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. People I dont even know. Rev. He has always shown great zeal for the life of prayer, for the Holy Eucharist and other Sacraments. With the opening of this Synod in October 2021, Pope Francis has called the entire People of God to journey together. 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. Originally from Sandwich, Deacon Laird is the son of David and Kathleen Laird. 3685. ODonnell: I look forward to administering the sacraments, and I look forward to the people. 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. He was also involved in diocesan retreat programs on the Cape. Jay T. Maddock, V.F., Pastor of Holy Name Parish in Fall River. 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. His home parish is Christ the King in Mashpee. 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. 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.
He also finds strength in helping those marginalized having a better life. The series, which includes Fr. 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. Saint Francis de Sales Seminary | Our Seminarians Our Seminarians The Men of the Salesianum See rollcall videos of our seminarians by diocese. My goal as a future priest would be to work with them, to listen to them. The sense of being called to the priesthood has gown within Brian and became clearer and stronger over the years. Sudhir C. Nayak) of Our Lady of Fatima, St. Joseph-St. Therese, and St. Mary Parishes in New Bedford. Required fields are marked *. This summer was spent at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Acushnet. 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.. I look forward to being available for people to talk, to pray together, and to be there when people come seeking help. Rev. 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. It is not just academic. During the upcoming academic year, he will assist at Holy Family Parish in East Taunton on weekends. 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. Paul C. Fedak, from Pastor of St. Nicholas of Myra Parish in North Dighton, to Pastor of Good Shepherd Parish in Vineyard Haven. His family, mom, Elizabeth, dad, Donald and two sisters, have been very supportive of his decision to enter seminary. Bryan Bangs was born in 1997 and is the son of Robert and Joanne Bangs. He also has helped at a soup kitchen, been a leader in a youth group, and volunteered at a nursing home. Gifts to the annual Catholic Appeal directly. For more information contact the Vocations office at (904) 262-3200, ext. Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. In May 2017, Bryan did briefly enter a religious order, Carmel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Powell Wyoming, but it was discerned he was not being called to religious life in that order. 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. Fall Discernment Retreat; Close; Vocations FAQ; Close; Paths to Chaplaincy. Prayer is so central to your formation. 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. Please contact the Catholic Foundation office at 508-675-1311 with any questions. Im very grateful for that., To the people who give to the Catholic Appeal, particularly for vocations, I would say thanks in many ways. Contributions to the Catholic Appeal may be made as a one-time donation or through monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual pledges. Fr. In his 20s he entered the Catholic faith, receiving the Sacraments of Initiation. 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. In the fall, they will begin their final year of studies at St. Johns Seminary in Brighton. When you see a priest, think of our Lord Jesus Christ. 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. 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, Overview of Demographics from the Diocesan Phase of the Synod, RESOURCES TO FOLLOW UP THE SYNOD PARISH PHASE, The entire Catholic Church is called to participate in this Synod of Bishops! 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. 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. Bryan is a very active member of Corpus Christi Church in East Sandwich, MA and has been greatly supported by others. He has two younger brothers and a younger sister Anna. 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. Guia do Facilitador ODonnell: I enjoy cycling, and also boating with my family and fishing. With the opening of this Synod in October 2021, Pope Francis has called the entire People of God to journey together. 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. John M. Murray, from Pastor of St. Ann Parish in Raynham, to Pastor of St. Mary-Our Lady of the Isle Parish in Nantucket. 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. "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. 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. Accept the answer. In his 20s Brian underwent a conversion and in 2015 received the sacraments of initiation. 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. He has an older sister and younger sister. The Catholic Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts What is the Foundation? There are approximately 100 Diocesan Priests serving in 82 parishes throughout the Diocese. Click the button below to see the daily priest intention. It is a journey that follows in the wake of the Churchs renewal as proposed by the Second Vatican Council. Brian Connors comes from a family of his mom, Janice, dad, Michael, and two brothers. 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. Vicar General; Advancement; Chancellor; Child and Youth Protection; Father Capodanno Cause; Finance and . Under the auspices of the Bishop, the Office of Clergy Support serves a key role in supporting the priests of the Diocese of Fall River. Laird: I first heard the call in high school, but it was really when I attended college and met others who were having similar experiences, a vocation to the priesthood became a real option for me. I took courses at the Theological Institute in Boston and I prayed about it. 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. 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. 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. John is entering third theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, NJ. 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. 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. Rev. Thiago comes a from a very religious family. 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. Phone: 508-675-1311
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. He also served in the childhood missionary and was a member of the parish youth group. Deacon Quenneville attended Attleboro High School and went on to Massasoit Community College in Brockton, earning a degree in psychology. Over the years different people would encourage him to think about a calling to the priesthood. John Garabedian was raised in Mansfield, and is a parishioner of St. Marys Parish there with his mother, Claire, father John, and two sisters. Gifts to the annual Catholic Appeal directly support these men, through the Diocese of Fall River Office of Vocations. Support for seminarian education is critical to ensure that we have priests to support our Diocese and all ministries into the future. The last four years he has been at Our Lady of Providence Seminary and studying at Providence College. 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. God is forming my heart and increasing my joy and desire to become a priest despite the ups and downs of daily life. My biggest influence was Fr. 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. To pray for and promote priestly vocations in individuals parishes, starting a "Parish Vocation Team" is a great a to accomplish this task. is theEighth Bishop ofthe Fall RiverDiocese. Before his entering seminary, he was a social worker working at the Veterans Administration in Brockton. 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. 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. His home parish is St. Marys Parish in Mansfield. Rev. 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. Our diocese is blessed with devoted seminarians who are at different stages of formation on their journey to the priesthood. The vocation to holiness means putting into practice, in ones own daily life, the example and teaching of Jesus Christ. If you have done training in the past and set up an account, please use that same username and password. And a life of joy., Ive been very blessed to be able to play baseball while at Bridgewater State University. Obviously we spend most of our time in the classroom studying theology, liturgy, those sorts of things. 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 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. I am very excited to start at St. Johns Seminary in the fall, where I will be studying Theology. 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 . He also served there in childhood ministry and was a member of the parish youth group. 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. Who nourishes it, to give it strength to make its pilgrimage? His father is Sergio Santana Santos and his mother is Laura Teles Menezes Santos. A life of faith. 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. Support for seminarian education is critical to ensure that we have priests to support our Diocese and all ministries into the future. 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. Contributions to the Catholic Appeal may be made either through a one-time donation or through monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual pledges. 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. 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. Thomas E. Costa, Jr., from Pastor in solidum (with Very Rev. The Diocese of Fall River Training Hub This online system will help walk you through training requirements for your organization. This included Matthew Laird and William ODonnell, III. As he prays about the vocation to the priesthood, he is comforted especially with the thought of providing people with the Eucharist. Synodality and the synodal process are not a gathering or meeting of bishops, nor are they the administrative arm of the Church. We invite you to prayerfully consider getting involved in the important work of supporting our priests in the Diocese of Fall River! Matthew F. Laird, William O'Donnell III, Gregory Quenneville, and Laurent M. Valliere, now as deacons, will be able to assist the priest at Mass and be an ordinary minister of . It is this aspect that is most important in preparing to serve the Church as a priest and is what I have been most grateful for as a seminarian. Richard D. Wilson, J.C.L., from Pastor of Holy Family Parish in East Taunton, to Pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Our Lady of Guadalupe at St. James Parishes in New Bedford, with residence at Our Lady of Mt. Just as all are redeemed, so all are called. The most important thing, when you sense you are being called, is prayer. Rev. The Catholic Population of the diocese is roughly 325,000 people, or roughly about 40% of the general population. A list of suggested prayers can be found, Heaven Speaks the Truth About the Priesthood. Within the area the Catholic population numbers over 350,000 persons. The priest. He has an older sister. 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. 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. His family is very close and the Mass and rosary were an important part of their lives. Along with Gregory Quenneville and Laurent Valliere, they have begun the final leg of their journey toward ordination to the priesthood next year. He also twice participated in the Quo Vadis Days retreat sponsored annually by the diocesan Vocation Office. He is the son of Donald and Elizabeth Quenneville. 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. Frechette was a big influence on me, too, like he was for Bill. 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. Four of the diocesan seminarians are entering third Theology at Immaculate Conception Seminary in South Orange, N.J. Also my pastor growing up, Monsignor Hoye, served as my spiritual director. 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. 149m Russian Space Station. 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. Our federal tax ID number is 04-2104873. Share. His father is from Angola and his mother is from Sao Miguel in the Acores. Kevin A. Cook, Director of Vocations and Rev. Watch the following videos to get to know our future priests. I also have been blessed to have some time to catch up with friends and family and am picking up the game of golf. As he discerns a vocation to the priesthood, Dias said in his biography on the diocesan Vocation Office website that he finds strength in helping marginalized people to have a better life, and what excites him most about the thought of becoming a priest is bringing the Sacraments to Gods people. During my four years of minor seminary in Providence, I have been blessed to be around great holy priests who have exemplified the virtues which all priests should live by and who have served as great role models, he told The Anchor. Hugh J. McCullough, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in . Its long-term goal is to reorient the local Church toward an inherent synodal attitude in decision-making processes through communion, participation, and mission. Always active in his parish, daCosta had a strong yearning to increase his faith life at an early age. 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. And there was also a kind of peaceful serenity that was so central to who she was. 146m Charlton Memorial Hospital Hospital. He graduated from Harwich High School in 1996 and received a bachelors degree in marketing from Stonehill College in Easton in 2000. Phone: 508-675-1311
My time in the seminary has been overwhelmingly positive, he told The Anchor. After that daCosta attended four years at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Providence, R.I., and also studied at Providence College there. At the same time, it awakened a calling within him to enter seminary. 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. Who will prepare it to appear before God, by washing that soul, for the last time, in the blood of Jesus Christ? 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. David Frederici, Vicar General, as our Synod contact person, along with an ad hoc planning committee. Resources including models for consultations at the regional and parish level will be provided. I did ECHO in high school and was also active in Campus Ministry. Very Rev. He lives in Westport with his father Victor, mother, Dina and a sister. 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. (In a similar way) a priest reaches out to the lost sheep in his community., Gregory Quenneville, St. Johns Seminary, Brighton, MA (St. Theresa of the Child Jesus Parish, South Attleboro), The aspect of the priesthood Im most looking forward to is the celebration of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. 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. Fall River, MA 02720
As he grew closer to the Lord so did the sense of being called by the Lord to be a priest. Led by Rev. For more information about admissions to the Priestly Formation Program, click below AdmissionsPriestly Formation 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. By reaching out to these men, you can build a strong future. Deacon Laird went to Holy Cross College in Worcester, earning a degree in biology. We need people to affirm our calling. 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. The breakdown of local synod consultations, as reported to the diocese, is as follows: There were various joys, challenges, and needs shared by parishes and Catholic communities. Very Rev. Show More . Rev. The first reading at the Mass, from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah, symbolized the profound importance of a vocation to the priesthood: Before I formed you in the womb I knewyou, before you were born I dedicated you; a prophet to the nations I appoint you., Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., who was celebrant at the ordination Mass, spoke directly to Booth and Scheffer throughout his sermon about the gifts of lifelong prayer and service. diocese of joliet priest assignments 2022. dennistoun, glasgow rent . Behind every seminarian is a large support group; our vocation is the fruit of many people. Bridgewater State University. 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. Select the "Sign in " tab in the top right corner. 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). You cannot recall one single blessing from God without finding, side by side with this recollection, the image of the priest.". Rev. 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. 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 lessons have you learned in the seminary that have most resonated with you? 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. To be ordained are Matthew F. Laird, William ODonnell III, Gregory Quenneville, and Laurent M. Valliere. Please contact the Catholic Foundation office at 508-675-1311 with any questions. Patrick Fiorillo of the Archdiocese of Boston on drums. Brian Connors comes from a family of his mom, Janice, dad, Michael, and two brothers. . Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D. Notas de la Grabadora To be ordained are Matthew F. Laird, William O'Donnell III, Gregory Quenneville, and Laurent M. [] This year you can watch a series of Ministry Moments videos featuring individuals reflecting on good works supported by the Catholic Appeal. On Saturday, May 22, 2021, I was blessed to ordain four men to the Transitional Diaconate at St. Mary's Cathedral in Fall River. John played baseball for Bridgewater State University which also taught him teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. 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. He is still involved with the program. In 2018 he started his theological studies in that same seminary, and everything was very well. I have seen the most selfless people praying for us. I look forward to this upcoming semester, particularly Candidacy and, God-willing, ordination to the diaconate next spring.. The Diocese of Fall River is blessed with devoted seminarians. World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life. The Ordination on Saturday will be livestreamed on the Fall River Diocesan Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fallriverdiocese. 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. The Catholic Population of the diocese is roughly 325,000 people, or roughly about 40% of the general population. Synod is a Greek word (synodos) meaning a meeting or assembly. Gua de Facilitadores Holy Hours for Vocations: In addition to our studies, we have assignments that bring us into the community and cover all aspects of our lives as Catholics. I will continue this assignment throughout the coming academic year. After high school he spent a year in Portugal to work on his ability to speak Portuguese. He also has attended different retreats and helped as well in giving witness to the faith to others. I think continuing to develop youth programs will give kids the opportunity to grow, come together as one, and have genuine community, genuine friendships. in 1999. . The one person that really stands out was my grandmother.