Harvard task force uncovers widespread antisemitism, urges sweeping institutional reform.

Harvard’s antisemitism task force reveals a pervasive climate of hostility toward Jewish and Israeli students, driven by politicized instruction and rising intolerance.

Elad Benari

2 minutes

Apr 30, 2025 at 4:14 AM (GMT+3)

Harvard University

iStock

Harvard University on Tuesday released two major reports detailing a deeply troubling climate of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment on its campus.

Compiled by twin task forces charged with addressing bias against Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian affiliates, the reports expose a fractured academic environment where Jewish students increasingly feel marginalized, threatened, and silenced, according to The Harvard Crimson.

The task forces, convened by President Alan Garber in early 2024 in the wake of Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel and the war in Gaza, conducted surveys and listening sessions involving thousands of students, staff, and faculty.

Their findings reveal a campus culture marked by fear, polarization, and growing intolerance — particularly toward Jewish and Israeli voices.

Among the most alarming findings: over a quarter of Jewish students reported feeling physically unsafe at Harvard, and 61 percent said they feared professional or academic consequences for expressing their views — a fear heightened by what the task force labeled a shift toward increasingly aggressive, uncompromising pro-Palestinian activism.

“Some students reported being pushed by their peers to the periphery of campus life because of who they are or what they believe,” wrote Garber in a statement accompanying the reports. He called the testimonies “searing” and issued a formal apology to those the University had let down.

The antisemitism-focused report attributed the deteriorating climate to the radicalization of campus discourse around the Israel-Palestinian Arab conflict and the proliferation of “politicized instruction.”

It cited several courses at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and School of Public Health that allegedly presented one-sided, factually questionable narratives about Israel, sometimes minimizing Jewish historical claims or casting Israeli Jews as colonial occupiers.

The report also highlighted an incident in which a Jewish student was barred from speaking at a conference about Holocaust survivors — an event allegedly dismissed by organizers as “not tasteful,” despite lacking any political content. Another case involved a panelist appearing to ignore a student’s question after recognizing their Jewish first name.

Task force members flagged numerous course materials that they said advanced antisemitic stereotypes or falsely portrayed Israeli military actions. In some cases, these materials were later quietly removed from syllabi.

The report also criticized the University’s failure to adequately supervise programs that disseminate biased content, recommending that schools face consequences for failing to uphold academic integrity and viewpoint diversity. It called for instructors to be evaluated not only on scholarly merit but on their demonstrated ability to foster inclusive, pluralistic classrooms.

“Too often, Jewish students found themselves socially isolated and accused of supporting genocide simply because of their nationality,” the report noted, urging reforms to the admissions process that would prioritize candidates capable of respectfully engaging across political and cultural divides.

Among its dozens of recommendations, the antisemitism task force called for the creation of a dedicated academic center focused on Jewish history and antisemitism, new faculty hires through a “cluster hire” model, and the prohibition of masks at protests to discourage intimidation.

Meanwhile, a parallel report addressing anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian Arab bias pointed to incidents of doxxing, harassment, and verbal abuse targeting students associated with pro-Palestinian Arab causes.

The reports come as Harvard faces continued scrutiny over its handling of antisemitism on campus.

PLEASE do not put my photos on weheartit

I just want to feel alive

I won't be looking down

Lights - Face Up

I've been pretty stressed out about applying to the art academy, the introductory morning is Wednesday, which is part of the admission process, and I need to have all the assignments done. I'm just kinda afraid....

Apply online and know more about Admission Process, Fee Structure, Documents Required for admission in Heritage International xperiential learning School

Register Now With Our Official Website

Pie de foto: Muchos de los niños y niñas gravemente heridos son transportados en ambulancia directamente del aeropuerto a los hospitales. Otros son llevados en autobús hasta Peace Village en Oberhausen, donde permanecen hasta que son dados de alta.

Caption: While many of the seriously injured children are transported directly from the airport to the hospitals by ambulance, others are taken by bus to the children’s village in Oberhausen where they stay until completion of the hospital admissions process.

©Toby Binder (Tercer finalista XX edición/Third finalist 20th edition).

Serie/Series: "Peace Village and its children"/"Niños y niñas de Peace Village".

Esta serie de 10 imágenes muestra el momento de la llegada a Alemania de menores que provienen de países en guerra o en crisis para ser tratados en centros sanitarios europeos. Llegan de la mano de la organización ciudadana Peace Village, que desde 1967 se dedica a dar apoyo a las víctimas más inocentes de todo conflicto.

This series shows the arrival to Germany of minors from war torn countries to be treated in Europe. The children are brought in with the support of Peace Villages, an organisation supporting young victims of conflict since 1967.

Taken at the Hendrick Motorsports in Charlotte, North Carolina. Shop is open to the public with no charge for admission. Processed with Photomatix Pro 5.0.

Taken at the Hendrick Motorsports Shop in Charlette, North Carolina. Shop is open to the public with no charge for admission. Processed with Photomatix Pro 5.0.

USMA Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Darryl L. Williams, Col. Col. Deborah McDonald, Director of Admissions, Command Sgt. Maj. Jack Love, USMA Senior Enlisted Leader and cadet from the local area speak with candidates at a West Point Admissions brief before the Army vs. University of Texas at San Antonio football game. They answered questions about the admissions process, cadet life and serving in the U.S. Army.

Taken at the Hendrick Motorsports Museum in Charlette, North Carolina. Museum is open to the public with no charge for admission. Processed with Photomatix Pro 5.0. This Chevrolet is Terry LaBonte's Tribute Chevrolet which he ran on Sept. 18, 2006 at the Texas Motor Speedway.

Boston, MA (September 20, 2014) -- Cardinal Seán O’Malley ordained thirteen men to the Order of Deacon at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

Photos by George Martell - Boston Catholic Development Services.

Cardinal Seán said, “Through the grace of God, these thirteen men of faith have been called to serve the Church as deacons. Each brings his unique gifts to their ministry and we welcome them as brothers in Christ. We are grateful to their loved ones, especially their wives and families, for their love, support and encouragement as our new deacons have prepared themselves for this lifelong commitment to the Church.”

Deacon Dan Burns, Director of Permanent Diaconate Formation, said, “Representing the diversity of the Archdiocese this class includes four candidates from the Hispanic community, one from the Brazilian community, and one from the Vietnamese community. The richness of the cultural and spiritual lives of these men and their families will bring great gifts to our parish collaboratives in the days and years ahead.”

Francis Burke

burke_couple.jpg

Francis Burke and his wife of 27 years, Joanne, are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria parish in Westford. The Burke’s have two children, Laura and David (DJ). Fran recently retired from a career in high tech and is currently pursuing degree in Theology at the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization and also a certificate in Spiritual Direction and Retreat Leadership at Creighton University. Fran Burke and Joanne have worked with the ACTS Retreat group at St. Catherine’s for the last 6 years. Fran was called to the diaconate by the opportunity to serve others. Fran hopes to continue his ministry focused on serving the poor and homeless. Fran will be assigned to St. Mary Parish in Chelmsford and to the Diaconate Formation Office following ordination.

Michael Curren

curren_couple.jpg

Michael Curren and his wife Paula are members of St. Agnes Parish in Reading, MA. Mike and Paula have three children: Brenna is a teacher in Burlington, Maura is an administrative manager at Children’s Hospital, and Timothy is a Greek Orthodox priest at St. Vasilios Parish in Peabody. Father Timothy is married to Dr. Nijmeh Hodaly Curren of Beit Jala, Palestine. Mike started his secular career as a social worker and currently works in non-profit administration as a Senior Vice President for the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund in Wellesley. Mike spent time at the Carmelite Junior Seminary in Hamilton, MA and the Carmelite Seminary at Marquette University before discerning that he was called to marriage and family life. Mike continued to be drawn to a life of service in the Church through parish ministries and leadership, eventually being called to consider the diaconate as a vocation through the encouragement and inspiration of many priests and deacons in his life. Mike will serve at St. Augustine Parish in Andover and the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

William C. Dwyer

dwyer_couple.jpg

William C. Dwyer and his wife Jeane currently reside in Merrimack NH and are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Westford. They have three grown children – Patrick and his bride Erin, Timothy and Meghan. Bill’s secular career has been in accounting and finance for both large and small companies. Living his Cursillo weekend was a springboard to a deeper relationship with the Lord. He heard a call to the diaconate during the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and has learned from Fr. Lawrence Porter that “the closer one gets to the God of the Bible, the further he sends you out”. Bill’s hope is to continue being active in prison ministry. Bill will be assigned to St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Westford, St. Anne Parish in Littleton, and to the Pro-Life and Respect Life Office following ordination.

George Escotto

escotto_couple.jpg

George Escotto and his wife Maria are members of St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence. They have been married for 22 years and have been blessed with a daughter, Lesly, who is a student at Northern Essex Community College. George received his call to the diaconate through a personal encounter with God during a Cursillo retreat. George works in a Nursing Home as a custodian where he has the daily opportunity to be the presence of Christ to those who live there: “I feel like I am living a ministry here and seeing Christ in every one of the people who live in the Nursing Home every day.” George will be assigned to St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence and to Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Edward S. Giordano

giordano_couple.jpg

Edward S. Giordano and his wife Carol live in Stoneham and are members of St. Patrick Parish. Carol and Ed have two adult children, Mary and Matthew, and a daughter-in-law Jamie. Ed is the Director of Engineering at C.L. Hauthaway in Lynn. Ed has had wonderful Deacon Mentors at St. Patrick Parish and his first exposure to the Permanent Diaconate was at the Incarnation Parish in Melrose where both of his children were baptized by Permanent Deacons. At the Incarnation Parish Deacon Jack Wise gave Ed his first inspiration of the gift of the vocation and ministry of the Permanent Deacon. Ed feels his four years of academic study and spiritual formation have been a blessing that has allowed him to grown closer to our loving, kind, and merciful Lord, Jesus Christ. Ed hopes that he will serve Jesus and the people of God with that same love and compassion. Following ordination Ed will be assigned to St. Barbara Parish in Woburn and to Campus Ministry Office.

Chuck Hall

hall_couple.jpg

Chuck Hall and his wife Mary live in Rowley and worship at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Ipswich. Chuck has been a sheet metal mechanic, machinist, singer-songwriter, radio personality and software engineer. He continues an active musical life as a song writer and in producing audiobooks, including a reading of Chesterton’s “St. Francis of Assisi.” His most recent audio work was the narration of a documentary film on the life Fr. James Alberione, the founder of the Daughters of St. Paul. Chuck’s faith journey began 1971 with a dramatic encounter with Christ that led him out of the 1960’s counterculture and into evangelical and fundamentalist circles, before becoming a dedicated Reformed Presbyterian. His journey brought him to the Catholic Church in 2006, when he attended his first Mass. He was received into the Catholic Church in 2008. Chuck heard a call to the diaconate as he volunteered in hospitals and led a prayer ministry in his home parish. His parish priest encouraged him to consider a diaconate vocation and he entered formation with the understanding that the Holy Spirit could re-direct his journey at any time. The journey was never re-directed, however, and his calling became clearer as formation progressed. Chuck has been influenced greatly by the writings of G. K. Chesterton and the life and ministry of Pope Saint John Paul II. Shortly after being received into the Church, he lived a Cursillo weekend which also was a strong influence in his life. Chuck will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and to the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

Franklin Mejia

meija_couple.jpg

Franklin Mejia was born and raised in Dominican Republic. Franklin is married to Wendy R. Mejia. They are the proud parents of Gabriel Andres, 10 and Isabella Maria, 7. He and his family are active members of St. Mary of the Annunciation parish in Cambridge. Franklin holds a Political Science degree and has been involved in television production. Franklin came to know Christ as a child thanks to his Grandfather Nicacio Mejia, who introduced him to the spiritual life and the doctrine of the Catholic faith. At a very young age, Franklin was an active member and youth leader of the Salesian Youth Group in his community. Upon arriving to the United States, Franklin worked for the Hispanic Youth Ministry in the Archdiocese of Boston organizing inter-parochial youth sports tournaments, youth leadership formation programs and an evangelization ministry dedicated to visiting the youth in jail. Franklin’s passion for evangelization led him to Catholic Television where he is the host and producer of “Buena Nueva” (The Good News). His desire to evangelize through the media was inspired by Pope John Paul II, who encouraged the Church to use every means of communication to introduce Christ to others. Franklin will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden and to Catholic TV following ordination.

Eric Peabody

peabody_couple.jpg

Eric Peabody and his wife, Renee, live in Haverhill and have been married 20 years. He is a division manager at a national home improvement retailer and Renee is an administrative assistant at St. Basil Salvatorian Center in Methuen. Eric and Renee have two daughters, Haley and Mary. The Peabody Family are currently members of the collaborative of St. Lucy and St. Monica Parishes in Methuen. Eric has served in various liturgical ministries and is a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Eric entered the Church at the age of 16 through RCIA and his great uncle, the late Rev. Dennis T. Nason, encouraged Eric to consider a diaconal vocation. Following ordination Eric will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Haverhill and Office of the Catholic Labor Guild.

Jesus Peña

pena_couple.jpg

Jesus Peña and his wife Margarita are members of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody and have three grown children. Jesus works as a Case Manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Jesus began his vocational journey in April 2009 when, feeling drawn to serve Christ more deeply, he turned to a trusted priest in the community, Fr. Alonso Macias, who suggested the diaconate. Jesus feels blessed by the many men of faith who have served as mentors to him over the past twenty years, including many wonderful priests and deacons. In a special way, Deacon Valentin Rivera and Deacon Antonio Perea were helpful to both Margarita and Jesus. More recently Deacon Leo Martin helped Jesus to understand both the faith and the ministry of the Deacon and to grow spiritually. According to Jesus, “These past four years of formation have been a life changing conversion of the heart through constant prayer, self-emptying, and service. The core of my ministry will be to live the Gospel by surrendering my will to the will of God.” Following ordination Jesus will be serve as a Deacon at the Salem collaborative of Immaculate Conception, St. James, and St. John the Baptist Parishes as well as in the Diaconate Formation Office.

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares

soares_couple.jpg

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares was born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil and married his wife Carla in 1986. Alvaro and Carla are proud parents of three grown children, Alvaro Jr., Ivan, and Natalia. They are members of Holy Family Parish in Lowell and active members of both the Brazilian Apostolate and the Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Boston. Alvaro holds degrees in Economics and Computer Science as well as an MBA. He is fluent in Portuguese and English, and proficient in Spanish. Alvaro is currently working for Kaspersky Labs in Woburn as a Product Support Engineer. Alvaro has worked in many parish ministries and received his call to be a Permanent Deacon through his active participation in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He is currently responsible for the formation program inside of the Brazilian Ethnic Leaders Team and is currently appointed Liaison and Executive Director of the Charismatic Renewal movement in the Archdiocese of Boston. Following ordination Alvaro will be assigned to Holy Family Parish and the Office of Cultural Diversity.

Michael Tomkins

tompkins_couple.jpg

Michael Tomkins and his wife Danni live in Wilmington and are parishioners at Saint Thomas of Villanova with their 5 children Hailey, Lauren, Victoria, Joshua, and Meghan. Michael attended Boston University where he received a degree in Computer Science and is now employed as Chief Technology Officer for a financial software company. Michael first learned about the diaconate at age 13 when he served as an altar server at the Mass of Thanksgiving for a close family friend, Deacon Robert Amerault. Raised in an active Catholic family and educated from elementary through high school at Saint Clements in Medford, the seeds of faith were planted at an early age. He felt God's call to the diaconate in his early twenties but as a newlywed he knew it would be some time before he could respond, so he and Danni kept busy raising their five children and remaining active in their parish. They found their true passion was for youth ministry where they served for over twenty years in numerous parishes throughout the archdiocese. In 1999 Michael and Danni each received the Pro Deo et Juventute award given in recognition of continuous and praiseworthy service to young people. Michael hopes to be a witness to those he serves to help them to grow deeper in answering their own baptismal call. Michael will be assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Dracut and the Office of Faith Formation for Youth and Young Adults following ordination.

Tam Van Tram

tran_couple.jpg

Tam Van Tram and his wifeThom have been married for 39 years, live in Andover, and have two daughters and two grandchildren. They are members of St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish in North Reading and the Vietnamese community at Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden. Tam plays guitar for the Contemporary Music Group and is a member of Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee at St Theresa Parish. Tam also is Chairman of the Finance Council for Sacred Hearts Parish. Tam had a long career in technology and business and now works as an Adjunct Professor at Middlesex Community College teaching Chemistry, Math, and Computer Science. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering and expects to complete his Master’s in Theological Studies Degree (MTS) at St. John Seminary in 2015. Tam was raised as a Buddhist in Vietnam and grew up during in the midst of the devastating war that raged in his homeland through the 1960’s and 1970’s. He converted to Catholicism in 1997. Tam sees the great grace of God’s love in leading him through life to this moment of ordination where he can serve the Church and God’s people. Following ordination Tam will be assigned to St. Theresa Parish in North Reading and to the Campus Ministry Office where he will serve as a Catholic Chaplain at the UMass campus in Boston.

Carlos Simon Valentin

image040.jpg

Carlos Simon Valentin and his wife, Angelica, have been married for 16 years and live in Lynn. They have two children, Nicholas and Angel. Simon and Angelica have been active parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody throughout their married life. Simon is a Draftsman and Auto Cad graduate and is currently employed by Greater Lynn Senior Services as a driver for “ The Ride”, which is part of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Simon is the youngest member of the Class of 2014 and will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and the Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Permanent Diaconate

Prior to this ordination, there are 273 deacons in the Archdiocese of Boston (142 active with the remaining retired, on leave, or serving outside of the diocese). Thirteen (13) men will be ordained on September 20, 2014. The Archdiocese of Boston ordains a class of deacons every year. There are currently 49 men in formation (this includes the 13 about to be ordained). Of these 49, 20 (41%) are from our ethnic communities (10 Hispanic, 4 Brazilian, 2 Haitian, 2 Vietnamese, 1 Iraqi), ages range from 36 – 63, and 48 (98%) are married.

The Archdiocese holds an Inquirer Program each year in October/November for those who feel a possible call to the diaconate vocation. This program provides information to men and their wives about the vocation and ministry of deacons, the formation program, and the admissions process. It also includes a Saturday discernment retreat. The program generally draws 20-30 men each year. Information is available from Deacon Burns at deacondan_burns@rcab.org.

Deacon Burns said, “Because the great majority of Permanent Deacons are married men with families, the formation and inquirer programs strongly involve their wives and focus on the grace and challenge of integrating ordained ministry with the primary vocation of marriage.”

KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan high school students and proctors participate in the National Military Academy of Afghanistan admissions Process for Class of 2015. 4,568 young Afghans applied for 600 positions as well as 10-15 medical slots. The NMAA is a four-year bachelor degree-producing program that will commission new lieutenants annually. Photo by: MC3(AW) Michael James

Boston, MA (September 20, 2014) -- Cardinal Seán O’Malley ordained thirteen men to the Order of Deacon at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

Photos by George Martell - Boston Catholic Development Services.

Cardinal Seán said, “Through the grace of God, these thirteen men of faith have been called to serve the Church as deacons. Each brings his unique gifts to their ministry and we welcome them as brothers in Christ. We are grateful to their loved ones, especially their wives and families, for their love, support and encouragement as our new deacons have prepared themselves for this lifelong commitment to the Church.”

Deacon Dan Burns, Director of Permanent Diaconate Formation, said, “Representing the diversity of the Archdiocese this class includes four candidates from the Hispanic community, one from the Brazilian community, and one from the Vietnamese community. The richness of the cultural and spiritual lives of these men and their families will bring great gifts to our parish collaboratives in the days and years ahead.”

Francis Burke

burke_couple.jpg

Francis Burke and his wife of 27 years, Joanne, are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria parish in Westford. The Burke’s have two children, Laura and David (DJ). Fran recently retired from a career in high tech and is currently pursuing degree in Theology at the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization and also a certificate in Spiritual Direction and Retreat Leadership at Creighton University. Fran Burke and Joanne have worked with the ACTS Retreat group at St. Catherine’s for the last 6 years. Fran was called to the diaconate by the opportunity to serve others. Fran hopes to continue his ministry focused on serving the poor and homeless. Fran will be assigned to St. Mary Parish in Chelmsford and to the Diaconate Formation Office following ordination.

Michael Curren

curren_couple.jpg

Michael Curren and his wife Paula are members of St. Agnes Parish in Reading, MA. Mike and Paula have three children: Brenna is a teacher in Burlington, Maura is an administrative manager at Children’s Hospital, and Timothy is a Greek Orthodox priest at St. Vasilios Parish in Peabody. Father Timothy is married to Dr. Nijmeh Hodaly Curren of Beit Jala, Palestine. Mike started his secular career as a social worker and currently works in non-profit administration as a Senior Vice President for the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund in Wellesley. Mike spent time at the Carmelite Junior Seminary in Hamilton, MA and the Carmelite Seminary at Marquette University before discerning that he was called to marriage and family life. Mike continued to be drawn to a life of service in the Church through parish ministries and leadership, eventually being called to consider the diaconate as a vocation through the encouragement and inspiration of many priests and deacons in his life. Mike will serve at St. Augustine Parish in Andover and the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

William C. Dwyer

dwyer_couple.jpg

William C. Dwyer and his wife Jeane currently reside in Merrimack NH and are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Westford. They have three grown children – Patrick and his bride Erin, Timothy and Meghan. Bill’s secular career has been in accounting and finance for both large and small companies. Living his Cursillo weekend was a springboard to a deeper relationship with the Lord. He heard a call to the diaconate during the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and has learned from Fr. Lawrence Porter that “the closer one gets to the God of the Bible, the further he sends you out”. Bill’s hope is to continue being active in prison ministry. Bill will be assigned to St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Westford, St. Anne Parish in Littleton, and to the Pro-Life and Respect Life Office following ordination.

George Escotto

escotto_couple.jpg

George Escotto and his wife Maria are members of St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence. They have been married for 22 years and have been blessed with a daughter, Lesly, who is a student at Northern Essex Community College. George received his call to the diaconate through a personal encounter with God during a Cursillo retreat. George works in a Nursing Home as a custodian where he has the daily opportunity to be the presence of Christ to those who live there: “I feel like I am living a ministry here and seeing Christ in every one of the people who live in the Nursing Home every day.” George will be assigned to St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence and to Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Edward S. Giordano

giordano_couple.jpg

Edward S. Giordano and his wife Carol live in Stoneham and are members of St. Patrick Parish. Carol and Ed have two adult children, Mary and Matthew, and a daughter-in-law Jamie. Ed is the Director of Engineering at C.L. Hauthaway in Lynn. Ed has had wonderful Deacon Mentors at St. Patrick Parish and his first exposure to the Permanent Diaconate was at the Incarnation Parish in Melrose where both of his children were baptized by Permanent Deacons. At the Incarnation Parish Deacon Jack Wise gave Ed his first inspiration of the gift of the vocation and ministry of the Permanent Deacon. Ed feels his four years of academic study and spiritual formation have been a blessing that has allowed him to grown closer to our loving, kind, and merciful Lord, Jesus Christ. Ed hopes that he will serve Jesus and the people of God with that same love and compassion. Following ordination Ed will be assigned to St. Barbara Parish in Woburn and to Campus Ministry Office.

Chuck Hall

hall_couple.jpg

Chuck Hall and his wife Mary live in Rowley and worship at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Ipswich. Chuck has been a sheet metal mechanic, machinist, singer-songwriter, radio personality and software engineer. He continues an active musical life as a song writer and in producing audiobooks, including a reading of Chesterton’s “St. Francis of Assisi.” His most recent audio work was the narration of a documentary film on the life Fr. James Alberione, the founder of the Daughters of St. Paul. Chuck’s faith journey began 1971 with a dramatic encounter with Christ that led him out of the 1960’s counterculture and into evangelical and fundamentalist circles, before becoming a dedicated Reformed Presbyterian. His journey brought him to the Catholic Church in 2006, when he attended his first Mass. He was received into the Catholic Church in 2008. Chuck heard a call to the diaconate as he volunteered in hospitals and led a prayer ministry in his home parish. His parish priest encouraged him to consider a diaconate vocation and he entered formation with the understanding that the Holy Spirit could re-direct his journey at any time. The journey was never re-directed, however, and his calling became clearer as formation progressed. Chuck has been influenced greatly by the writings of G. K. Chesterton and the life and ministry of Pope Saint John Paul II. Shortly after being received into the Church, he lived a Cursillo weekend which also was a strong influence in his life. Chuck will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and to the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

Franklin Mejia

meija_couple.jpg

Franklin Mejia was born and raised in Dominican Republic. Franklin is married to Wendy R. Mejia. They are the proud parents of Gabriel Andres, 10 and Isabella Maria, 7. He and his family are active members of St. Mary of the Annunciation parish in Cambridge. Franklin holds a Political Science degree and has been involved in television production. Franklin came to know Christ as a child thanks to his Grandfather Nicacio Mejia, who introduced him to the spiritual life and the doctrine of the Catholic faith. At a very young age, Franklin was an active member and youth leader of the Salesian Youth Group in his community. Upon arriving to the United States, Franklin worked for the Hispanic Youth Ministry in the Archdiocese of Boston organizing inter-parochial youth sports tournaments, youth leadership formation programs and an evangelization ministry dedicated to visiting the youth in jail. Franklin’s passion for evangelization led him to Catholic Television where he is the host and producer of “Buena Nueva” (The Good News). His desire to evangelize through the media was inspired by Pope John Paul II, who encouraged the Church to use every means of communication to introduce Christ to others. Franklin will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden and to Catholic TV following ordination.

Eric Peabody

peabody_couple.jpg

Eric Peabody and his wife, Renee, live in Haverhill and have been married 20 years. He is a division manager at a national home improvement retailer and Renee is an administrative assistant at St. Basil Salvatorian Center in Methuen. Eric and Renee have two daughters, Haley and Mary. The Peabody Family are currently members of the collaborative of St. Lucy and St. Monica Parishes in Methuen. Eric has served in various liturgical ministries and is a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Eric entered the Church at the age of 16 through RCIA and his great uncle, the late Rev. Dennis T. Nason, encouraged Eric to consider a diaconal vocation. Following ordination Eric will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Haverhill and Office of the Catholic Labor Guild.

Jesus Peña

pena_couple.jpg

Jesus Peña and his wife Margarita are members of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody and have three grown children. Jesus works as a Case Manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Jesus began his vocational journey in April 2009 when, feeling drawn to serve Christ more deeply, he turned to a trusted priest in the community, Fr. Alonso Macias, who suggested the diaconate. Jesus feels blessed by the many men of faith who have served as mentors to him over the past twenty years, including many wonderful priests and deacons. In a special way, Deacon Valentin Rivera and Deacon Antonio Perea were helpful to both Margarita and Jesus. More recently Deacon Leo Martin helped Jesus to understand both the faith and the ministry of the Deacon and to grow spiritually. According to Jesus, “These past four years of formation have been a life changing conversion of the heart through constant prayer, self-emptying, and service. The core of my ministry will be to live the Gospel by surrendering my will to the will of God.” Following ordination Jesus will be serve as a Deacon at the Salem collaborative of Immaculate Conception, St. James, and St. John the Baptist Parishes as well as in the Diaconate Formation Office.

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares

soares_couple.jpg

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares was born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil and married his wife Carla in 1986. Alvaro and Carla are proud parents of three grown children, Alvaro Jr., Ivan, and Natalia. They are members of Holy Family Parish in Lowell and active members of both the Brazilian Apostolate and the Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Boston. Alvaro holds degrees in Economics and Computer Science as well as an MBA. He is fluent in Portuguese and English, and proficient in Spanish. Alvaro is currently working for Kaspersky Labs in Woburn as a Product Support Engineer. Alvaro has worked in many parish ministries and received his call to be a Permanent Deacon through his active participation in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He is currently responsible for the formation program inside of the Brazilian Ethnic Leaders Team and is currently appointed Liaison and Executive Director of the Charismatic Renewal movement in the Archdiocese of Boston. Following ordination Alvaro will be assigned to Holy Family Parish and the Office of Cultural Diversity.

Michael Tomkins

tompkins_couple.jpg

Michael Tomkins and his wife Danni live in Wilmington and are parishioners at Saint Thomas of Villanova with their 5 children Hailey, Lauren, Victoria, Joshua, and Meghan. Michael attended Boston University where he received a degree in Computer Science and is now employed as Chief Technology Officer for a financial software company. Michael first learned about the diaconate at age 13 when he served as an altar server at the Mass of Thanksgiving for a close family friend, Deacon Robert Amerault. Raised in an active Catholic family and educated from elementary through high school at Saint Clements in Medford, the seeds of faith were planted at an early age. He felt God's call to the diaconate in his early twenties but as a newlywed he knew it would be some time before he could respond, so he and Danni kept busy raising their five children and remaining active in their parish. They found their true passion was for youth ministry where they served for over twenty years in numerous parishes throughout the archdiocese. In 1999 Michael and Danni each received the Pro Deo et Juventute award given in recognition of continuous and praiseworthy service to young people. Michael hopes to be a witness to those he serves to help them to grow deeper in answering their own baptismal call. Michael will be assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Dracut and the Office of Faith Formation for Youth and Young Adults following ordination.

Tam Van Tram

tran_couple.jpg

Tam Van Tram and his wifeThom have been married for 39 years, live in Andover, and have two daughters and two grandchildren. They are members of St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish in North Reading and the Vietnamese community at Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden. Tam plays guitar for the Contemporary Music Group and is a member of Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee at St Theresa Parish. Tam also is Chairman of the Finance Council for Sacred Hearts Parish. Tam had a long career in technology and business and now works as an Adjunct Professor at Middlesex Community College teaching Chemistry, Math, and Computer Science. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering and expects to complete his Master’s in Theological Studies Degree (MTS) at St. John Seminary in 2015. Tam was raised as a Buddhist in Vietnam and grew up during in the midst of the devastating war that raged in his homeland through the 1960’s and 1970’s. He converted to Catholicism in 1997. Tam sees the great grace of God’s love in leading him through life to this moment of ordination where he can serve the Church and God’s people. Following ordination Tam will be assigned to St. Theresa Parish in North Reading and to the Campus Ministry Office where he will serve as a Catholic Chaplain at the UMass campus in Boston.

Carlos Simon Valentin

image040.jpg

Carlos Simon Valentin and his wife, Angelica, have been married for 16 years and live in Lynn. They have two children, Nicholas and Angel. Simon and Angelica have been active parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody throughout their married life. Simon is a Draftsman and Auto Cad graduate and is currently employed by Greater Lynn Senior Services as a driver for “ The Ride”, which is part of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Simon is the youngest member of the Class of 2014 and will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and the Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Permanent Diaconate

Prior to this ordination, there are 273 deacons in the Archdiocese of Boston (142 active with the remaining retired, on leave, or serving outside of the diocese). Thirteen (13) men will be ordained on September 20, 2014. The Archdiocese of Boston ordains a class of deacons every year. There are currently 49 men in formation (this includes the 13 about to be ordained). Of these 49, 20 (41%) are from our ethnic communities (10 Hispanic, 4 Brazilian, 2 Haitian, 2 Vietnamese, 1 Iraqi), ages range from 36 – 63, and 48 (98%) are married.

The Archdiocese holds an Inquirer Program each year in October/November for those who feel a possible call to the diaconate vocation. This program provides information to men and their wives about the vocation and ministry of deacons, the formation program, and the admissions process. It also includes a Saturday discernment retreat. The program generally draws 20-30 men each year. Information is available from Deacon Burns at deacondan_burns@rcab.org.

Deacon Burns said, “Because the great majority of Permanent Deacons are married men with families, the formation and inquirer programs strongly involve their wives and focus on the grace and challenge of integrating ordained ministry with the primary vocation of marriage.”

Boston, MA (September 20, 2014) -- Cardinal Seán O’Malley ordained thirteen men to the Order of Deacon at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

Photos by George Martell - Boston Catholic Development Services.

Cardinal Seán said, “Through the grace of God, these thirteen men of faith have been called to serve the Church as deacons. Each brings his unique gifts to their ministry and we welcome them as brothers in Christ. We are grateful to their loved ones, especially their wives and families, for their love, support and encouragement as our new deacons have prepared themselves for this lifelong commitment to the Church.”

Deacon Dan Burns, Director of Permanent Diaconate Formation, said, “Representing the diversity of the Archdiocese this class includes four candidates from the Hispanic community, one from the Brazilian community, and one from the Vietnamese community. The richness of the cultural and spiritual lives of these men and their families will bring great gifts to our parish collaboratives in the days and years ahead.”

Francis Burke

burke_couple.jpg

Francis Burke and his wife of 27 years, Joanne, are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria parish in Westford. The Burke’s have two children, Laura and David (DJ). Fran recently retired from a career in high tech and is currently pursuing degree in Theology at the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization and also a certificate in Spiritual Direction and Retreat Leadership at Creighton University. Fran Burke and Joanne have worked with the ACTS Retreat group at St. Catherine’s for the last 6 years. Fran was called to the diaconate by the opportunity to serve others. Fran hopes to continue his ministry focused on serving the poor and homeless. Fran will be assigned to St. Mary Parish in Chelmsford and to the Diaconate Formation Office following ordination.

Michael Curren

curren_couple.jpg

Michael Curren and his wife Paula are members of St. Agnes Parish in Reading, MA. Mike and Paula have three children: Brenna is a teacher in Burlington, Maura is an administrative manager at Children’s Hospital, and Timothy is a Greek Orthodox priest at St. Vasilios Parish in Peabody. Father Timothy is married to Dr. Nijmeh Hodaly Curren of Beit Jala, Palestine. Mike started his secular career as a social worker and currently works in non-profit administration as a Senior Vice President for the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund in Wellesley. Mike spent time at the Carmelite Junior Seminary in Hamilton, MA and the Carmelite Seminary at Marquette University before discerning that he was called to marriage and family life. Mike continued to be drawn to a life of service in the Church through parish ministries and leadership, eventually being called to consider the diaconate as a vocation through the encouragement and inspiration of many priests and deacons in his life. Mike will serve at St. Augustine Parish in Andover and the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

William C. Dwyer

dwyer_couple.jpg

William C. Dwyer and his wife Jeane currently reside in Merrimack NH and are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Westford. They have three grown children – Patrick and his bride Erin, Timothy and Meghan. Bill’s secular career has been in accounting and finance for both large and small companies. Living his Cursillo weekend was a springboard to a deeper relationship with the Lord. He heard a call to the diaconate during the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and has learned from Fr. Lawrence Porter that “the closer one gets to the God of the Bible, the further he sends you out”. Bill’s hope is to continue being active in prison ministry. Bill will be assigned to St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Westford, St. Anne Parish in Littleton, and to the Pro-Life and Respect Life Office following ordination.

George Escotto

escotto_couple.jpg

George Escotto and his wife Maria are members of St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence. They have been married for 22 years and have been blessed with a daughter, Lesly, who is a student at Northern Essex Community College. George received his call to the diaconate through a personal encounter with God during a Cursillo retreat. George works in a Nursing Home as a custodian where he has the daily opportunity to be the presence of Christ to those who live there: “I feel like I am living a ministry here and seeing Christ in every one of the people who live in the Nursing Home every day.” George will be assigned to St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence and to Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Edward S. Giordano

giordano_couple.jpg

Edward S. Giordano and his wife Carol live in Stoneham and are members of St. Patrick Parish. Carol and Ed have two adult children, Mary and Matthew, and a daughter-in-law Jamie. Ed is the Director of Engineering at C.L. Hauthaway in Lynn. Ed has had wonderful Deacon Mentors at St. Patrick Parish and his first exposure to the Permanent Diaconate was at the Incarnation Parish in Melrose where both of his children were baptized by Permanent Deacons. At the Incarnation Parish Deacon Jack Wise gave Ed his first inspiration of the gift of the vocation and ministry of the Permanent Deacon. Ed feels his four years of academic study and spiritual formation have been a blessing that has allowed him to grown closer to our loving, kind, and merciful Lord, Jesus Christ. Ed hopes that he will serve Jesus and the people of God with that same love and compassion. Following ordination Ed will be assigned to St. Barbara Parish in Woburn and to Campus Ministry Office.

Chuck Hall

hall_couple.jpg

Chuck Hall and his wife Mary live in Rowley and worship at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Ipswich. Chuck has been a sheet metal mechanic, machinist, singer-songwriter, radio personality and software engineer. He continues an active musical life as a song writer and in producing audiobooks, including a reading of Chesterton’s “St. Francis of Assisi.” His most recent audio work was the narration of a documentary film on the life Fr. James Alberione, the founder of the Daughters of St. Paul. Chuck’s faith journey began 1971 with a dramatic encounter with Christ that led him out of the 1960’s counterculture and into evangelical and fundamentalist circles, before becoming a dedicated Reformed Presbyterian. His journey brought him to the Catholic Church in 2006, when he attended his first Mass. He was received into the Catholic Church in 2008. Chuck heard a call to the diaconate as he volunteered in hospitals and led a prayer ministry in his home parish. His parish priest encouraged him to consider a diaconate vocation and he entered formation with the understanding that the Holy Spirit could re-direct his journey at any time. The journey was never re-directed, however, and his calling became clearer as formation progressed. Chuck has been influenced greatly by the writings of G. K. Chesterton and the life and ministry of Pope Saint John Paul II. Shortly after being received into the Church, he lived a Cursillo weekend which also was a strong influence in his life. Chuck will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and to the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

Franklin Mejia

meija_couple.jpg

Franklin Mejia was born and raised in Dominican Republic. Franklin is married to Wendy R. Mejia. They are the proud parents of Gabriel Andres, 10 and Isabella Maria, 7. He and his family are active members of St. Mary of the Annunciation parish in Cambridge. Franklin holds a Political Science degree and has been involved in television production. Franklin came to know Christ as a child thanks to his Grandfather Nicacio Mejia, who introduced him to the spiritual life and the doctrine of the Catholic faith. At a very young age, Franklin was an active member and youth leader of the Salesian Youth Group in his community. Upon arriving to the United States, Franklin worked for the Hispanic Youth Ministry in the Archdiocese of Boston organizing inter-parochial youth sports tournaments, youth leadership formation programs and an evangelization ministry dedicated to visiting the youth in jail. Franklin’s passion for evangelization led him to Catholic Television where he is the host and producer of “Buena Nueva” (The Good News). His desire to evangelize through the media was inspired by Pope John Paul II, who encouraged the Church to use every means of communication to introduce Christ to others. Franklin will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden and to Catholic TV following ordination.

Eric Peabody

peabody_couple.jpg

Eric Peabody and his wife, Renee, live in Haverhill and have been married 20 years. He is a division manager at a national home improvement retailer and Renee is an administrative assistant at St. Basil Salvatorian Center in Methuen. Eric and Renee have two daughters, Haley and Mary. The Peabody Family are currently members of the collaborative of St. Lucy and St. Monica Parishes in Methuen. Eric has served in various liturgical ministries and is a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Eric entered the Church at the age of 16 through RCIA and his great uncle, the late Rev. Dennis T. Nason, encouraged Eric to consider a diaconal vocation. Following ordination Eric will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Haverhill and Office of the Catholic Labor Guild.

Jesus Peña

pena_couple.jpg

Jesus Peña and his wife Margarita are members of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody and have three grown children. Jesus works as a Case Manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Jesus began his vocational journey in April 2009 when, feeling drawn to serve Christ more deeply, he turned to a trusted priest in the community, Fr. Alonso Macias, who suggested the diaconate. Jesus feels blessed by the many men of faith who have served as mentors to him over the past twenty years, including many wonderful priests and deacons. In a special way, Deacon Valentin Rivera and Deacon Antonio Perea were helpful to both Margarita and Jesus. More recently Deacon Leo Martin helped Jesus to understand both the faith and the ministry of the Deacon and to grow spiritually. According to Jesus, “These past four years of formation have been a life changing conversion of the heart through constant prayer, self-emptying, and service. The core of my ministry will be to live the Gospel by surrendering my will to the will of God.” Following ordination Jesus will be serve as a Deacon at the Salem collaborative of Immaculate Conception, St. James, and St. John the Baptist Parishes as well as in the Diaconate Formation Office.

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares

soares_couple.jpg

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares was born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil and married his wife Carla in 1986. Alvaro and Carla are proud parents of three grown children, Alvaro Jr., Ivan, and Natalia. They are members of Holy Family Parish in Lowell and active members of both the Brazilian Apostolate and the Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Boston. Alvaro holds degrees in Economics and Computer Science as well as an MBA. He is fluent in Portuguese and English, and proficient in Spanish. Alvaro is currently working for Kaspersky Labs in Woburn as a Product Support Engineer. Alvaro has worked in many parish ministries and received his call to be a Permanent Deacon through his active participation in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He is currently responsible for the formation program inside of the Brazilian Ethnic Leaders Team and is currently appointed Liaison and Executive Director of the Charismatic Renewal movement in the Archdiocese of Boston. Following ordination Alvaro will be assigned to Holy Family Parish and the Office of Cultural Diversity.

Michael Tomkins

tompkins_couple.jpg

Michael Tomkins and his wife Danni live in Wilmington and are parishioners at Saint Thomas of Villanova with their 5 children Hailey, Lauren, Victoria, Joshua, and Meghan. Michael attended Boston University where he received a degree in Computer Science and is now employed as Chief Technology Officer for a financial software company. Michael first learned about the diaconate at age 13 when he served as an altar server at the Mass of Thanksgiving for a close family friend, Deacon Robert Amerault. Raised in an active Catholic family and educated from elementary through high school at Saint Clements in Medford, the seeds of faith were planted at an early age. He felt God's call to the diaconate in his early twenties but as a newlywed he knew it would be some time before he could respond, so he and Danni kept busy raising their five children and remaining active in their parish. They found their true passion was for youth ministry where they served for over twenty years in numerous parishes throughout the archdiocese. In 1999 Michael and Danni each received the Pro Deo et Juventute award given in recognition of continuous and praiseworthy service to young people. Michael hopes to be a witness to those he serves to help them to grow deeper in answering their own baptismal call. Michael will be assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Dracut and the Office of Faith Formation for Youth and Young Adults following ordination.

Tam Van Tram

tran_couple.jpg

Tam Van Tram and his wifeThom have been married for 39 years, live in Andover, and have two daughters and two grandchildren. They are members of St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish in North Reading and the Vietnamese community at Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden. Tam plays guitar for the Contemporary Music Group and is a member of Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee at St Theresa Parish. Tam also is Chairman of the Finance Council for Sacred Hearts Parish. Tam had a long career in technology and business and now works as an Adjunct Professor at Middlesex Community College teaching Chemistry, Math, and Computer Science. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering and expects to complete his Master’s in Theological Studies Degree (MTS) at St. John Seminary in 2015. Tam was raised as a Buddhist in Vietnam and grew up during in the midst of the devastating war that raged in his homeland through the 1960’s and 1970’s. He converted to Catholicism in 1997. Tam sees the great grace of God’s love in leading him through life to this moment of ordination where he can serve the Church and God’s people. Following ordination Tam will be assigned to St. Theresa Parish in North Reading and to the Campus Ministry Office where he will serve as a Catholic Chaplain at the UMass campus in Boston.

Carlos Simon Valentin

image040.jpg

Carlos Simon Valentin and his wife, Angelica, have been married for 16 years and live in Lynn. They have two children, Nicholas and Angel. Simon and Angelica have been active parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody throughout their married life. Simon is a Draftsman and Auto Cad graduate and is currently employed by Greater Lynn Senior Services as a driver for “ The Ride”, which is part of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Simon is the youngest member of the Class of 2014 and will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and the Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Permanent Diaconate

Prior to this ordination, there are 273 deacons in the Archdiocese of Boston (142 active with the remaining retired, on leave, or serving outside of the diocese). Thirteen (13) men will be ordained on September 20, 2014. The Archdiocese of Boston ordains a class of deacons every year. There are currently 49 men in formation (this includes the 13 about to be ordained). Of these 49, 20 (41%) are from our ethnic communities (10 Hispanic, 4 Brazilian, 2 Haitian, 2 Vietnamese, 1 Iraqi), ages range from 36 – 63, and 48 (98%) are married.

The Archdiocese holds an Inquirer Program each year in October/November for those who feel a possible call to the diaconate vocation. This program provides information to men and their wives about the vocation and ministry of deacons, the formation program, and the admissions process. It also includes a Saturday discernment retreat. The program generally draws 20-30 men each year. Information is available from Deacon Burns at deacondan_burns@rcab.org.

Deacon Burns said, “Because the great majority of Permanent Deacons are married men with families, the formation and inquirer programs strongly involve their wives and focus on the grace and challenge of integrating ordained ministry with the primary vocation of marriage.”

Boston, MA (September 20, 2014) -- Cardinal Seán O’Malley ordained thirteen men to the Order of Deacon at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

Photos by George Martell - Boston Catholic Development Services.

Cardinal Seán said, “Through the grace of God, these thirteen men of faith have been called to serve the Church as deacons. Each brings his unique gifts to their ministry and we welcome them as brothers in Christ. We are grateful to their loved ones, especially their wives and families, for their love, support and encouragement as our new deacons have prepared themselves for this lifelong commitment to the Church.”

Deacon Dan Burns, Director of Permanent Diaconate Formation, said, “Representing the diversity of the Archdiocese this class includes four candidates from the Hispanic community, one from the Brazilian community, and one from the Vietnamese community. The richness of the cultural and spiritual lives of these men and their families will bring great gifts to our parish collaboratives in the days and years ahead.”

Francis Burke

burke_couple.jpg

Francis Burke and his wife of 27 years, Joanne, are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria parish in Westford. The Burke’s have two children, Laura and David (DJ). Fran recently retired from a career in high tech and is currently pursuing degree in Theology at the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization and also a certificate in Spiritual Direction and Retreat Leadership at Creighton University. Fran Burke and Joanne have worked with the ACTS Retreat group at St. Catherine’s for the last 6 years. Fran was called to the diaconate by the opportunity to serve others. Fran hopes to continue his ministry focused on serving the poor and homeless. Fran will be assigned to St. Mary Parish in Chelmsford and to the Diaconate Formation Office following ordination.

Michael Curren

curren_couple.jpg

Michael Curren and his wife Paula are members of St. Agnes Parish in Reading, MA. Mike and Paula have three children: Brenna is a teacher in Burlington, Maura is an administrative manager at Children’s Hospital, and Timothy is a Greek Orthodox priest at St. Vasilios Parish in Peabody. Father Timothy is married to Dr. Nijmeh Hodaly Curren of Beit Jala, Palestine. Mike started his secular career as a social worker and currently works in non-profit administration as a Senior Vice President for the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund in Wellesley. Mike spent time at the Carmelite Junior Seminary in Hamilton, MA and the Carmelite Seminary at Marquette University before discerning that he was called to marriage and family life. Mike continued to be drawn to a life of service in the Church through parish ministries and leadership, eventually being called to consider the diaconate as a vocation through the encouragement and inspiration of many priests and deacons in his life. Mike will serve at St. Augustine Parish in Andover and the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

William C. Dwyer

dwyer_couple.jpg

William C. Dwyer and his wife Jeane currently reside in Merrimack NH and are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Westford. They have three grown children – Patrick and his bride Erin, Timothy and Meghan. Bill’s secular career has been in accounting and finance for both large and small companies. Living his Cursillo weekend was a springboard to a deeper relationship with the Lord. He heard a call to the diaconate during the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and has learned from Fr. Lawrence Porter that “the closer one gets to the God of the Bible, the further he sends you out”. Bill’s hope is to continue being active in prison ministry. Bill will be assigned to St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Westford, St. Anne Parish in Littleton, and to the Pro-Life and Respect Life Office following ordination.

George Escotto

escotto_couple.jpg

George Escotto and his wife Maria are members of St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence. They have been married for 22 years and have been blessed with a daughter, Lesly, who is a student at Northern Essex Community College. George received his call to the diaconate through a personal encounter with God during a Cursillo retreat. George works in a Nursing Home as a custodian where he has the daily opportunity to be the presence of Christ to those who live there: “I feel like I am living a ministry here and seeing Christ in every one of the people who live in the Nursing Home every day.” George will be assigned to St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence and to Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Edward S. Giordano

giordano_couple.jpg

Edward S. Giordano and his wife Carol live in Stoneham and are members of St. Patrick Parish. Carol and Ed have two adult children, Mary and Matthew, and a daughter-in-law Jamie. Ed is the Director of Engineering at C.L. Hauthaway in Lynn. Ed has had wonderful Deacon Mentors at St. Patrick Parish and his first exposure to the Permanent Diaconate was at the Incarnation Parish in Melrose where both of his children were baptized by Permanent Deacons. At the Incarnation Parish Deacon Jack Wise gave Ed his first inspiration of the gift of the vocation and ministry of the Permanent Deacon. Ed feels his four years of academic study and spiritual formation have been a blessing that has allowed him to grown closer to our loving, kind, and merciful Lord, Jesus Christ. Ed hopes that he will serve Jesus and the people of God with that same love and compassion. Following ordination Ed will be assigned to St. Barbara Parish in Woburn and to Campus Ministry Office.

Chuck Hall

hall_couple.jpg

Chuck Hall and his wife Mary live in Rowley and worship at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Ipswich. Chuck has been a sheet metal mechanic, machinist, singer-songwriter, radio personality and software engineer. He continues an active musical life as a song writer and in producing audiobooks, including a reading of Chesterton’s “St. Francis of Assisi.” His most recent audio work was the narration of a documentary film on the life Fr. James Alberione, the founder of the Daughters of St. Paul. Chuck’s faith journey began 1971 with a dramatic encounter with Christ that led him out of the 1960’s counterculture and into evangelical and fundamentalist circles, before becoming a dedicated Reformed Presbyterian. His journey brought him to the Catholic Church in 2006, when he attended his first Mass. He was received into the Catholic Church in 2008. Chuck heard a call to the diaconate as he volunteered in hospitals and led a prayer ministry in his home parish. His parish priest encouraged him to consider a diaconate vocation and he entered formation with the understanding that the Holy Spirit could re-direct his journey at any time. The journey was never re-directed, however, and his calling became clearer as formation progressed. Chuck has been influenced greatly by the writings of G. K. Chesterton and the life and ministry of Pope Saint John Paul II. Shortly after being received into the Church, he lived a Cursillo weekend which also was a strong influence in his life. Chuck will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and to the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

Franklin Mejia

meija_couple.jpg

Franklin Mejia was born and raised in Dominican Republic. Franklin is married to Wendy R. Mejia. They are the proud parents of Gabriel Andres, 10 and Isabella Maria, 7. He and his family are active members of St. Mary of the Annunciation parish in Cambridge. Franklin holds a Political Science degree and has been involved in television production. Franklin came to know Christ as a child thanks to his Grandfather Nicacio Mejia, who introduced him to the spiritual life and the doctrine of the Catholic faith. At a very young age, Franklin was an active member and youth leader of the Salesian Youth Group in his community. Upon arriving to the United States, Franklin worked for the Hispanic Youth Ministry in the Archdiocese of Boston organizing inter-parochial youth sports tournaments, youth leadership formation programs and an evangelization ministry dedicated to visiting the youth in jail. Franklin’s passion for evangelization led him to Catholic Television where he is the host and producer of “Buena Nueva” (The Good News). His desire to evangelize through the media was inspired by Pope John Paul II, who encouraged the Church to use every means of communication to introduce Christ to others. Franklin will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden and to Catholic TV following ordination.

Eric Peabody

peabody_couple.jpg

Eric Peabody and his wife, Renee, live in Haverhill and have been married 20 years. He is a division manager at a national home improvement retailer and Renee is an administrative assistant at St. Basil Salvatorian Center in Methuen. Eric and Renee have two daughters, Haley and Mary. The Peabody Family are currently members of the collaborative of St. Lucy and St. Monica Parishes in Methuen. Eric has served in various liturgical ministries and is a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Eric entered the Church at the age of 16 through RCIA and his great uncle, the late Rev. Dennis T. Nason, encouraged Eric to consider a diaconal vocation. Following ordination Eric will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Haverhill and Office of the Catholic Labor Guild.

Jesus Peña

pena_couple.jpg

Jesus Peña and his wife Margarita are members of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody and have three grown children. Jesus works as a Case Manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Jesus began his vocational journey in April 2009 when, feeling drawn to serve Christ more deeply, he turned to a trusted priest in the community, Fr. Alonso Macias, who suggested the diaconate. Jesus feels blessed by the many men of faith who have served as mentors to him over the past twenty years, including many wonderful priests and deacons. In a special way, Deacon Valentin Rivera and Deacon Antonio Perea were helpful to both Margarita and Jesus. More recently Deacon Leo Martin helped Jesus to understand both the faith and the ministry of the Deacon and to grow spiritually. According to Jesus, “These past four years of formation have been a life changing conversion of the heart through constant prayer, self-emptying, and service. The core of my ministry will be to live the Gospel by surrendering my will to the will of God.” Following ordination Jesus will be serve as a Deacon at the Salem collaborative of Immaculate Conception, St. James, and St. John the Baptist Parishes as well as in the Diaconate Formation Office.

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares

soares_couple.jpg

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares was born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil and married his wife Carla in 1986. Alvaro and Carla are proud parents of three grown children, Alvaro Jr., Ivan, and Natalia. They are members of Holy Family Parish in Lowell and active members of both the Brazilian Apostolate and the Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Boston. Alvaro holds degrees in Economics and Computer Science as well as an MBA. He is fluent in Portuguese and English, and proficient in Spanish. Alvaro is currently working for Kaspersky Labs in Woburn as a Product Support Engineer. Alvaro has worked in many parish ministries and received his call to be a Permanent Deacon through his active participation in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He is currently responsible for the formation program inside of the Brazilian Ethnic Leaders Team and is currently appointed Liaison and Executive Director of the Charismatic Renewal movement in the Archdiocese of Boston. Following ordination Alvaro will be assigned to Holy Family Parish and the Office of Cultural Diversity.

Michael Tomkins

tompkins_couple.jpg

Michael Tomkins and his wife Danni live in Wilmington and are parishioners at Saint Thomas of Villanova with their 5 children Hailey, Lauren, Victoria, Joshua, and Meghan. Michael attended Boston University where he received a degree in Computer Science and is now employed as Chief Technology Officer for a financial software company. Michael first learned about the diaconate at age 13 when he served as an altar server at the Mass of Thanksgiving for a close family friend, Deacon Robert Amerault. Raised in an active Catholic family and educated from elementary through high school at Saint Clements in Medford, the seeds of faith were planted at an early age. He felt God's call to the diaconate in his early twenties but as a newlywed he knew it would be some time before he could respond, so he and Danni kept busy raising their five children and remaining active in their parish. They found their true passion was for youth ministry where they served for over twenty years in numerous parishes throughout the archdiocese. In 1999 Michael and Danni each received the Pro Deo et Juventute award given in recognition of continuous and praiseworthy service to young people. Michael hopes to be a witness to those he serves to help them to grow deeper in answering their own baptismal call. Michael will be assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Dracut and the Office of Faith Formation for Youth and Young Adults following ordination.

Tam Van Tram

tran_couple.jpg

Tam Van Tram and his wifeThom have been married for 39 years, live in Andover, and have two daughters and two grandchildren. They are members of St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish in North Reading and the Vietnamese community at Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden. Tam plays guitar for the Contemporary Music Group and is a member of Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee at St Theresa Parish. Tam also is Chairman of the Finance Council for Sacred Hearts Parish. Tam had a long career in technology and business and now works as an Adjunct Professor at Middlesex Community College teaching Chemistry, Math, and Computer Science. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering and expects to complete his Master’s in Theological Studies Degree (MTS) at St. John Seminary in 2015. Tam was raised as a Buddhist in Vietnam and grew up during in the midst of the devastating war that raged in his homeland through the 1960’s and 1970’s. He converted to Catholicism in 1997. Tam sees the great grace of God’s love in leading him through life to this moment of ordination where he can serve the Church and God’s people. Following ordination Tam will be assigned to St. Theresa Parish in North Reading and to the Campus Ministry Office where he will serve as a Catholic Chaplain at the UMass campus in Boston.

Carlos Simon Valentin

image040.jpg

Carlos Simon Valentin and his wife, Angelica, have been married for 16 years and live in Lynn. They have two children, Nicholas and Angel. Simon and Angelica have been active parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody throughout their married life. Simon is a Draftsman and Auto Cad graduate and is currently employed by Greater Lynn Senior Services as a driver for “ The Ride”, which is part of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Simon is the youngest member of the Class of 2014 and will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and the Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Permanent Diaconate

Prior to this ordination, there are 273 deacons in the Archdiocese of Boston (142 active with the remaining retired, on leave, or serving outside of the diocese). Thirteen (13) men will be ordained on September 20, 2014. The Archdiocese of Boston ordains a class of deacons every year. There are currently 49 men in formation (this includes the 13 about to be ordained). Of these 49, 20 (41%) are from our ethnic communities (10 Hispanic, 4 Brazilian, 2 Haitian, 2 Vietnamese, 1 Iraqi), ages range from 36 – 63, and 48 (98%) are married.

The Archdiocese holds an Inquirer Program each year in October/November for those who feel a possible call to the diaconate vocation. This program provides information to men and their wives about the vocation and ministry of deacons, the formation program, and the admissions process. It also includes a Saturday discernment retreat. The program generally draws 20-30 men each year. Information is available from Deacon Burns at deacondan_burns@rcab.org.

Deacon Burns said, “Because the great majority of Permanent Deacons are married men with families, the formation and inquirer programs strongly involve their wives and focus on the grace and challenge of integrating ordained ministry with the primary vocation of marriage.”

Boston, MA (September 20, 2014) -- Cardinal Seán O’Malley ordained thirteen men to the Order of Deacon at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

Photos by George Martell - Boston Catholic Development Services.

Cardinal Seán said, “Through the grace of God, these thirteen men of faith have been called to serve the Church as deacons. Each brings his unique gifts to their ministry and we welcome them as brothers in Christ. We are grateful to their loved ones, especially their wives and families, for their love, support and encouragement as our new deacons have prepared themselves for this lifelong commitment to the Church.”

Deacon Dan Burns, Director of Permanent Diaconate Formation, said, “Representing the diversity of the Archdiocese this class includes four candidates from the Hispanic community, one from the Brazilian community, and one from the Vietnamese community. The richness of the cultural and spiritual lives of these men and their families will bring great gifts to our parish collaboratives in the days and years ahead.”

Francis Burke

burke_couple.jpg

Francis Burke and his wife of 27 years, Joanne, are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria parish in Westford. The Burke’s have two children, Laura and David (DJ). Fran recently retired from a career in high tech and is currently pursuing degree in Theology at the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization and also a certificate in Spiritual Direction and Retreat Leadership at Creighton University. Fran Burke and Joanne have worked with the ACTS Retreat group at St. Catherine’s for the last 6 years. Fran was called to the diaconate by the opportunity to serve others. Fran hopes to continue his ministry focused on serving the poor and homeless. Fran will be assigned to St. Mary Parish in Chelmsford and to the Diaconate Formation Office following ordination.

Michael Curren

curren_couple.jpg

Michael Curren and his wife Paula are members of St. Agnes Parish in Reading, MA. Mike and Paula have three children: Brenna is a teacher in Burlington, Maura is an administrative manager at Children’s Hospital, and Timothy is a Greek Orthodox priest at St. Vasilios Parish in Peabody. Father Timothy is married to Dr. Nijmeh Hodaly Curren of Beit Jala, Palestine. Mike started his secular career as a social worker and currently works in non-profit administration as a Senior Vice President for the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund in Wellesley. Mike spent time at the Carmelite Junior Seminary in Hamilton, MA and the Carmelite Seminary at Marquette University before discerning that he was called to marriage and family life. Mike continued to be drawn to a life of service in the Church through parish ministries and leadership, eventually being called to consider the diaconate as a vocation through the encouragement and inspiration of many priests and deacons in his life. Mike will serve at St. Augustine Parish in Andover and the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

William C. Dwyer

dwyer_couple.jpg

William C. Dwyer and his wife Jeane currently reside in Merrimack NH and are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Westford. They have three grown children – Patrick and his bride Erin, Timothy and Meghan. Bill’s secular career has been in accounting and finance for both large and small companies. Living his Cursillo weekend was a springboard to a deeper relationship with the Lord. He heard a call to the diaconate during the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and has learned from Fr. Lawrence Porter that “the closer one gets to the God of the Bible, the further he sends you out”. Bill’s hope is to continue being active in prison ministry. Bill will be assigned to St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Westford, St. Anne Parish in Littleton, and to the Pro-Life and Respect Life Office following ordination.

George Escotto

escotto_couple.jpg

George Escotto and his wife Maria are members of St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence. They have been married for 22 years and have been blessed with a daughter, Lesly, who is a student at Northern Essex Community College. George received his call to the diaconate through a personal encounter with God during a Cursillo retreat. George works in a Nursing Home as a custodian where he has the daily opportunity to be the presence of Christ to those who live there: “I feel like I am living a ministry here and seeing Christ in every one of the people who live in the Nursing Home every day.” George will be assigned to St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence and to Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Edward S. Giordano

giordano_couple.jpg

Edward S. Giordano and his wife Carol live in Stoneham and are members of St. Patrick Parish. Carol and Ed have two adult children, Mary and Matthew, and a daughter-in-law Jamie. Ed is the Director of Engineering at C.L. Hauthaway in Lynn. Ed has had wonderful Deacon Mentors at St. Patrick Parish and his first exposure to the Permanent Diaconate was at the Incarnation Parish in Melrose where both of his children were baptized by Permanent Deacons. At the Incarnation Parish Deacon Jack Wise gave Ed his first inspiration of the gift of the vocation and ministry of the Permanent Deacon. Ed feels his four years of academic study and spiritual formation have been a blessing that has allowed him to grown closer to our loving, kind, and merciful Lord, Jesus Christ. Ed hopes that he will serve Jesus and the people of God with that same love and compassion. Following ordination Ed will be assigned to St. Barbara Parish in Woburn and to Campus Ministry Office.

Chuck Hall

hall_couple.jpg

Chuck Hall and his wife Mary live in Rowley and worship at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Ipswich. Chuck has been a sheet metal mechanic, machinist, singer-songwriter, radio personality and software engineer. He continues an active musical life as a song writer and in producing audiobooks, including a reading of Chesterton’s “St. Francis of Assisi.” His most recent audio work was the narration of a documentary film on the life Fr. James Alberione, the founder of the Daughters of St. Paul. Chuck’s faith journey began 1971 with a dramatic encounter with Christ that led him out of the 1960’s counterculture and into evangelical and fundamentalist circles, before becoming a dedicated Reformed Presbyterian. His journey brought him to the Catholic Church in 2006, when he attended his first Mass. He was received into the Catholic Church in 2008. Chuck heard a call to the diaconate as he volunteered in hospitals and led a prayer ministry in his home parish. His parish priest encouraged him to consider a diaconate vocation and he entered formation with the understanding that the Holy Spirit could re-direct his journey at any time. The journey was never re-directed, however, and his calling became clearer as formation progressed. Chuck has been influenced greatly by the writings of G. K. Chesterton and the life and ministry of Pope Saint John Paul II. Shortly after being received into the Church, he lived a Cursillo weekend which also was a strong influence in his life. Chuck will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and to the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

Franklin Mejia

meija_couple.jpg

Franklin Mejia was born and raised in Dominican Republic. Franklin is married to Wendy R. Mejia. They are the proud parents of Gabriel Andres, 10 and Isabella Maria, 7. He and his family are active members of St. Mary of the Annunciation parish in Cambridge. Franklin holds a Political Science degree and has been involved in television production. Franklin came to know Christ as a child thanks to his Grandfather Nicacio Mejia, who introduced him to the spiritual life and the doctrine of the Catholic faith. At a very young age, Franklin was an active member and youth leader of the Salesian Youth Group in his community. Upon arriving to the United States, Franklin worked for the Hispanic Youth Ministry in the Archdiocese of Boston organizing inter-parochial youth sports tournaments, youth leadership formation programs and an evangelization ministry dedicated to visiting the youth in jail. Franklin’s passion for evangelization led him to Catholic Television where he is the host and producer of “Buena Nueva” (The Good News). His desire to evangelize through the media was inspired by Pope John Paul II, who encouraged the Church to use every means of communication to introduce Christ to others. Franklin will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden and to Catholic TV following ordination.

Eric Peabody

peabody_couple.jpg

Eric Peabody and his wife, Renee, live in Haverhill and have been married 20 years. He is a division manager at a national home improvement retailer and Renee is an administrative assistant at St. Basil Salvatorian Center in Methuen. Eric and Renee have two daughters, Haley and Mary. The Peabody Family are currently members of the collaborative of St. Lucy and St. Monica Parishes in Methuen. Eric has served in various liturgical ministries and is a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Eric entered the Church at the age of 16 through RCIA and his great uncle, the late Rev. Dennis T. Nason, encouraged Eric to consider a diaconal vocation. Following ordination Eric will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Haverhill and Office of the Catholic Labor Guild.

Jesus Peña

pena_couple.jpg

Jesus Peña and his wife Margarita are members of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody and have three grown children. Jesus works as a Case Manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Jesus began his vocational journey in April 2009 when, feeling drawn to serve Christ more deeply, he turned to a trusted priest in the community, Fr. Alonso Macias, who suggested the diaconate. Jesus feels blessed by the many men of faith who have served as mentors to him over the past twenty years, including many wonderful priests and deacons. In a special way, Deacon Valentin Rivera and Deacon Antonio Perea were helpful to both Margarita and Jesus. More recently Deacon Leo Martin helped Jesus to understand both the faith and the ministry of the Deacon and to grow spiritually. According to Jesus, “These past four years of formation have been a life changing conversion of the heart through constant prayer, self-emptying, and service. The core of my ministry will be to live the Gospel by surrendering my will to the will of God.” Following ordination Jesus will be serve as a Deacon at the Salem collaborative of Immaculate Conception, St. James, and St. John the Baptist Parishes as well as in the Diaconate Formation Office.

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares

soares_couple.jpg

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares was born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil and married his wife Carla in 1986. Alvaro and Carla are proud parents of three grown children, Alvaro Jr., Ivan, and Natalia. They are members of Holy Family Parish in Lowell and active members of both the Brazilian Apostolate and the Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Boston. Alvaro holds degrees in Economics and Computer Science as well as an MBA. He is fluent in Portuguese and English, and proficient in Spanish. Alvaro is currently working for Kaspersky Labs in Woburn as a Product Support Engineer. Alvaro has worked in many parish ministries and received his call to be a Permanent Deacon through his active participation in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He is currently responsible for the formation program inside of the Brazilian Ethnic Leaders Team and is currently appointed Liaison and Executive Director of the Charismatic Renewal movement in the Archdiocese of Boston. Following ordination Alvaro will be assigned to Holy Family Parish and the Office of Cultural Diversity.

Michael Tomkins

tompkins_couple.jpg

Michael Tomkins and his wife Danni live in Wilmington and are parishioners at Saint Thomas of Villanova with their 5 children Hailey, Lauren, Victoria, Joshua, and Meghan. Michael attended Boston University where he received a degree in Computer Science and is now employed as Chief Technology Officer for a financial software company. Michael first learned about the diaconate at age 13 when he served as an altar server at the Mass of Thanksgiving for a close family friend, Deacon Robert Amerault. Raised in an active Catholic family and educated from elementary through high school at Saint Clements in Medford, the seeds of faith were planted at an early age. He felt God's call to the diaconate in his early twenties but as a newlywed he knew it would be some time before he could respond, so he and Danni kept busy raising their five children and remaining active in their parish. They found their true passion was for youth ministry where they served for over twenty years in numerous parishes throughout the archdiocese. In 1999 Michael and Danni each received the Pro Deo et Juventute award given in recognition of continuous and praiseworthy service to young people. Michael hopes to be a witness to those he serves to help them to grow deeper in answering their own baptismal call. Michael will be assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Dracut and the Office of Faith Formation for Youth and Young Adults following ordination.

Tam Van Tram

tran_couple.jpg

Tam Van Tram and his wifeThom have been married for 39 years, live in Andover, and have two daughters and two grandchildren. They are members of St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish in North Reading and the Vietnamese community at Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden. Tam plays guitar for the Contemporary Music Group and is a member of Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee at St Theresa Parish. Tam also is Chairman of the Finance Council for Sacred Hearts Parish. Tam had a long career in technology and business and now works as an Adjunct Professor at Middlesex Community College teaching Chemistry, Math, and Computer Science. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering and expects to complete his Master’s in Theological Studies Degree (MTS) at St. John Seminary in 2015. Tam was raised as a Buddhist in Vietnam and grew up during in the midst of the devastating war that raged in his homeland through the 1960’s and 1970’s. He converted to Catholicism in 1997. Tam sees the great grace of God’s love in leading him through life to this moment of ordination where he can serve the Church and God’s people. Following ordination Tam will be assigned to St. Theresa Parish in North Reading and to the Campus Ministry Office where he will serve as a Catholic Chaplain at the UMass campus in Boston.

Carlos Simon Valentin

image040.jpg

Carlos Simon Valentin and his wife, Angelica, have been married for 16 years and live in Lynn. They have two children, Nicholas and Angel. Simon and Angelica have been active parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody throughout their married life. Simon is a Draftsman and Auto Cad graduate and is currently employed by Greater Lynn Senior Services as a driver for “ The Ride”, which is part of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Simon is the youngest member of the Class of 2014 and will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and the Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Permanent Diaconate

Prior to this ordination, there are 273 deacons in the Archdiocese of Boston (142 active with the remaining retired, on leave, or serving outside of the diocese). Thirteen (13) men will be ordained on September 20, 2014. The Archdiocese of Boston ordains a class of deacons every year. There are currently 49 men in formation (this includes the 13 about to be ordained). Of these 49, 20 (41%) are from our ethnic communities (10 Hispanic, 4 Brazilian, 2 Haitian, 2 Vietnamese, 1 Iraqi), ages range from 36 – 63, and 48 (98%) are married.

The Archdiocese holds an Inquirer Program each year in October/November for those who feel a possible call to the diaconate vocation. This program provides information to men and their wives about the vocation and ministry of deacons, the formation program, and the admissions process. It also includes a Saturday discernment retreat. The program generally draws 20-30 men each year. Information is available from Deacon Burns at deacondan_burns@rcab.org.

Deacon Burns said, “Because the great majority of Permanent Deacons are married men with families, the formation and inquirer programs strongly involve their wives and focus on the grace and challenge of integrating ordained ministry with the primary vocation of marriage.”

Boston, MA (September 20, 2014) -- Cardinal Seán O’Malley ordained thirteen men to the Order of Deacon at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

Photos by George Martell - Boston Catholic Development Services.

Cardinal Seán said, “Through the grace of God, these thirteen men of faith have been called to serve the Church as deacons. Each brings his unique gifts to their ministry and we welcome them as brothers in Christ. We are grateful to their loved ones, especially their wives and families, for their love, support and encouragement as our new deacons have prepared themselves for this lifelong commitment to the Church.”

Deacon Dan Burns, Director of Permanent Diaconate Formation, said, “Representing the diversity of the Archdiocese this class includes four candidates from the Hispanic community, one from the Brazilian community, and one from the Vietnamese community. The richness of the cultural and spiritual lives of these men and their families will bring great gifts to our parish collaboratives in the days and years ahead.”

Francis Burke

burke_couple.jpg

Francis Burke and his wife of 27 years, Joanne, are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria parish in Westford. The Burke’s have two children, Laura and David (DJ). Fran recently retired from a career in high tech and is currently pursuing degree in Theology at the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization and also a certificate in Spiritual Direction and Retreat Leadership at Creighton University. Fran Burke and Joanne have worked with the ACTS Retreat group at St. Catherine’s for the last 6 years. Fran was called to the diaconate by the opportunity to serve others. Fran hopes to continue his ministry focused on serving the poor and homeless. Fran will be assigned to St. Mary Parish in Chelmsford and to the Diaconate Formation Office following ordination.

Michael Curren

curren_couple.jpg

Michael Curren and his wife Paula are members of St. Agnes Parish in Reading, MA. Mike and Paula have three children: Brenna is a teacher in Burlington, Maura is an administrative manager at Children’s Hospital, and Timothy is a Greek Orthodox priest at St. Vasilios Parish in Peabody. Father Timothy is married to Dr. Nijmeh Hodaly Curren of Beit Jala, Palestine. Mike started his secular career as a social worker and currently works in non-profit administration as a Senior Vice President for the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund in Wellesley. Mike spent time at the Carmelite Junior Seminary in Hamilton, MA and the Carmelite Seminary at Marquette University before discerning that he was called to marriage and family life. Mike continued to be drawn to a life of service in the Church through parish ministries and leadership, eventually being called to consider the diaconate as a vocation through the encouragement and inspiration of many priests and deacons in his life. Mike will serve at St. Augustine Parish in Andover and the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

William C. Dwyer

dwyer_couple.jpg

William C. Dwyer and his wife Jeane currently reside in Merrimack NH and are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Westford. They have three grown children – Patrick and his bride Erin, Timothy and Meghan. Bill’s secular career has been in accounting and finance for both large and small companies. Living his Cursillo weekend was a springboard to a deeper relationship with the Lord. He heard a call to the diaconate during the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and has learned from Fr. Lawrence Porter that “the closer one gets to the God of the Bible, the further he sends you out”. Bill’s hope is to continue being active in prison ministry. Bill will be assigned to St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Westford, St. Anne Parish in Littleton, and to the Pro-Life and Respect Life Office following ordination.

George Escotto

escotto_couple.jpg

George Escotto and his wife Maria are members of St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence. They have been married for 22 years and have been blessed with a daughter, Lesly, who is a student at Northern Essex Community College. George received his call to the diaconate through a personal encounter with God during a Cursillo retreat. George works in a Nursing Home as a custodian where he has the daily opportunity to be the presence of Christ to those who live there: “I feel like I am living a ministry here and seeing Christ in every one of the people who live in the Nursing Home every day.” George will be assigned to St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence and to Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Edward S. Giordano

giordano_couple.jpg

Edward S. Giordano and his wife Carol live in Stoneham and are members of St. Patrick Parish. Carol and Ed have two adult children, Mary and Matthew, and a daughter-in-law Jamie. Ed is the Director of Engineering at C.L. Hauthaway in Lynn. Ed has had wonderful Deacon Mentors at St. Patrick Parish and his first exposure to the Permanent Diaconate was at the Incarnation Parish in Melrose where both of his children were baptized by Permanent Deacons. At the Incarnation Parish Deacon Jack Wise gave Ed his first inspiration of the gift of the vocation and ministry of the Permanent Deacon. Ed feels his four years of academic study and spiritual formation have been a blessing that has allowed him to grown closer to our loving, kind, and merciful Lord, Jesus Christ. Ed hopes that he will serve Jesus and the people of God with that same love and compassion. Following ordination Ed will be assigned to St. Barbara Parish in Woburn and to Campus Ministry Office.

Chuck Hall

hall_couple.jpg

Chuck Hall and his wife Mary live in Rowley and worship at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Ipswich. Chuck has been a sheet metal mechanic, machinist, singer-songwriter, radio personality and software engineer. He continues an active musical life as a song writer and in producing audiobooks, including a reading of Chesterton’s “St. Francis of Assisi.” His most recent audio work was the narration of a documentary film on the life Fr. James Alberione, the founder of the Daughters of St. Paul. Chuck’s faith journey began 1971 with a dramatic encounter with Christ that led him out of the 1960’s counterculture and into evangelical and fundamentalist circles, before becoming a dedicated Reformed Presbyterian. His journey brought him to the Catholic Church in 2006, when he attended his first Mass. He was received into the Catholic Church in 2008. Chuck heard a call to the diaconate as he volunteered in hospitals and led a prayer ministry in his home parish. His parish priest encouraged him to consider a diaconate vocation and he entered formation with the understanding that the Holy Spirit could re-direct his journey at any time. The journey was never re-directed, however, and his calling became clearer as formation progressed. Chuck has been influenced greatly by the writings of G. K. Chesterton and the life and ministry of Pope Saint John Paul II. Shortly after being received into the Church, he lived a Cursillo weekend which also was a strong influence in his life. Chuck will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and to the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

Franklin Mejia

meija_couple.jpg

Franklin Mejia was born and raised in Dominican Republic. Franklin is married to Wendy R. Mejia. They are the proud parents of Gabriel Andres, 10 and Isabella Maria, 7. He and his family are active members of St. Mary of the Annunciation parish in Cambridge. Franklin holds a Political Science degree and has been involved in television production. Franklin came to know Christ as a child thanks to his Grandfather Nicacio Mejia, who introduced him to the spiritual life and the doctrine of the Catholic faith. At a very young age, Franklin was an active member and youth leader of the Salesian Youth Group in his community. Upon arriving to the United States, Franklin worked for the Hispanic Youth Ministry in the Archdiocese of Boston organizing inter-parochial youth sports tournaments, youth leadership formation programs and an evangelization ministry dedicated to visiting the youth in jail. Franklin’s passion for evangelization led him to Catholic Television where he is the host and producer of “Buena Nueva” (The Good News). His desire to evangelize through the media was inspired by Pope John Paul II, who encouraged the Church to use every means of communication to introduce Christ to others. Franklin will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden and to Catholic TV following ordination.

Eric Peabody

peabody_couple.jpg

Eric Peabody and his wife, Renee, live in Haverhill and have been married 20 years. He is a division manager at a national home improvement retailer and Renee is an administrative assistant at St. Basil Salvatorian Center in Methuen. Eric and Renee have two daughters, Haley and Mary. The Peabody Family are currently members of the collaborative of St. Lucy and St. Monica Parishes in Methuen. Eric has served in various liturgical ministries and is a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Eric entered the Church at the age of 16 through RCIA and his great uncle, the late Rev. Dennis T. Nason, encouraged Eric to consider a diaconal vocation. Following ordination Eric will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Haverhill and Office of the Catholic Labor Guild.

Jesus Peña

pena_couple.jpg

Jesus Peña and his wife Margarita are members of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody and have three grown children. Jesus works as a Case Manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Jesus began his vocational journey in April 2009 when, feeling drawn to serve Christ more deeply, he turned to a trusted priest in the community, Fr. Alonso Macias, who suggested the diaconate. Jesus feels blessed by the many men of faith who have served as mentors to him over the past twenty years, including many wonderful priests and deacons. In a special way, Deacon Valentin Rivera and Deacon Antonio Perea were helpful to both Margarita and Jesus. More recently Deacon Leo Martin helped Jesus to understand both the faith and the ministry of the Deacon and to grow spiritually. According to Jesus, “These past four years of formation have been a life changing conversion of the heart through constant prayer, self-emptying, and service. The core of my ministry will be to live the Gospel by surrendering my will to the will of God.” Following ordination Jesus will be serve as a Deacon at the Salem collaborative of Immaculate Conception, St. James, and St. John the Baptist Parishes as well as in the Diaconate Formation Office.

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares

soares_couple.jpg

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares was born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil and married his wife Carla in 1986. Alvaro and Carla are proud parents of three grown children, Alvaro Jr., Ivan, and Natalia. They are members of Holy Family Parish in Lowell and active members of both the Brazilian Apostolate and the Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Boston. Alvaro holds degrees in Economics and Computer Science as well as an MBA. He is fluent in Portuguese and English, and proficient in Spanish. Alvaro is currently working for Kaspersky Labs in Woburn as a Product Support Engineer. Alvaro has worked in many parish ministries and received his call to be a Permanent Deacon through his active participation in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He is currently responsible for the formation program inside of the Brazilian Ethnic Leaders Team and is currently appointed Liaison and Executive Director of the Charismatic Renewal movement in the Archdiocese of Boston. Following ordination Alvaro will be assigned to Holy Family Parish and the Office of Cultural Diversity.

Michael Tomkins

tompkins_couple.jpg

Michael Tomkins and his wife Danni live in Wilmington and are parishioners at Saint Thomas of Villanova with their 5 children Hailey, Lauren, Victoria, Joshua, and Meghan. Michael attended Boston University where he received a degree in Computer Science and is now employed as Chief Technology Officer for a financial software company. Michael first learned about the diaconate at age 13 when he served as an altar server at the Mass of Thanksgiving for a close family friend, Deacon Robert Amerault. Raised in an active Catholic family and educated from elementary through high school at Saint Clements in Medford, the seeds of faith were planted at an early age. He felt God's call to the diaconate in his early twenties but as a newlywed he knew it would be some time before he could respond, so he and Danni kept busy raising their five children and remaining active in their parish. They found their true passion was for youth ministry where they served for over twenty years in numerous parishes throughout the archdiocese. In 1999 Michael and Danni each received the Pro Deo et Juventute award given in recognition of continuous and praiseworthy service to young people. Michael hopes to be a witness to those he serves to help them to grow deeper in answering their own baptismal call. Michael will be assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Dracut and the Office of Faith Formation for Youth and Young Adults following ordination.

Tam Van Tram

tran_couple.jpg

Tam Van Tram and his wifeThom have been married for 39 years, live in Andover, and have two daughters and two grandchildren. They are members of St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish in North Reading and the Vietnamese community at Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden. Tam plays guitar for the Contemporary Music Group and is a member of Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee at St Theresa Parish. Tam also is Chairman of the Finance Council for Sacred Hearts Parish. Tam had a long career in technology and business and now works as an Adjunct Professor at Middlesex Community College teaching Chemistry, Math, and Computer Science. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering and expects to complete his Master’s in Theological Studies Degree (MTS) at St. John Seminary in 2015. Tam was raised as a Buddhist in Vietnam and grew up during in the midst of the devastating war that raged in his homeland through the 1960’s and 1970’s. He converted to Catholicism in 1997. Tam sees the great grace of God’s love in leading him through life to this moment of ordination where he can serve the Church and God’s people. Following ordination Tam will be assigned to St. Theresa Parish in North Reading and to the Campus Ministry Office where he will serve as a Catholic Chaplain at the UMass campus in Boston.

Carlos Simon Valentin

image040.jpg

Carlos Simon Valentin and his wife, Angelica, have been married for 16 years and live in Lynn. They have two children, Nicholas and Angel. Simon and Angelica have been active parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody throughout their married life. Simon is a Draftsman and Auto Cad graduate and is currently employed by Greater Lynn Senior Services as a driver for “ The Ride”, which is part of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Simon is the youngest member of the Class of 2014 and will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and the Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Permanent Diaconate

Prior to this ordination, there are 273 deacons in the Archdiocese of Boston (142 active with the remaining retired, on leave, or serving outside of the diocese). Thirteen (13) men will be ordained on September 20, 2014. The Archdiocese of Boston ordains a class of deacons every year. There are currently 49 men in formation (this includes the 13 about to be ordained). Of these 49, 20 (41%) are from our ethnic communities (10 Hispanic, 4 Brazilian, 2 Haitian, 2 Vietnamese, 1 Iraqi), ages range from 36 – 63, and 48 (98%) are married.

The Archdiocese holds an Inquirer Program each year in October/November for those who feel a possible call to the diaconate vocation. This program provides information to men and their wives about the vocation and ministry of deacons, the formation program, and the admissions process. It also includes a Saturday discernment retreat. The program generally draws 20-30 men each year. Information is available from Deacon Burns at deacondan_burns@rcab.org.

Deacon Burns said, “Because the great majority of Permanent Deacons are married men with families, the formation and inquirer programs strongly involve their wives and focus on the grace and challenge of integrating ordained ministry with the primary vocation of marriage.”

Boston, MA (September 20, 2014) -- Cardinal Seán O’Malley ordained thirteen men to the Order of Deacon at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

Photos by George Martell - Boston Catholic Development Services.

Cardinal Seán said, “Through the grace of God, these thirteen men of faith have been called to serve the Church as deacons. Each brings his unique gifts to their ministry and we welcome them as brothers in Christ. We are grateful to their loved ones, especially their wives and families, for their love, support and encouragement as our new deacons have prepared themselves for this lifelong commitment to the Church.”

Deacon Dan Burns, Director of Permanent Diaconate Formation, said, “Representing the diversity of the Archdiocese this class includes four candidates from the Hispanic community, one from the Brazilian community, and one from the Vietnamese community. The richness of the cultural and spiritual lives of these men and their families will bring great gifts to our parish collaboratives in the days and years ahead.”

Francis Burke

burke_couple.jpg

Francis Burke and his wife of 27 years, Joanne, are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria parish in Westford. The Burke’s have two children, Laura and David (DJ). Fran recently retired from a career in high tech and is currently pursuing degree in Theology at the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization and also a certificate in Spiritual Direction and Retreat Leadership at Creighton University. Fran Burke and Joanne have worked with the ACTS Retreat group at St. Catherine’s for the last 6 years. Fran was called to the diaconate by the opportunity to serve others. Fran hopes to continue his ministry focused on serving the poor and homeless. Fran will be assigned to St. Mary Parish in Chelmsford and to the Diaconate Formation Office following ordination.

Michael Curren

curren_couple.jpg

Michael Curren and his wife Paula are members of St. Agnes Parish in Reading, MA. Mike and Paula have three children: Brenna is a teacher in Burlington, Maura is an administrative manager at Children’s Hospital, and Timothy is a Greek Orthodox priest at St. Vasilios Parish in Peabody. Father Timothy is married to Dr. Nijmeh Hodaly Curren of Beit Jala, Palestine. Mike started his secular career as a social worker and currently works in non-profit administration as a Senior Vice President for the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund in Wellesley. Mike spent time at the Carmelite Junior Seminary in Hamilton, MA and the Carmelite Seminary at Marquette University before discerning that he was called to marriage and family life. Mike continued to be drawn to a life of service in the Church through parish ministries and leadership, eventually being called to consider the diaconate as a vocation through the encouragement and inspiration of many priests and deacons in his life. Mike will serve at St. Augustine Parish in Andover and the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

William C. Dwyer

dwyer_couple.jpg

William C. Dwyer and his wife Jeane currently reside in Merrimack NH and are members of St. Catherine of Alexandria in Westford. They have three grown children – Patrick and his bride Erin, Timothy and Meghan. Bill’s secular career has been in accounting and finance for both large and small companies. Living his Cursillo weekend was a springboard to a deeper relationship with the Lord. He heard a call to the diaconate during the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and has learned from Fr. Lawrence Porter that “the closer one gets to the God of the Bible, the further he sends you out”. Bill’s hope is to continue being active in prison ministry. Bill will be assigned to St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Westford, St. Anne Parish in Littleton, and to the Pro-Life and Respect Life Office following ordination.

George Escotto

escotto_couple.jpg

George Escotto and his wife Maria are members of St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence. They have been married for 22 years and have been blessed with a daughter, Lesly, who is a student at Northern Essex Community College. George received his call to the diaconate through a personal encounter with God during a Cursillo retreat. George works in a Nursing Home as a custodian where he has the daily opportunity to be the presence of Christ to those who live there: “I feel like I am living a ministry here and seeing Christ in every one of the people who live in the Nursing Home every day.” George will be assigned to St. Patrick Parish in Lawrence and to Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Edward S. Giordano

giordano_couple.jpg

Edward S. Giordano and his wife Carol live in Stoneham and are members of St. Patrick Parish. Carol and Ed have two adult children, Mary and Matthew, and a daughter-in-law Jamie. Ed is the Director of Engineering at C.L. Hauthaway in Lynn. Ed has had wonderful Deacon Mentors at St. Patrick Parish and his first exposure to the Permanent Diaconate was at the Incarnation Parish in Melrose where both of his children were baptized by Permanent Deacons. At the Incarnation Parish Deacon Jack Wise gave Ed his first inspiration of the gift of the vocation and ministry of the Permanent Deacon. Ed feels his four years of academic study and spiritual formation have been a blessing that has allowed him to grown closer to our loving, kind, and merciful Lord, Jesus Christ. Ed hopes that he will serve Jesus and the people of God with that same love and compassion. Following ordination Ed will be assigned to St. Barbara Parish in Woburn and to Campus Ministry Office.

Chuck Hall

hall_couple.jpg

Chuck Hall and his wife Mary live in Rowley and worship at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Ipswich. Chuck has been a sheet metal mechanic, machinist, singer-songwriter, radio personality and software engineer. He continues an active musical life as a song writer and in producing audiobooks, including a reading of Chesterton’s “St. Francis of Assisi.” His most recent audio work was the narration of a documentary film on the life Fr. James Alberione, the founder of the Daughters of St. Paul. Chuck’s faith journey began 1971 with a dramatic encounter with Christ that led him out of the 1960’s counterculture and into evangelical and fundamentalist circles, before becoming a dedicated Reformed Presbyterian. His journey brought him to the Catholic Church in 2006, when he attended his first Mass. He was received into the Catholic Church in 2008. Chuck heard a call to the diaconate as he volunteered in hospitals and led a prayer ministry in his home parish. His parish priest encouraged him to consider a diaconate vocation and he entered formation with the understanding that the Holy Spirit could re-direct his journey at any time. The journey was never re-directed, however, and his calling became clearer as formation progressed. Chuck has been influenced greatly by the writings of G. K. Chesterton and the life and ministry of Pope Saint John Paul II. Shortly after being received into the Church, he lived a Cursillo weekend which also was a strong influence in his life. Chuck will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and to the Office of Ecumenical Affairs following ordination.

Franklin Mejia

meija_couple.jpg

Franklin Mejia was born and raised in Dominican Republic. Franklin is married to Wendy R. Mejia. They are the proud parents of Gabriel Andres, 10 and Isabella Maria, 7. He and his family are active members of St. Mary of the Annunciation parish in Cambridge. Franklin holds a Political Science degree and has been involved in television production. Franklin came to know Christ as a child thanks to his Grandfather Nicacio Mejia, who introduced him to the spiritual life and the doctrine of the Catholic faith. At a very young age, Franklin was an active member and youth leader of the Salesian Youth Group in his community. Upon arriving to the United States, Franklin worked for the Hispanic Youth Ministry in the Archdiocese of Boston organizing inter-parochial youth sports tournaments, youth leadership formation programs and an evangelization ministry dedicated to visiting the youth in jail. Franklin’s passion for evangelization led him to Catholic Television where he is the host and producer of “Buena Nueva” (The Good News). His desire to evangelize through the media was inspired by Pope John Paul II, who encouraged the Church to use every means of communication to introduce Christ to others. Franklin will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden and to Catholic TV following ordination.

Eric Peabody

peabody_couple.jpg

Eric Peabody and his wife, Renee, live in Haverhill and have been married 20 years. He is a division manager at a national home improvement retailer and Renee is an administrative assistant at St. Basil Salvatorian Center in Methuen. Eric and Renee have two daughters, Haley and Mary. The Peabody Family are currently members of the collaborative of St. Lucy and St. Monica Parishes in Methuen. Eric has served in various liturgical ministries and is a third degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Eric entered the Church at the age of 16 through RCIA and his great uncle, the late Rev. Dennis T. Nason, encouraged Eric to consider a diaconal vocation. Following ordination Eric will be assigned to Sacred Hearts Parish in Haverhill and Office of the Catholic Labor Guild.

Jesus Peña

pena_couple.jpg

Jesus Peña and his wife Margarita are members of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody and have three grown children. Jesus works as a Case Manager for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Jesus began his vocational journey in April 2009 when, feeling drawn to serve Christ more deeply, he turned to a trusted priest in the community, Fr. Alonso Macias, who suggested the diaconate. Jesus feels blessed by the many men of faith who have served as mentors to him over the past twenty years, including many wonderful priests and deacons. In a special way, Deacon Valentin Rivera and Deacon Antonio Perea were helpful to both Margarita and Jesus. More recently Deacon Leo Martin helped Jesus to understand both the faith and the ministry of the Deacon and to grow spiritually. According to Jesus, “These past four years of formation have been a life changing conversion of the heart through constant prayer, self-emptying, and service. The core of my ministry will be to live the Gospel by surrendering my will to the will of God.” Following ordination Jesus will be serve as a Deacon at the Salem collaborative of Immaculate Conception, St. James, and St. John the Baptist Parishes as well as in the Diaconate Formation Office.

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares

soares_couple.jpg

Alvaro Jose Leiva Soares was born in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil and married his wife Carla in 1986. Alvaro and Carla are proud parents of three grown children, Alvaro Jr., Ivan, and Natalia. They are members of Holy Family Parish in Lowell and active members of both the Brazilian Apostolate and the Charismatic Renewal in the Archdiocese of Boston. Alvaro holds degrees in Economics and Computer Science as well as an MBA. He is fluent in Portuguese and English, and proficient in Spanish. Alvaro is currently working for Kaspersky Labs in Woburn as a Product Support Engineer. Alvaro has worked in many parish ministries and received his call to be a Permanent Deacon through his active participation in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. He is currently responsible for the formation program inside of the Brazilian Ethnic Leaders Team and is currently appointed Liaison and Executive Director of the Charismatic Renewal movement in the Archdiocese of Boston. Following ordination Alvaro will be assigned to Holy Family Parish and the Office of Cultural Diversity.

Michael Tomkins

tompkins_couple.jpg

Michael Tomkins and his wife Danni live in Wilmington and are parishioners at Saint Thomas of Villanova with their 5 children Hailey, Lauren, Victoria, Joshua, and Meghan. Michael attended Boston University where he received a degree in Computer Science and is now employed as Chief Technology Officer for a financial software company. Michael first learned about the diaconate at age 13 when he served as an altar server at the Mass of Thanksgiving for a close family friend, Deacon Robert Amerault. Raised in an active Catholic family and educated from elementary through high school at Saint Clements in Medford, the seeds of faith were planted at an early age. He felt God's call to the diaconate in his early twenties but as a newlywed he knew it would be some time before he could respond, so he and Danni kept busy raising their five children and remaining active in their parish. They found their true passion was for youth ministry where they served for over twenty years in numerous parishes throughout the archdiocese. In 1999 Michael and Danni each received the Pro Deo et Juventute award given in recognition of continuous and praiseworthy service to young people. Michael hopes to be a witness to those he serves to help them to grow deeper in answering their own baptismal call. Michael will be assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Dracut and the Office of Faith Formation for Youth and Young Adults following ordination.

Tam Van Tram

tran_couple.jpg

Tam Van Tram and his wifeThom have been married for 39 years, live in Andover, and have two daughters and two grandchildren. They are members of St. Theresa of Lisieux Parish in North Reading and the Vietnamese community at Sacred Hearts Parish in Malden. Tam plays guitar for the Contemporary Music Group and is a member of Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee at St Theresa Parish. Tam also is Chairman of the Finance Council for Sacred Hearts Parish. Tam had a long career in technology and business and now works as an Adjunct Professor at Middlesex Community College teaching Chemistry, Math, and Computer Science. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering and expects to complete his Master’s in Theological Studies Degree (MTS) at St. John Seminary in 2015. Tam was raised as a Buddhist in Vietnam and grew up during in the midst of the devastating war that raged in his homeland through the 1960’s and 1970’s. He converted to Catholicism in 1997. Tam sees the great grace of God’s love in leading him through life to this moment of ordination where he can serve the Church and God’s people. Following ordination Tam will be assigned to St. Theresa Parish in North Reading and to the Campus Ministry Office where he will serve as a Catholic Chaplain at the UMass campus in Boston.

Carlos Simon Valentin

image040.jpg

Carlos Simon Valentin and his wife, Angelica, have been married for 16 years and live in Lynn. They have two children, Nicholas and Angel. Simon and Angelica have been active parishioners of St. John the Baptist Parish in Peabody throughout their married life. Simon is a Draftsman and Auto Cad graduate and is currently employed by Greater Lynn Senior Services as a driver for “ The Ride”, which is part of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Simon is the youngest member of the Class of 2014 and will be assigned to St. John the Baptist and St. Thomas the Apostle Parishes in Peabody and the Office of Cultural Diversity following ordination.

Permanent Diaconate

Prior to this ordination, there are 273 deacons in the Archdiocese of Boston (142 active with the remaining retired, on leave, or serving outside of the diocese). Thirteen (13) men will be ordained on September 20, 2014. The Archdiocese of Boston ordains a class of deacons every year. There are currently 49 men in formation (this includes the 13 about to be ordained). Of these 49, 20 (41%) are from our ethnic communities (10 Hispanic, 4 Brazilian, 2 Haitian, 2 Vietnamese, 1 Iraqi), ages range from 36 – 63, and 48 (98%) are married.

The Archdiocese holds an Inquirer Program each year in October/November for those who feel a possible call to the diaconate vocation. This program provides information to men and their wives about the vocation and ministry of deacons, the formation program, and the admissions process. It also includes a Saturday discernment retreat. The program generally draws 20-30 men each year. Information is available from Deacon Burns at deacondan_burns@rcab.org.

Deacon Burns said, “Because the great majority of Permanent Deacons are married men with families, the formation and inquirer programs strongly involve their wives and focus on the grace and challenge of integrating ordained ministry with the primary vocation of marriage.”

my.nowpublic.com/strange/worlds-most-expensive-colleges?i...

Sidwell Friends School is a pre-K-12 Quaker private school located in the United States with one campus in Washington, D.C. and one campus in the Bethesda unincorporated area in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Described as "the Harvard of Washington's private schools" Sidwell was founded in 1883 by Thomas Sidwell. Its motto is Eluceat Omnibus Lux ("Let the light shine out from all"; it can also be translated as "by all," an allusion to the Quaker concept of inner light). All Sidwell Friends students attend Quaker meetings for worship weekly.

The school's admissions process is merit-based. As documented on the school's website, it gives preference in admissions decisions to members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), but otherwise does not discriminate on the basis of religion.

According to an Associated Press report on November 21, 2008, President-Elect Barack Obama will send both his daugthers, Sasha and Malia, to Sidwell for their education. Previously, Presidents Teddy Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, and Bill Clinton sent their children to Sidwell, as did Vice President Al Gore.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas Watson Sidwell opened Friends’ Select School (as Sidwell Friends was then known) in 1883 as an initiative in co-ed, urban day-school education. Sidwell, then 24 years old, had been a teacher at Baltimore Friends School, headed at the time by Eli Lamb, a leading Quaker educator. Lamb opened the way for Sidwell to begin a school in Washington by sponsoring authorization of the venture within the Baltimore Yearly Meeting. While the Alexandria Monthly and Baltimore Yearly Meetings offered some nominal assistance, this was, from the beginning, a proprietary operation.

Sidwell’s school began with eighteen students in rooms that were part of the Friends Meeting House located in the 1800 block of I Street, four blocks from the White House. Just twenty years after Friends’ Select opened its doors, Sidwell’s school—with fully elaborated primary, intermediate and high school departments—enrolled nearly 200 students. Several buildings, including one of the first gymnasiums to be built in Washington, were eventually added to the I Street campus.

During the 1885-86 school year, a recent Vassar graduate joined the growing faculty. Frances Haldeman was hired to teach Greek, English and history. In 1887, Thomas Sidwell married Haldeman and also made her Co-Principal. The Sidwells would continue to share the leadership of the School for the rest of their lives.

In 1906 the first of a series of changes to the name of the institution that Thomas Sidwell had now presided over for twenty-three years began. The name “Friends School,” or simply “Friends,” came into currency at that time over “Friends’ Select.” Among the later variations on those names was “Sidwells’ Friends School,” the plural possessive emphasizing the Co-Principals’ joint interests.

The Sidwells soon embarked upon a plan that would allow their institution to begin to make the transition from a rural to a suburban school. In 1911, they purchased a Dutch Colonial house and grounds at 3901 Wisconsin Avenue from the Washington School for Boys. While the property served at first as the Sidwells’ private residence, it would soon be used by I Street students for athletic and recreational activities.

By the mid-1920s, the Wisconsin Avenue campus was no longer used exclusively for recreation and sports. A new building called the “Suburban School” (housing primary grades) was constructed from timbers allegedly taken from Woodrow Wilson’s inaugural viewing stand. Other portions of the Friends School academic program would soon be relocated from I Street to Wisconsin Avenue.

With the advent of the Jazz Age, the School’s program and learning community had developed several distinctive aspects, including an emphasis on a high-quality college-preparatory academic program and college placement; a commitment to co-education that included active encouragement of girls to study science, mathematics and industrial arts as well as to participate in sports and physical education; cultivation of enrollment from Washington, DC’s political and diplomatic communities (thus creating a geographically and ethnically diverse student body); a talented and dedicated faculty, including a substantial number of college-educated women; and an ongoing identification with the Society of Friends that was not formalized by any tie with a monthly or yearly meeting.

The death of Frances Haldeman-Sidwell in 1934 convinced Thomas Sidwell of the need to take certain actions to secure the future of the School. In prelude to the 1934-35 school year, “The Sidwell Friends School” was incorporated as a non-profit institution under a Board of Trustees. The Board’s by-laws stipulated that a majority of its members must belong to the Religious Society of Friends. In addition, Thomas Sidwell, in his will, identified a group of twenty-four veteran teachers, two grounds managers, and eleven servants among whom the value of the School’s property was to be divided if the School should fail. Despite the tough times of the Great Depression, the School survived.

When Sidwell died in 1936, the institution he had founded fifty-three years earlier was ready to be guided by the trustees and Headmaster Albert E. Rogers. Within two years, the I Street campus was sold to Doctors Hospital and all operations were consolidated on Wisconsin Avenue.

"Study one more hour, and I will get a better-looking husband."

"You played while others studied - please leave."

"The drool of today will turn into the tears of tomorrow."

Here is a subway ad from a women's university.

The seat below the ad is marked by the ad as "reserved seating for high school senior." And being a high school senior is enough of a nightmare that it does deserve reserved subway seating, and a lot more, in return.

South Korea's college entrance examination hell is legendary. A single examination, held in November of the senior year (Korean academic year starts in March and ends in February), pretty much is the decisive factor in determining whether it is possible for the student to apply to, and be accepted at, the university of choice. Going to the right university (preferably a Seoul-based one, and ideally the cream of the crop - Seoul National, Korea University, and Yonsei University) is the key to a cushy corporate job, respectability, meeting respectable spouses, and a comfortable life. Because of the overwhelming importance of the college entrance examination in determining one's future, preparation means giving up all semblance of a sane life for the entire junior and senior years of high school. (The misery may be extended by an additional year or two, for repeat(s) of the examination, if the scores are too low to allow admission to a semi-acceptable university.) Forget about proms, forget about teeny bopper crushes on rock stars, forget about anything else. (That is to be remedied once in college.)

Korean and other Asian immigrant parents have turned the US college admissions process into a less holistic, more exam cram-based one as well. They will forcibly march their kids to tutors and exam cram academies so that they can get a perfect SAT score and get into Harvard (while neglecting extracurricular activities and other semblance of being a human being that Harvard admissions committee wants to see also). I am NOT happy about that at all.

USMA Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Darryl L. Williams, Col. Col. Deborah McDonald, Director of Admissions, Command Sgt. Maj. Jack Love, USMA Senior Enlisted Leader and cadet from the local area speak with candidates at a West Point Admissions brief before the Army vs. University of Texas at San Antonio football game. They answered questions about the admissions process, cadet life and serving in the U.S. Army.

USMA Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Darryl L. Williams, Col. Col. Deborah McDonald, Director of Admissions, Command Sgt. Maj. Jack Love, USMA Senior Enlisted Leader and cadet from the local area speak with candidates at a West Point Admissions brief before the Army vs. University of Texas at San Antonio football game. They answered questions about the admissions process, cadet life and serving in the U.S. Army.

Maheshwara Medical College is one of the leading medical colleges in Patancheruvu. It is located in Patancheru, a town in the state of Telangana. The college offers both undergraduate and postgraduate medical courses. It is affiliated with Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences, Telangana.

Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences is one of the leading medical institutes in Narketpalle. It offers a wide range of medical courses and programs. The institute has a team of experienced and qualified faculty members. The institute provides an excellent infrastructure for its students. Kamineni Institute of Medical Sciences is accredited by the Medical Council of India.

Visiting students learned about Westminster College's admission process, toured campus, and enjoyed food.

Taken at the Hendrick Motorsports Museum in Charlette, North Carolina. Museum is open to the public with no charge for admission. Processed with Photomatix Pro 5.0.

USMA Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Darryl L. Williams, Col. Col. Deborah McDonald, Director of Admissions, Command Sgt. Maj. Jack Love, USMA Senior Enlisted Leader and cadet from the local area speak with candidates at a West Point Admissions brief before the Army vs. University of Texas at San Antonio football game. They answered questions about the admissions process, cadet life and serving in the U.S. Army.

Naw Sweet Peace Thaw Mu Khu (Bago Region) is currently working as a government staff in Environmental Conservation Department (ECD) under Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation. Her goal is to become one of the experts in implementing sound environmental management in Myanmar.

My name is Naw Sweet Peace Thaw Mu Khu. I was born in Taungoo, Bago Region. I graduated from the University of Forestry and Environmental Science (former University of Forestry) in 2004. After graduation from the university, I joined Worldview International Foundation as a technical specialist for 3 years in mangrove restoration and community development project at Ayeyarwaddy region. I am now working as Deputy Staff Officer for 2 years and performing working at Environmental Impact Assessment Division. I have been taking care of reviewing environmental impact assessment reports regarding with development projects especially in industrial sector, mining, urban instruction and hydropower.

My educational aspiration consists of acquiring a Master’s degree in environmental related subjects to assist me to become an environmental specialist who can conserve natural resources and implement sound environmental management with participation of public for the sustainable development of our country. In order to fulfill my aspiration, I have been searching the opportunity to study top-ranking university to expand my dream and network for my future goal. However, to be in a position to achieve my goals, I required a lot of supports particularly financial, network to connect with organizations. I got the information about Lincoln Scholarship from Thabyay Education Foundation page and as a result of keen interest on this scholarship program; I tried to apply for this program.

Lincoln Scholarship is organized by the Institute of International Education (IIE), an organization, which focuses on International Student Exchange and creates programs of study and training for students from various sectors. It has partnered with (USAID) and Thabyay Education Foundation to offer the Scholarships for young people in Myanmar. The aim of Lincoln scholarship is to help develop a more stable, prosperous and academics with technical and leadership skills. I believe that Lincoln scholarship can help me fulfill both of my academic and career goals of becoming a professional and an expert in environmental management.

Regarding my experience in applying scholarship process, Lincoln Scholarship was announced by various social media. The instruction for the whole process was clear and systematic. The online English diagnostic test System was convenient to take. We had to submit the application form, four essays, and three recommendation letters and other supporting documents. Unlike other scholarship programs, TOEFL/IELTS and GRE scorings were not required at the time of application which is a great relieve for people who are living outside of Yangon and Mandalay. In addition, the personal interview was arranged in two locations – Yangon and Mandalay – the candidates can choose the proper place.

The most significant feature of Lincoln Scholarship Program is the pre- academic training for all scholars in Yangon. This intensive training offers a variety of courses such as IELTS, GRE (including the exam fees), academic reading and writing, research methodology and communication skills with excellent and famous instructors in their field. In addition, orientation on U.S Higher Education and American Culture are also provided for the scholars which are the fundamental of our graduated program in US. Moreover, this program assisted in university admission process and visa process (we are now waiting for university admission). One of the best part of the Lincoln Scholarship program for me is the program provides accommodation, utilities, transportation costs, monthly stipends and health insurance for all scholars during the Pre-academic training in Yangon.

After getting my master degree, I intend to go back my country in order to work in my department toward improving sound environmental management and natural resources conservation through sharing my educational theory, knowledge and experience to fulfill my career goal.

USMA Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Darryl L. Williams, Col. Col. Deborah McDonald, Director of Admissions, Command Sgt. Maj. Jack Love, USMA Senior Enlisted Leader and cadet from the local area speak with candidates at a West Point Admissions brief before the Army vs. University of Texas at San Antonio football game. They answered questions about the admissions process, cadet life and serving in the U.S. Army.

from ift.tt/17Vd0vQ

I recently came across an older article that I thought needed reshared, especially for many of the Medical Professionals and Medical Students that I represent. In January 2012 USNews posted a great read titled “Tips for Medical School Applicants with Criminal Records” (see original article below). This article provides some very useful information and explains in great detail how having a criminal record could cause problems for those with criminal records who are hoping to have a future in the medical field. Having worked with clients who struggle with issues related to this topic, I’ve seen first hand how detrimental these issues could be for one’s career. If you have questions about anything related to this topic and would like to discuss your situation, please contact my office.

The Law Office of Joseph A. Paletta

412.391.7999

_______________________________________

Tips for Medical School Applicants With Criminal Records

By VERITAS PREP

January 23, 2012RSS FeedPrint

It’s anyone’s worst nightmare—getting caught up in the legal system. Whether it’s a result of a night of indiscretion or something more serious, a criminal charge or conviction could be one of the factors medical schooladmissions committees use when making decisions.

What should you do if you have a criminal record?

Medical schools in the United States and overseas have struggled with the question of how to handle criminal records in admissions. Even medical schools sometimes don’t get it right. In 2007, the prestigious Karolinska Institutet in Sweden matriculated an applicant convicted of murder, which raised tough ethical issues. Though the vast majority of applicants need not worry about such serious crimes, it’s important to address any criminal record in the admissions process.

[See three reasons to include an M.D. application addendum.]

Most medical schools ask applicants to disclose prior convictions. Some schools only ask about felonies, while others want to know about anything other than a minor traffic violation (such as a speeding ticket). The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has a national background check service that reviews databases for a list of participating schools, which are listed on the website. Some medical schools in certain states, such as Illinois, perform additional checks.

Having a criminal record affects an applicant’s review in the admissions process in the following two ways.

• Convictions: This is one of a variety of factors that are checked. A charge that was dismissed is very different from a conviction or no contest plea. Note that once a charge is filed by the relevant city or district attorney’s office, it may still appear in a background check even if it was later dropped. If you were arrested, you were likely fingerprinted, and many schools fingerprint incoming students and run the prints through a national databank.

• Nature of crime: Committees are reluctant to admit students who may not be able to get eventual credentials or state licenses. They will be looking at whether any convictions involved crimes that raise doubts about a student’s fitness to eventually practice medicine.

[Learn why medical schools value applicants' personal qualities.]

Types of crimes that usually concern admissions committees are those that involve dishonesty (such as cheating or fraud) or possible risks to patients (such as drug offenses or sexual and violent crimes). They also keep in mind how the public may view the offense and whether it could be a predictor of future destructive behaviors or crimes.

Also keep in mind that crimes that may not seem related to medicine at first glance (such as a DUI) may be problematic, depending on the circumstances.

If you have a criminal record, there are two important things to remember in order to best position yourself in the admissions process.

• Disclosure: Withholding all or part of a criminal record could lead to a rescinding of an acceptance, or if discovered later on, even dismissal from medical school. Schools consider withholding this information to be a form of dishonesty.

If in doubt, obtain your police records on your own to see where you stand, especially as questions now include military discharge history and misdemeanors.

[Learn how hospital violence affects medical students.]

• Mitigating factors: Committees typically view the context of the circumstances leading to the conviction and any steps taken toward rehabilitation favorably. They like applicants to have reflected on the incident and to attempt to show mitigating circumstances and steps taken to address problems.

Including any extenuating circumstances at the time (such as a recent family death) and whether it was an isolated event is important. Good ways to address rehabilitation are documenting treatment at a drug rehab facility or engaging in volunteer work in the community.

Applying to medical school seems hard enough; with a criminal record it can be doubly so. The best way to deal with this issue is by explaining what happened and why, lessons you learned, and steps you’ve taken to ensure it will not be repeated.

Ibrahim Busnaina, M.D. is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and coauthor of “Examkrackers’ How to Get Into Medical School.” He has been consulting with prospective medical school applicants, with a special focus on minority and other nontraditional candidates, since 2006.

ift.tt/17VdNg9

THE STETHOSCOPE PRESENTS: Medical School Interview Seminar, in partnership with The Princeton Review!

The Stethoscope is U of T’s magazine for the life sciences, and this semester we’re bringing you more events you care about! Are you applying to medical school? Curious about the admissions process and what an interview might be like? Join us next Thursday, January 19th from 5:00 to 6:30 PM in the Astronomy and Astrophysics Building (50 St. George St) for a FREE medical school interview seminar hosted by the Princeton Review.

The seminar will include Q&A with a panel of medical students who will answer students’ questions about the medical school interview processes, and details from their own experiences. There might also be an opportunity for role-playing, with med students interviewing interested members of the audience! Learn strategies and tips for preparation, have your questions answered, and more!

To pre-register for the event, go to www.princetonreview.com, or click “attending” and invite your friends to the Facebook event – www.facebook.com/events/225309450885543/

See you all there!

USMA Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Darryl L. Williams, Col. Col. Deborah McDonald, Director of Admissions, Command Sgt. Maj. Jack Love, USMA Senior Enlisted Leader and cadet from the local area speak with candidates at a West Point Admissions brief before the Army vs. University of Texas at San Antonio football game. They answered questions about the admissions process, cadet life and serving in the U.S. Army.

Top MBA Colleges in Bangalore: Search top MBA Colleges in Bangalore on www.mbauniverse.com/college/bangaloremba.php. Find Fees, Cutoff, Placements, Eligibility, Admission Process, Rank and Contact Details of Top MBA College in Bangalore

Check out the complete Details of Top Diploma Universities in India 2023 with the admission Process, courses, cutoff, fees, placements, and other information at My First College.

For More Info Visit Our Website - bit.ly/3Ynu3Em

On February 12th Young European Ambassadors from Azerbaijan hosted annual kick-off event . The meeting aimed to rebuild connections, welcome new YEAs, identify new strategies, gain new skills, learn about EU-Funded programmes and networking.

70 YEAs participated in the meeting covering different sessions. During these sessions, Nargiz Abdullayeva, Senior Administrative Assistant of College of Europe gave detailed information about scholarship opportunities and the admissions process. In another info session, Parviz Bagirov, Head of the National Erasmus+ Office provided information on “Erasmus+ Opportunities” and held Q&A session. During the event YEAs made action plans and exchanged their ideas by proposing solutions to different issues.

Discover SCC Open House Event hosted on SCC's Giles Campus on 3-26-2022 showcases programs and assists potential students with admissions process.

January 12, 2011 Irina Shubina visited School-Lyceum №56 and met with 10th Graders. She gave information for students to understand Standardized Tests. Many U.S. universities/colleges include standardized tests as a mandatory part of their application requirements. Individual universities/colleges will tell student which tests they require either on their website or through the application material they send to student. Educational Adviser told International students should understand that although many U.S. universities/colleges require standardized tests as part of the admission process, test scores alone do not determine whether student will be admitted. American universities and colleges take many other factors into consideration. However, test scores can play an important role in determining any financial aid package. The most common sources of information regarding the testing requirements for each university/college are the university/college websites or the catalogs and bulletins of individual institution. Also, students are recommended to visit EducationUSA Advising Center in Astana – address: ul. Beibitshiluk, 18, office 409. Tel.: (7172) 91 00 68. The staff of this EducationUSA Advising Center can help students with information on university/college requirements, test registration, and preparation. There are many useful test preparation materials at ACIE EducationUSA Advising Center. Among them

Longman Preparation Course for the TOEFL Test: The Paper Test (Student Book with Answer Key and CD-ROM). – Deborah Phillips. – 641 p.,

The Official Guide to the TOEFL Test. – ETS. - Third Edition. – CD-ROM with 2 Full-length Authentic TOEFL Tests. – McGraw-Hill. – 453 p.,

Barron’s. SAT with CD-ROM. – Sharon Weiner Green, M.A., and Ira K. Wolf, PhD. - 24th Edition. – A diagnostic test and five full-length practice tests. – 920 p.,

The Official SAT Study Guide. From the Test Maker. - Take 8 Practice Tests. – CollegeBoard, New York. – 889 p.

So students have opportunities to practice tests at EducationUSA Advising Center and to experience a taste of what it’d be like to pass real tests. This meeting was useful for students especially for those who pursue to study abroad and particularly in America.

Also I.Shubina informed students about upcoming January schedule of 13 EdUSA Connects sessions: Researching Choices and encouraged students to take part in these events online.

Total participants – 80

Taken at the Hendrick Motorsports Museum in Charlette, North Carolina. Museum is open to the public with no charge for admission. Processed with Photomatix Pro 5.0.

Local high school students and their families were invited to learn about LCC at Spring Preview Night held on April 21, 2015 in the Health & Science Building. Students and parents received a welcome from LCC President, Chris Bailey. President Bailey shared why LCC is the Smart Choice! Students had opportunities to meet faculty and staff as well as "sample" classrooms and labs! Parents received information on the college admissions process and financial aid. LCC's advising staff and career services manager were on hand to assist with questions about degree programs & certificates, choosing a career and more.

Last Wednesday, March 15, IVC hosted over 50 different colleges and universities for the College Fair. Students were able to ask different representatives about their college admissions process and requirements.

Are you planning to transfer to a 4-year university? Visit the IVC Transfer Center at ivc.edu/transfer-center.

The U.S. Military Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr., Director of Admissions Col. Deborah McDonald, Army West Point Athletics Associate Athletic Director Lt. Col. (R) Gaylord Green, Cadet Taylor Chambers and Cadet Andre Michell speak with candidates at a West Point Admissions brief before the Army vs. Rice game today.

Questions were answered about the admissions process, cadet life and serving in the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sadie Routzahn)

On Monday, March 26, 2018, the middle school kicked off College Week with guest speaker Wes Whiteside from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. Wes discussed college requirements and the admissions process with all 7th graders, drawing from his work at Syracuse University as an academic adviser and previous experience in college admissions. He offered hands-on activities in which students could state positive things about themselves and provide examples of college admission requirements. Wes explained crucial information about SAT and ACT tests, college admissions essays, self-discipline, time management, organization and plagiarism. At SAS we remain fully committed to our college preparatory mission to create tomorrow’s leaders! Go ATOMS! #SASCS #SASAtoms

The U.S. Military Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr., Director of Admissions Col. Deborah McDonald, Army West Point Athletics Associate Athletic Director Lt. Col. (R) Gaylord Green, Cadet Taylor Chambers and Cadet Andre Michell speak with candidates at a West Point Admissions brief before the Army vs. Rice game today.

Questions were answered about the admissions process, cadet life and serving in the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sadie Routzahn)

Our Undergraduate Admissions counselors are available and accessible to prospective students throughout the admissions process - and they're a lot of fun.

admissions.vanderbilt.edu/your-counselor/

More and more people are taking Ibogaine as they discover its amazing benefits. Ibogaine is a naturally occurring psychoactive substance that is said to alleviate the physical symptoms of opiate withdrawal. Ibogaine is made from a root bark and the medicine has been used for thousands of years as a rite of passage in parts of Africa. In America, it’s been used in a secretive and illicit way since the 1960s for spiritual development and addiction treatment. Ibogaine is a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance under State and federal law. Due to legal restrictions of Ibogaine in the US, there hasn’t been the opportunity for much clinical research. Since ibogaine is illegal in the United States, American patients travel to foreign countries for treatment. Ibogaine is legal but unregulated in Canada and Mexico. New Zealand, South Africa, and Brazil authorize the use of ibogaine by licensed medical practitioners and is an approved medicine.

Wendell Beitzel, a Maryland Republican Member of House of Delegates submitted a proposal to re-introduce a bill in the next General Assembly session to study ibogaine. Wendell’s wife, provided extensive research for the legislative approval. This bill would provide ibogaine treatment at participating health care facilities targeting opioid addicts who have not responded to conventional treatments, such as suboxone and methadone for opioid dependence. President Trump declared America’s opioid crisis a public health emergency. According to Beitzel, Maryland drug and alcohol deaths are at an all-time high. Of all intoxication deaths 86% were opioid-related last year. Beitzel and his wife know from personal experience with their son, an opiate addict, that ibogaine healed him of his addition. We have to pass this bill so that we can research ways to institutionalize ibogaine treatment in a way that is accessible and effective for all people. For the thousands of people in this country who are struggling and dying in the grips of opiate addiction. If this bill passes, the first Ibogaine Treatment Pilot Program would be set to begin by January 1, 2019 and be approved for research for up to four years. This bill specifies that during the treatment of ibogaine, the patients will be evaluated on the effectiveness of Ibogaine compared to conventional treatment methods. The General Assembly’s bill demonstrates a recognition that addiction is a disease and that recovery is possible. The need to pass the bill could not be more urgent for the many hundreds of thousands across Maryland and the United States of America who are facing the disease of addiction and for the loved ones of those who have already lost their lives to this disease. This bill comes at a very important time for America’s opioid crisis. The American Society of Addiction Medicine estimates that there’s nearly 2.6 million Americans with an opioid addiction.

Ibogaine remains a Schedule I drug, even as the opioid crisis continues to grow. This is the first time ibogaine has come up as a topic in mainstream media regarding the opioid crisis. I believe it is the wave of decriminalisation/legalisation of marijuana that has created a backdrop to finally introduce scientific research of ibogaine in America. Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) has had some success introducing clinical trials of Ibogaine in other countries where Ibogaine is legal. A past research study sponsored by MAPS in Mexico and New Zealand, both show that a single treatment of ibogaine, for reasons unknown, someone could go cold turkey from opiates without any physical or mental symptoms of withdrawal. Just one treatment of ibogaine can reset the brain’s neurochemistry freeing the drug user from a destructive pattern of abuse. Whereas, traditional treatment methods like suboxone or methadone, need to be taken continuously, and can be addictive. This bill may not be easy to pass as traditional opiate treatments today provide big incentives for Big Pharma: Suboxone and Methadone are drugs that require daily use for extended periods of time whereas ibogaine, with its one treatment, threatens the very order of things.

Due to the success of ibogaine healing addicts, ibogaine treatment centers have popped up all over the world, except here in the states. Conventional science says that anecdotes do not count but when you have several hundred cases saying that Ibogaine works to cure opioid addiction, maybe anecdotal evidence should be counted. It is clear that ibogaine is a beautiful and powerful medicine that can really help facilitate transformative growth in anyone trying to overcome addiction to become the best version of themself. Ibogaine has appeared as a ray of light for millions of people suffering with heroin addiction and overdose.

Crossroads Ibogaine is the best Treatment Center offering a 7-day ibogaine detox treatment program that’s considered to be among the best in the world. What makes Crossroads better than other ibogaine detox programs is Crossroads believes in a 3-part Ibogaine program. Part one is our precare preparation to help the patient achieve the greatest results.Part one includes a Skype or phone coaching call and an advanced medical screening where we answer any questions the patient may have prior to heading to the Bahamas for treatment. Part 2 is a safe and highly transformative plant medicine experience with the Ibogaine. During part two the patient goes through a physical evaluation by a physician prior to Ibogaine treatment and is medically supervised during treatment. Also included in part two of the Crossroads treatment are optional massages, beach time and horseback riding trips. Part 3 is an extended aftercare program, helping the patient integrate back into their lives at a licensed facility in the US. Part 3 also includes: skype or phone recovery coaching once the patient returns home, access to our social media support group, personalized integration resources and optional post-ibogaine herbal supplements.

Crossroads has helped 1000’s of guests experience Ibogaine and achieve success over addiction for over 5 years now. Check out some of our testimonials below.

Crossroads Program Testimonials

I honestly feel like you guys have an excellent program/service there. The whole process was smooth, positive, and just what I was after. I came there just wanting to be “cured” from an addiction but it did more than I thought was even possible. The addiction was just a side effect of stuff in my mind that I didn’t even know was there. That place will forever have a special place in my heart. I have my LIFE back!! THANK YOU!! (Crossroads Patient (insert what they were addicted to? Year of treatment?)

The admission process was very accommodating and fast. I wasn’t left to be in withdrawals for any of the intake process. I appreciated the staff’s warm demeanor. Changed my life forever. It’s an amazing plant medicine. Gave me 100% freedom not just from my addiction but from all my deep emotional issues as well. All I can say is WOW!!! (Crossroads Patient (insert what they were addicted to? Year of treatment?)

The program is outstanding; I felt like everything was thought of. There was nothing to worry about while I was there; all of my needs were met. The staff was so helpful and kind. I felt like everyone there was really concerned about my healing. There was no judgement. I have never been treated that way when dealing with addiction. (Crossroads Patient (insert what they were addicted to? Year of treatment?)

I’m currently getting a few of my friends who had the same problems on board and Crossroads will be seeing them soon. They are in awe of my transformation and how quickly the ibogaine treatment worked. You can tell that the doctors and staff genuinely care; had lots of great conversations with all of them. Very laid-back, relaxing vibe to the house; soo good! (Crossroads Patient(insert what they were addicted to? Year of treatment?)

Fantastic location, great airy space, large rooms with high ceilings, comfortable beds. I’ve been ranting and raving already to people close to me about this treatment. Ibogaine is a serious psychedelic that you need to be careful with and your facility is excellent at making sure everything is done right and safely. (Crossroads Patient (insert what they were addicted to? Year of treatment?)

The post Legal Status of Ibogaine Around the World appeared first on Crossroads Ibogaine Treatment Center | Bahamas.

via Blogger ift.tt/2FK2nVe

The U.S. Military Academy Superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr., Director of Admissions Col. Deborah McDonald, Army West Point Athletics Associate Athletic Director Lt. Col. (R) Gaylord Green, Cadet Taylor Chambers and Cadet Andre Michell speak with candidates at a West Point Admissions brief before the Army vs. Rice game today.

Questions were answered about the admissions process, cadet life and serving in the U.S. Army. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Sadie Routzahn)

Visit www.admissiondetails.com/hkbk-college-of-engineering-bang...

H.K B.K COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING BANGALORE is one of the premier technical colleges in India. The college was established by Sri C M Ibrahim in the year 1997. The main motive of this college is to provide great knowledge based academic sources to the students, who can cater to the nation in future. The college is situated in the heart of the city in Bangalore, with all state-of-the-art facilities. An ancient mode of studies does not meet with the current industry standard, and the college provides modern technical and upgraded campus to their students. Libraries, large play ground, high speed internet access, updated labs, hostels and food court add special attractions to this college. Along with that, its strong academic council is structured with experienced professors, lecturers and technical experts who collaborate to bring out the best of each student.

For Admission in HKBK College of Engineering Bangalore contact 8095723044 / 7760635804

HKBK College of Engineering always admires the intelligent mind that can develop and invent something new and constructive. So the college always tries to improvise upon its students with the best interpersonal skill development system, and it encourages them to pursue research work at the end of the courses. Along with that the college has excellent placement record for their students every year, and most of the students get through the top most companies in India and abroad. For direct admission in HKBK College of Engineering Bangalore, students can contact with the administrative cell of the college.

Courses:

Under-Graduate courses (B.E)

Computer science and engineering

Electronics and communication engineering

Mechanical engineering

Electrical and electronics engineering

Civil engineering

Information technology

Post-Graduate Courses:

Tech

Mechanical engineering

Computer science

Electronics and communication engineering

Information technology

Management course

Master of business administration (MBA)

Admission in HKBK College of Engineering Bangalore:

For the admission in HKBK College of Engineering Bangalore, students need to apply through online mode from the official website of the college.

For admission in under-graduate course (B.E) students need to meet the criteria as per the AICTE norms and they must secure at least 45% marks at their 10+2 levels with science combination. Along with that, students need to apply through common entrance test conducted by the state government of Karnataka. For management quota in HKBK College of Engineering Bangalore, students can mail to the authority or administrative cell of the college.

For the admission in Post-Graduate courses, student need to secure minimum 50% marks at their graduation level and they must apply through common entrance test. Fee structure of HKBK College of Engineering Bangalore is very reasonable.

Admission process: students need to collect the application kit from the college or they can also fill up the form and submit it online at the college’s official website. Along with that students need to submit all their documents such as certificates, address proof and photographs.

Placement assistance in HKBK College of Engineering Bangalore:

The college has an excellent placement and training cell for the students and it provides soft skill and communication development training to the students from the first semester. Along with that, the college conducts industry meets, mock interviews, seminars, conferences and business lectures in the campus every year. Students can meet with the industry experts through this placement cell and they can enhance their skill and knowledge as per the company’s requirements.

Top companies such as IBM, Infosys, Tech Mahindra, Wipro, Dell and Accenture select many students from this college each year.

For HKBK College of Engineering Bangalore admission, contact 8095723044 / 7760635804

On Wednesday, April 29th, 2015, Micheal Broski, a representative from West Point Academy visited Utica Academy of Science Charter School. Scholars in grades 7 through 10 were given a survey to indicate whether they are interested to hear from West Point Academy or not. There were 83 scholars who signed up for it. Mr. Broski had arrived to give information about the admission process of West Point and other programs are being offered at West Point Academy. West Point Academy’s role in our nation's history dates back to the Revolutionary War, when both sides realized the strategic importance of the commanding plateau on the west bank of the Hudson River. General George Washington considered West Point to be the most important strategic position in America. Washington personally selected Thaddeus Kosciuszko, one of the heroes of Saratoga, to design the fortifications for West Point in 1778, and Washington transferred his headquarters to West Point in 1779. Continental soldiers built forts, batteries and redoubts and extended a 150-ton iron chain across the Hudson to control river traffic. Fortress West Point was never captured by the British, despite Benedict Arnold's treason. West Point is the oldest continuously occupied military post in America. Mr. Broski showed a video which was amazing to have students get an idea what they do at West Point. Students asked a lot of questions to Mr. Broski to learn more about it. Students answered some questions, they earned a USB drive, and several other prizes.

As part of the admission process, children are given a sachet of ready-to-use therapeutic food to test their appetite. Children who have a good appetite can be treated as outpatients, while those who refuse to eat will referred to a stabilisation centre for around-the-clock care.

© IMC/Crystal Wells