at Santo Christo Church in Fall River and this summer at St. Thomas More Parish in Somerst, St. Louis deFrance Parish in Swansea, and St. Patricks Parish in Somerset. Each year, over $500,000 is needed to assist our seminarians with tuition, room and board, health care and other . 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. What hobbies do you enjoy outside your studies and your work at parishes and in the community? Leverage parish ambassadors as leaders in the community to help facilitate regular checkpoints, ensuring feedback and ideas are shared with the pastor. The calling can be a subtle message like the story of Elijah in the Book of Kings, in the cave in silence. He also attended Stonehill College, graduating with a BA in marketing. 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. He was also involved in his high school years at Pope John Paul II High School in Hyannis. I also have been blessed to have some time to catch up with friends and family and am picking up the game of golf. 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. Also my pastor growing up, Monsignor Hoye, served as my spiritual director. 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. ODonnell: Prayer. Behind every seminarian is a large support group; our vocation is the fruit of many people. The Diocese of Fall River Training Hub This online system will help walk you through training requirements for your organization. My time in the seminary has been overwhelmingly positive, he told The Anchor. 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. 149 in- person and virtual sessions were held at churches, local halls, or private homes. She was also a woman of extraordinary sacrifice, living through the Great Depression, World War II, and having six children. The most important thing, when you sense you are being called, is prayer. Diocese of Fall River USA Continent: North America Rite: Roman (Latin) Type: Diocese Name: Fall River / Riverormen (sis) (Latin) Ecclesiastical Province: Boston Depends on: Dicastery for Bishops Churches Bishops Info Special Churches Cathedral: Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, Fall River, Massachusetts All applications for the program of Priestly Formation at Saint John's Seminary go through the candidate's Diocesan Vocation Office. Your gift to the Catholic Appeal helps ensure all our seminarians receive the foundation they need to realize their calling and do Gods work in our parishes, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, missions and other diocesan offices and special ministries. Contributions to the Catholic Appeal may be made as a one-time donation or through monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual pledges. Before he entered the seminary Thiago was a catechist for two years and also served as an altar server. When you see a priest, think of our Lord Jesus Christ. 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. Diocese of Fall River | 264 (na) tagasubaybay sa LinkedIn. Fall River, MA 02720 . Thiago comes a from a very religious family. 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. Their ordination to the transitional diaconate will begin the final leg of their journey toward the priesthood. Tom Frechette; I spoke with him the most about getting the call. Thanks for the prayers. 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). This year you can watch a series of Ministry Moments videos featuring individuals reflecting on good works supported by the Catholic Appeal. Inside the priest portal, priests will find various supportive documents, resources, and video's to assist you in your priestly life and ministry. Synod is a greek word (synodos) meaning a meeting or assembly. My goal as a future priest would be to work with them, to listen to them. 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? 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 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. During the upcoming academic year, he will assist at Holy Family Parish in East Taunton on weekends. He is now in his senior year of college seminary. 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. He has an older sister. Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE), Rev. 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. He has one younger brother and one younger sister. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person classrooms shifted to remote learning and our seminarians took up residence at parishes in the diocese. Deacon Laird went to Holy Cross College in Worcester, earning a degree in biology. His family is very close and the Mass and rosary were an important part of their lives. I am very excited for the opportunity to deepen my knowledge of our faith, learn about ministry and continue the formation of my own Spiritual life with the help of such a great institution.. The ordination, during the context of a Mass, was celebrated at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River on June 5, attended by . 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." is the Eighth Bishop of the Fall River Diocese. He is also Ecclesiastical Assistant to Aid to the Church in Need USA, a Papal Missionary of Mercy, a National Eucharistic Preacher for . 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. His faith life was also strengthened when he and his family visited the Vatican and various holy sites in Rome. He also served there in childhood ministry and was a member of the parish youth group. The son of Patty and the late William ODonnell, Jr., he is a parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich. "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. 131m Fall River Vocations Office . 28th annual FACE Fall Dinner is November 2 at Whites of Oistins-Silversands: Inculturation and effective ministry, Holy Cross Family Ministries president expresses thanks to area faithful. I took courses at the Theological Institute in Boston and I prayed about it. 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. Sudhir C. Nayak) of Our Lady of Fatima, St. Joseph-St. Therese, and St. Mary Parishes in New Bedford. A list of suggested prayers can be found, Heaven Speaks the Truth About the Priesthood. The priesthood is the love of the Heart of Jesus. Within the area the Catholic population numbers over 350,000 persons. 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. He is a parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish in West Harwich. 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. Jack M. Schrader, Assistant Director of Vocations. Copyright 2023 CFSEMA. Share copies of the diocesan and local- level reports publicly and in their entirety to their respective communities. John Garabedian was raised in Mansfield, and is a parishioner of St. Marys Parish there with his mother, Claire, father John, and two sisters. 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. After that daCosta attended four years at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Providence, R.I., and also studied at Providence College there. Fall River, MA 02720 Home 2021 News & Press Clergy Retirements, Transfers and Assignments Announced. His family lives Aracaju. is theEighth Bishop ofthe Fall RiverDiocese. ). 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. The Churchs treasure is its people: those who come to Mass, volunteer, and are always there for you. He attended St. Francis Xavier Preparatory School in Hyannis and went on to St. John Paul II High School, also in Hyannis. 558 South Ave, Weston, MA 02493 (781) 899-5500 2021 All Rights Reserved. Originally from Sandwich, Deacon Laird is the son of David and Kathleen Laird. Make a Donation 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 . Gregory A. Mathias, V.F., from Pastor of St. John Neumann Parish in East Freetown, to Pastor of Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Osterville and Our Lady of Victory Parish in Centerville, with residence at Our Lady of Victory Rectory, while remaining Director of Continuing Education and Formation of Clergy. Msgr. 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. Synod is a Greek word ( synodos) meaning a meeting or assembly. Rev. We are an independent, charitable foundation providing long-term, sustainable support for the parishes, schools and life-changing ministries across the Diocese of Fall River. Thomas E. Costa, Jr., from Pastor in solidum (with Very Rev. 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. 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. What excites him most about the priesthood in bringing the sacraments to the mystical Body of Christ. Laird: Dont be afraid to make use of the resources around you. provides counsel to the Pope on matters of faith and morals, and discipline of the Church. Personal . Very Rev. 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. In addition to our studies, we have assignments that bring us into the community and cover all aspects of our lives as Catholics. Shayne Dias is entering his senior year of college seminary. 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.. Our federal tax ID number is 04-2104873. Obviously we spend most of our time in the classroom studying theology, liturgy, those sorts of things. Spend the day. In a recent testimonial about his work in the Office of Vocations, Fr. Again the priest. The years of seminary formation provide the opportunity to come to know Our Lord personally through prayer. 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. 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. Her Catholic faith was deeply important to her. Before his entering seminary, he was a social worker working at the Veterans Administration in Brockton. 132m St Vincent Home . 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. His family, mom, Elizabeth, dad, Donald and two sisters, have been very supportive of his decision to enter seminary. Carmel Parish in New Bedford while remaining Parochial Vicar of Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Parish in New Bedford, with residence at Our Lady of Guadalupe Rectory. They are: Brian Connors, John Garabedian, Chris Hughes and Thiago Menezes Santos. Paul A. Caron, Pastor of St. Pius Tenth Parish in South Yarmouth. Our Priests also work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, missions and other diocesan offices and special ministries. Paul C. Fedak, from Pastor of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton, to Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Vineyard Haven. 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. The takeaways are based solely on input from our faithful and are not intended to represent an officialdiocesan position on any specific topic. He has always shown great zeal for the life of prayer, for the Holy Eucharist and other Sacraments. He holds the Eucharist, Adoration, Confession and a devotion to Our Lady near and dear to his heart. God is the only treasure people desire from us as priests, and we cant give Him unless we have Him with us always.. 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. Hugh J. McCullough, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Wellfleet and St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Provincetown, Rev. Currently, 14 seminarians from the Diocese of Fall River are at different stages of formation as they prepare for the priesthood. And theres also human formation. 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. At the same time, it awakened a calling within him to enter seminary. On May 22, Laird and ODonnell were ordained to the transitional diaconate at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption 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. His parents and his sister have been supportive of his possible priestly vocation. It was the priest. He is entering second theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, New Jersey. 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. ODonnell, 41, grew up in Harwich, Mass., the son of Patty and the late William ODonnell, Jr. 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. His summer days were spent at St. Marys Parish in South Dartmouth. "It is my prayer that we will all open our hearts to the Lenten journey ahead". It is a journey that follows in the wake of the Churchs renewal as proposed by the Second Vatican Council. Resources for the Mission, Secretariat for the New Evangelization Planning Guide & Social/Hospitality Resource. Brian Patrick Connors, son Michael and Janice Connors, is a a parishioner of Holy Family Church in East Taunton. Vocations Director, Fr. 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. Fall Discernment Retreat; Close; Vocations FAQ; Close; Paths to Chaplaincy. 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. 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. For More information, please contact, Asst. 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. 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. Freddie Babiczuk, V.F.) Resources including models for consultations at the regional and parish level will be provided. His father is Sergio Santana Santos and his mother is Laura Teles Menezes Santos. Matthew Gill on bass guitar, Larry Valliere on guitar, and Fr. 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. 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. 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. Before that move, he was a catechist and an altar server in his parish in Brazil. The Diocese of Fall River is blessed with devoted seminarians. ### On June 11, 2021 / 2021 News & Press News Archive He has two brothers. The final diocesan report was submitted to the USCCB on June 30, 2022. 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. A life of faith. 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. Who were some of your biggest influences growing up? John Oliveira, P.A.) We are an independent, charitable foundation providing long-term, sustainable support for the parishes, schools and life-changing ministries across the Diocese of Fall River. E-mail: jkearns@dioc-fr.org, Statistical Overview (as of December 31, 2021), A-Z List of Diocesan Offices & Ministries, Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts/Catholic Appeal, Faith Formation/Secretariat for the New Evangelization, Diocesan Health Facilities (Nursing Homes & Elder Care), Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, FACE Foundation to Advance Catholic Education, Annual Catholic Appeal Supports Vocations Office, Seminarians, www.catholicfoundationsema.org/ministry-moments. Notas do Gravador The one person that really stands out was my grandmother. #FallRiverDiocese Bishop's Blog: A Fatima Honor and Prayers for Our Seminarians - Fall River By reaching out to these men, you can build a strong future. Theres spiritual formation. Valliere, 39, is the son of Laurent and Maureen Valliere, and a parishioner of St. Stanislaus Parish in Fall River. Rev. She was definitely someone who had a deep impact on my life as a child. 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. 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 Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jack Schrader at. John A. Raposo, from Pastor in solidum (with Rev.