Supporting Orlando Diocese Seminarians
As the strong right arm of the church, the Knights of Columbus are committed to providing moral, financial and spiritual support to our future priests and religious at all stages of their formation. Our Council 5618 Knights are keeping the faith alive by supporting our seminarians and postulants. Currently, the Council supports 3 Orlando Seminarians financially, morally and spiritually.
Our Council's Financially Supported Seminarians and Their 2021 Updates
We asked the 3 Seminarians we support financially for updates on themselves. Their stories have been updated for our 2021 Vocations Fundraiser.
Deacon Zachary Gray
Deacon Zachary Gray
Dear Knights,
As always, I thank you for your constant support over the years. Since my ordination in May, I’ve had the opportunity over this past summer to minister in a hospital in Orlando, Florida. There are many, many experiences I could share, but the one that stands out the most would have to be baptizing a four-year-old child in the pediatric ICU. Being there with the mother, as a deacon, and giving hope eternal life to a child is by itself worth all the studies from the past years.
I am now back in seminary preparing to be ordained a priest. Most of my studies are now behind me but there’s still work to do. I thank you again for all your support and prayers. God bless.
In Christ,
Deacon Zackary Gray
Please pray for Deacon Zachary and help support his education by making donation a today.
Dear Knights,
As always, I thank you for your constant support over the years. Since my ordination in May, I’ve had the opportunity over this past summer to minister in a hospital in Orlando, Florida. There are many, many experiences I could share, but the one that stands out the most would have to be baptizing a four-year-old child in the pediatric ICU. Being there with the mother, as a deacon, and giving hope eternal life to a child is by itself worth all the studies from the past years.
I am now back in seminary preparing to be ordained a priest. Most of my studies are now behind me but there’s still work to do. I thank you again for all your support and prayers. God bless.
In Christ,
Deacon Zackary Gray
Please pray for Deacon Zachary and help support his education by making donation a today.
Deacon Zackary Gray Journey to Priesthood
Zackary Gray’s first encounter with Jesus Christ through Eucharistic Adoration inspired him to practice a living faith. Deacon Zackary will be ordained to the Priesthood on May 28, 2022.
Zackary Gray’s first encounter with Jesus Christ through Eucharistic Adoration inspired him to practice a living faith. Deacon Zackary will be ordained to the Priesthood on May 28, 2022.
E. Matthew Rios
E. Matthew Rios
The past year for myself was rather complex, especially due to my familial circumstances. I spent most of the spring semester stuck mentally between my home and seminary. I was challenged to be open to formation with my feelings and whatever else was going on in my heart and mind. Of course, I learned much over the course of my first year in theology at Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. My studies, along with the rich fraternity in seminary, helped to keep my own struggles in balance. In fact, one of the most important lessons I learned for the year was how reliant I am on my brother seminarians, my future brother priests. I could not have possibly made it through the year without the love, prayers and support of the seminary community, along with all of you who are part of my own life.
On a positive note, I spent the summer in Omaha, Nebraska. I took part in the spiritual program on the Institute of Priestly Formation (IPF). It was a life-changing experience, giving me a new perspective in my prayer life. I loved every bit of my time at IPF. It was a grace for me to come from the complexity of my year in first theology into the spiritual rest that was IPF. I am still unpacking all of the grace I received over the summer, and I look forward to exploring said grace throughout the coming year in second theology.
I thank you for your concern as well as our prayers. It is a blessing to have others who want to be a part of my life in such a prayerful way. Honestly, I enjoy sharing my life experiences. I pray that you and the rest of the Knights are well, and I thank you for all that you have done for me. You continue to be in my prayers, and I hope I continue to be in yours.
Peace, Love, Joy,
E. Matthew Rios
Please pray for Matthew and help support his education by making donation a today.
The past year for myself was rather complex, especially due to my familial circumstances. I spent most of the spring semester stuck mentally between my home and seminary. I was challenged to be open to formation with my feelings and whatever else was going on in my heart and mind. Of course, I learned much over the course of my first year in theology at Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. My studies, along with the rich fraternity in seminary, helped to keep my own struggles in balance. In fact, one of the most important lessons I learned for the year was how reliant I am on my brother seminarians, my future brother priests. I could not have possibly made it through the year without the love, prayers and support of the seminary community, along with all of you who are part of my own life.
On a positive note, I spent the summer in Omaha, Nebraska. I took part in the spiritual program on the Institute of Priestly Formation (IPF). It was a life-changing experience, giving me a new perspective in my prayer life. I loved every bit of my time at IPF. It was a grace for me to come from the complexity of my year in first theology into the spiritual rest that was IPF. I am still unpacking all of the grace I received over the summer, and I look forward to exploring said grace throughout the coming year in second theology.
I thank you for your concern as well as our prayers. It is a blessing to have others who want to be a part of my life in such a prayerful way. Honestly, I enjoy sharing my life experiences. I pray that you and the rest of the Knights are well, and I thank you for all that you have done for me. You continue to be in my prayers, and I hope I continue to be in yours.
Peace, Love, Joy,
E. Matthew Rios
Please pray for Matthew and help support his education by making donation a today.
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Joshua Theisen
Meet our newest Seminarian, Joshua Theisen, who replaces the newly ordained Robert Marquez. Hello! My name is Joshua Theisen, and I am a newly accepted seminarian for the diocese of Orlando, beginning in the fall of 2021. I am originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and have a bachelor's degree in history from Michigan State University. Most recently, I have worked at Booking.com as a member of the financial team. I originally moved to Celebration, Florida in March of 2019, to be closer to some of my family members. While I had a few stirrings since college towards the priesthood, my discernment accelerated during the quarantine period in 2020. I finally made the decision to submit the application, leaving the decision to the bishop and Holy Spirit. In April of 2021, I was accepted as a seminarian to study at St. Vincent de Paul regional seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida. Joshua is attending St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. He is from Winter Haven and calls St. Matthew’s Catholic Church his home parish. Please pray for Joshua and help support his education by making a donation today. |
Joshua Theisen
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Two Seminarians Sharing the Same Bond
Nicholas Couture, the grandson of Gary Couture, a brother Knight of our Council, just entered seminary. Gary recently shared Nicholas’ story with the Council and will continue to provide us with updates on his progress. Nick has been drawn to pursuit of a religious vocation for at least 4 years. Catholic elementary and high school in Shelton CT helped along with family support. Even with that help, we marveled at the courage it took to explain his choice to friends and classmates. He was often called upon to speak and or lead his religious class. He attended weekly Latin mass on Wednesday nights. This summer while visiting the magic kingdom he heard about a traditional Mass in College Park and he convinced the family to attend the Mass. They greatly enjoyed it. Nick entered St. Charles Borromeo seminary Philadelphia, PA the first week of September. Yes, our own Monsignor Ed Thompson, as well as his brother, Bishop David, graduated from this seminary in 1950. This Sunday we were privileged to attend mass and prayer service as Nick and his class received their first cassock (a Christian clerical clothing coat used by the clergy of the Catholic Church). These young men beamed as they sang and prayed at the historic chapel (100+ year old campus). By the way, this marvelous campus was designed for about 1,500 students. Since only 138 are currently attending, they needed to downsize. New property was located and the current property was sold. The final move will be in 3 years. God knows we need good men to take the steps to become priests. With God’s help and yours, just maybe Nick can beat the odds and join the ranks. If you would please include Nicholas in your prayers, we would greatly appreciate it. |
Nicholas and Marc Couture
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Father Robert Marquez
Father Robert Marquez
On May 29, 2021, Robert Marquez was ordained a priest and is currently a Parochial Vicar at St. James Cathedral in Orlando Florida. Praise be to God!
On May 29, 2021, Robert Marquez was ordained a priest and is currently a Parochial Vicar at St. James Cathedral in Orlando Florida. Praise be to God!
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Donate with a Text Message:
Text 1-888-444-8774 using the keyword ‘vocations’.
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Donate by Check:
Send your check to: Knights of Columbus Bishop Thomas J. Grady Council 5618 P.O. Box 150517 Altamonte Springs, FL 32715-0517 Please add "Vocations" in the memo field of your check. |
St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary
St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary
Boynton Beach, FL 33436
Since its founding in 1963 St. Vincent has granted degrees to nearly 500 priests who have gone on to serve parishes throughout Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and elsewhere. The only bilingual multicultural theologate in the southeastern U.S., St. Vincent is also a free standing, graduate professional school of theology committed to providing continuing education for clergy, religious and laypersons of all denominations. The seminary is owned by the seven dioceses of the Roman Catholic Church in Florida.
Boynton Beach, FL 33436
Since its founding in 1963 St. Vincent has granted degrees to nearly 500 priests who have gone on to serve parishes throughout Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico, and elsewhere. The only bilingual multicultural theologate in the southeastern U.S., St. Vincent is also a free standing, graduate professional school of theology committed to providing continuing education for clergy, religious and laypersons of all denominations. The seminary is owned by the seven dioceses of the Roman Catholic Church in Florida.
A VOCATION Message from our Council's Chaplain
Dear Brother Knights and family members, for me, VOCATION is a simple word with a supernatural and meaningful power. The power of God calling and the power of receiving God’s call. I think, because of my faith, that everyone is called by the same voice of God but sadly not everyone is ready to respond. When God calls, He is empowering the called. Vocation is never an imposition but always an invitation. So, all those who are called, have the freedom to respond with a simple answer: Here I am Lord.
It is amazing to know that we can always speak with God in an intimate conversation where we can express to Him our fears, hopes, and human desires, because God is listening and will respond at the proper time. It is called PRAYER. In his infinite love, God is calling everyone by name to have a dialogue with us, showing us his will; the universal vocation for human beings: HOLINESS.
It is important to notice that God’s love is multiform, and the diversity of his love is as vast as the many gifts and talents that everybody has received. So, God’s call is specifically for everyone to fulfil his/her/their final destiny TO BE HOLY, which is the height of human and spiritual vocation. Let us be clear, “destiny” is a term which in general means the preordained order of events. Human destiny, therefore, is the divine ordering of all secondary causes by God leading to the goal of human existence, which is the heavenly possession of God. But always this destiny is conditional, depending on one's voluntary co-operation with divine grace. In pagan terms, destiny is the fate to which a person is necessarily predestined. (Etym. Latin de, down + stanare, to cause to stand: destinare, to destine, resolve firmly.)” catholic Dictionary.
We want to see, understand and work the power of FREEDOM given to us by God, to participate in his wisdom with confidence, with generosity, with happiness and by loving our brothers and sisters when the response is as good stewards: YES, I WILL. LORD SEND ME. In other words, we can say that the ultimate destiny for everyone is to respond to His call without hesitation, fear or doubts, but with certain love and faith.
Regarding to Priesthood, it is the same process with some particularities. For instance, those called to be a priest are also challenged to see beyond all human wishes. That is placing God first in all things. It is also an act of pure trust in Him. That is why candidates to the priesthood agree to experience the seminary life for some period dedicated to praying, studying and living Jesus’ life to be configured with Him; this is a time of vocational discernment. And, when a candidate is ready and shows that he really ready, then the Church will also call him for his ordination; not before.
The entire world affirms how important priesthood is and we want to improve the atmosphere offered for the preparation of our candidates to become priests. Let us keep giving our spiritual support, our financial help and our consistent accompaniment to those whom the Lord has called to become Herald of His Word and Stewards of his people. Please, keep in mind that, once they are entrusted with priesthood in his ordination, priests also need the power given by God to keep saying day after day: YES, HERE I AM OH LORD, I WANT AND HELP ME TO DO YOUR WILL.
Your worthy Chaplain,
Fr. Frank Lobo (Wolf)
It is amazing to know that we can always speak with God in an intimate conversation where we can express to Him our fears, hopes, and human desires, because God is listening and will respond at the proper time. It is called PRAYER. In his infinite love, God is calling everyone by name to have a dialogue with us, showing us his will; the universal vocation for human beings: HOLINESS.
It is important to notice that God’s love is multiform, and the diversity of his love is as vast as the many gifts and talents that everybody has received. So, God’s call is specifically for everyone to fulfil his/her/their final destiny TO BE HOLY, which is the height of human and spiritual vocation. Let us be clear, “destiny” is a term which in general means the preordained order of events. Human destiny, therefore, is the divine ordering of all secondary causes by God leading to the goal of human existence, which is the heavenly possession of God. But always this destiny is conditional, depending on one's voluntary co-operation with divine grace. In pagan terms, destiny is the fate to which a person is necessarily predestined. (Etym. Latin de, down + stanare, to cause to stand: destinare, to destine, resolve firmly.)” catholic Dictionary.
We want to see, understand and work the power of FREEDOM given to us by God, to participate in his wisdom with confidence, with generosity, with happiness and by loving our brothers and sisters when the response is as good stewards: YES, I WILL. LORD SEND ME. In other words, we can say that the ultimate destiny for everyone is to respond to His call without hesitation, fear or doubts, but with certain love and faith.
Regarding to Priesthood, it is the same process with some particularities. For instance, those called to be a priest are also challenged to see beyond all human wishes. That is placing God first in all things. It is also an act of pure trust in Him. That is why candidates to the priesthood agree to experience the seminary life for some period dedicated to praying, studying and living Jesus’ life to be configured with Him; this is a time of vocational discernment. And, when a candidate is ready and shows that he really ready, then the Church will also call him for his ordination; not before.
The entire world affirms how important priesthood is and we want to improve the atmosphere offered for the preparation of our candidates to become priests. Let us keep giving our spiritual support, our financial help and our consistent accompaniment to those whom the Lord has called to become Herald of His Word and Stewards of his people. Please, keep in mind that, once they are entrusted with priesthood in his ordination, priests also need the power given by God to keep saying day after day: YES, HERE I AM OH LORD, I WANT AND HELP ME TO DO YOUR WILL.
Your worthy Chaplain,
Fr. Frank Lobo (Wolf)
Vocation Prayer
Please pray for vocations.
God our Father,
we thank you for
calling men and women to serve in your
Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and
consecrated persons.
Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond
generously and courageously to your call.
May our community of faith support vocations of
sacrificial love in our youth and young adults.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives
and reigns with you in the unity of
the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
God our Father,
we thank you for
calling men and women to serve in your
Son’s Kingdom as priests, deacons, and
consecrated persons.
Send your Holy Spirit to help others to respond
generously and courageously to your call.
May our community of faith support vocations of
sacrificial love in our youth and young adults.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives
and reigns with you in the unity of
the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.