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.
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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. |
Our Council's Financially Supported Seminarians and Their Summer Updates
We asked the 3 Seminarians we support financially for an update on how they spent the summer and what they will be doing this next academic year. Here are their stories.
Deacon Robert Marquez
On April 25th, 2020, I was ordained as a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Orlando. Though the Ordination was limited to the residence of the seminary due to the restrictions placed by the COVID situation, it was still a wonderful and blessed event; to me, it felt like the chapel was full with the entire “community of saints,” both on earth and in heaven, present watching and encouraging me as I took this next step toward the priesthood. With joy in my heart, I carried the presence of my loved ones who were unable to be with me as well as the presence of those that have helped me along my journey bringing all of their needs and intentions with me as Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami laid his hands on my head, ordaining me into the order of Deacons. My prayers were with all of them as well as with my fellow brothers being ordained. I prayed that as new deacons, we could be good and faithful servants of the Lord and to his people.
Since being ordained, I had the opportunity to preach at the seminary and at my home parish, Blessed Sacrament in Clermont, and I had the opportunity to spend the summer months in Lakeland at St. Anthony’s where I preached homilies, assisted at Masses, celebrated three baptisms, and worked with the bereavement team which included ministering at grave-side services. I also had the opportunity to work with the faith formation team by facilitating baptism and confirmation classes as well as “zooming” in with the teen group before summer break. Though contact with parishioners was limited due to the current restrictions, I took advantage of the time before and after Mass to briefly interact with parishioners, and I also took advantage of office visits by speaking with those that came to the parish office for various needs. This summer also gave me the opportunity to learn about the functions of the parish, interact with the staff, and to better understand their role in the parish and what they seek in a leader or Pastor.
Currently, I have returned to St. Vincent de Paul Regional seminary for my final year of formation, and even though our off-campus activities have been restricted, which includes off-campus pastoral work, we continue to find ways to remain in contact with our summer assignments by using “zoom” or other forms of communication to minister to the people of God. However, formation also continues through academics and spiritual life. This year, I am President of the Student Council acting as liaison between the Student body and the administration as well as helping my seminarian brothers through encouragement and enhancement of their community life. Academics also keeps me busy with classes in Pastoral Counseling, Homiletics, Medical Ethics, and Sacraments where this year I am learning about the Sacraments of Healing – Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.
Due to the restrictions, the seminary has decided not to allow the men to go on mid-semester break, and instead, we will remain on campus through Thanksgiving week when we will go home for Thanksgiving break and complete our last two weeks of classes via zoom. This way, we will be able to return to parish life in the Diocese for the Advent season and assist during Advent celebrations as well as Christmas before returning to seminary in January.
Deacon Robert Marquez
Please pray for Deacon Robert and help support his education by making a donation today.
On April 25th, 2020, I was ordained as a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Orlando. Though the Ordination was limited to the residence of the seminary due to the restrictions placed by the COVID situation, it was still a wonderful and blessed event; to me, it felt like the chapel was full with the entire “community of saints,” both on earth and in heaven, present watching and encouraging me as I took this next step toward the priesthood. With joy in my heart, I carried the presence of my loved ones who were unable to be with me as well as the presence of those that have helped me along my journey bringing all of their needs and intentions with me as Archbishop Thomas Wenski of the Archdiocese of Miami laid his hands on my head, ordaining me into the order of Deacons. My prayers were with all of them as well as with my fellow brothers being ordained. I prayed that as new deacons, we could be good and faithful servants of the Lord and to his people.
Since being ordained, I had the opportunity to preach at the seminary and at my home parish, Blessed Sacrament in Clermont, and I had the opportunity to spend the summer months in Lakeland at St. Anthony’s where I preached homilies, assisted at Masses, celebrated three baptisms, and worked with the bereavement team which included ministering at grave-side services. I also had the opportunity to work with the faith formation team by facilitating baptism and confirmation classes as well as “zooming” in with the teen group before summer break. Though contact with parishioners was limited due to the current restrictions, I took advantage of the time before and after Mass to briefly interact with parishioners, and I also took advantage of office visits by speaking with those that came to the parish office for various needs. This summer also gave me the opportunity to learn about the functions of the parish, interact with the staff, and to better understand their role in the parish and what they seek in a leader or Pastor.
Currently, I have returned to St. Vincent de Paul Regional seminary for my final year of formation, and even though our off-campus activities have been restricted, which includes off-campus pastoral work, we continue to find ways to remain in contact with our summer assignments by using “zoom” or other forms of communication to minister to the people of God. However, formation also continues through academics and spiritual life. This year, I am President of the Student Council acting as liaison between the Student body and the administration as well as helping my seminarian brothers through encouragement and enhancement of their community life. Academics also keeps me busy with classes in Pastoral Counseling, Homiletics, Medical Ethics, and Sacraments where this year I am learning about the Sacraments of Healing – Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick.
Due to the restrictions, the seminary has decided not to allow the men to go on mid-semester break, and instead, we will remain on campus through Thanksgiving week when we will go home for Thanksgiving break and complete our last two weeks of classes via zoom. This way, we will be able to return to parish life in the Diocese for the Advent season and assist during Advent celebrations as well as Christmas before returning to seminary in January.
Deacon Robert Marquez
Please pray for Deacon Robert and help support his education by making a donation today.
E. Matthew Rios
Thank you for the continued prayers and support. I will gladly share with my happenings over the summer and those to come. For the summer, I was working at a parish in Kissimmee, Florida called Holy Redeemer. The first couple of weeks were rather slow to start, mostly because Florida was just entering the opening phase.
One of my most pleasant experiences was seeing the people attending the Mass. It was a reminder to me how important the Eucharist is to the Church, how we are always thirsting for Jesus and cannot wait to have our thirst quenched by his true presence.
For the most part, my time at the parish was spent helping out in the main office. I helped to organize sacramental files and documentation, performed minor maintenance tasks, etc. The Parish staff were really warm and welcoming, making me feel right at home. During the summer, I also served for Masses, including funerals; I even went out to visit the sick a couple of times. I enjoyed facilitating youth group meetings via Zoom as well. Despite the good that came out of the summer, it was pretty challenging.
I am an introvert, so being social is not my natural inclination. The current pandemic did not help my situation, as it was the social norm not to socialize with other people. I grew a little stagnant in this area of my formation, but I am ready to tackle the coming year despite the obvious challenges.
As for what I am doing now in the seminary, I am mostly stuck in the seminary. I attend my classes; thankfully, there are plenty of in person classes due to the abundance of priest professors. As one of my pastoral assignments, I will be working with one of the parishes in the Orlando diocese to help with religious education via the internet. Although, I wish I could be teaching the children in person. Around late September, I hope to be installed into the ministry of Lector. Other than this, it is still early on in the academic year, and there are new gifts and challenges lying ahead. I am in a new seminary, so I have to get fully adjusted. I believe I will be fine though.
Thanks so much for everything again! Know that you guys are in my prayers, especially in these uncertain times. I look forward to the day when the pandemic is over, and we will be better able to serve one another as brothers in Christ!
Peace, Love, and Joy,
E. Matthew Rios
Please pray for Matthew and help support his education by making donation a today.
Thank you for the continued prayers and support. I will gladly share with my happenings over the summer and those to come. For the summer, I was working at a parish in Kissimmee, Florida called Holy Redeemer. The first couple of weeks were rather slow to start, mostly because Florida was just entering the opening phase.
One of my most pleasant experiences was seeing the people attending the Mass. It was a reminder to me how important the Eucharist is to the Church, how we are always thirsting for Jesus and cannot wait to have our thirst quenched by his true presence.
For the most part, my time at the parish was spent helping out in the main office. I helped to organize sacramental files and documentation, performed minor maintenance tasks, etc. The Parish staff were really warm and welcoming, making me feel right at home. During the summer, I also served for Masses, including funerals; I even went out to visit the sick a couple of times. I enjoyed facilitating youth group meetings via Zoom as well. Despite the good that came out of the summer, it was pretty challenging.
I am an introvert, so being social is not my natural inclination. The current pandemic did not help my situation, as it was the social norm not to socialize with other people. I grew a little stagnant in this area of my formation, but I am ready to tackle the coming year despite the obvious challenges.
As for what I am doing now in the seminary, I am mostly stuck in the seminary. I attend my classes; thankfully, there are plenty of in person classes due to the abundance of priest professors. As one of my pastoral assignments, I will be working with one of the parishes in the Orlando diocese to help with religious education via the internet. Although, I wish I could be teaching the children in person. Around late September, I hope to be installed into the ministry of Lector. Other than this, it is still early on in the academic year, and there are new gifts and challenges lying ahead. I am in a new seminary, so I have to get fully adjusted. I believe I will be fine though.
Thanks so much for everything again! Know that you guys are in my prayers, especially in these uncertain times. I look forward to the day when the pandemic is over, and we will be better able to serve one another as brothers in Christ!
Peace, Love, and Joy,
E. Matthew Rios
Please pray for Matthew and help support his education by making donation a today.
Zackary Gray
My name is Zackary Gray, and I am a seminarian for the Diocese of Orlando. I am currently studying in St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in my 3rd year of theological studies. I would like to thank Council 5618 for the constant support that you have given me over the years, both financially and spiritually.
Over this past year, I had the opportunity to have a Pastoral Year in Lakeland, FL. I had more experiences than I could possibly explain, but from teaching RCIA, Hospital ministry, and more, I was able to step into the role of a priest in ways I never could before. It was all very efficacious for me, and I am now more convinced than ever before.
Like most other people, the pandemic changed my summer immensely. I went from being constantly busy in the parish, to at times having to look for things to do. But, in all that, I was still able to serve the people of St Joseph Catholic Church, specifically by serving in our live streamed liturgy. To be able to attend mass while most people could not, was a sobering experience for me, and it challenged me to reflect on my own relationship to Christ in the Eucharist. I am grateful to see people return to mass now, and I am more deeply committed to serve them at the altar than I have ever been.
That phase of my life has come to a close, and I am now back at my studies. I am currently preparing for my diaconate ordination, which will take place in April. It is an exciting time, but also one full of challenges of its own. The work is certainly not light, but my brothers and I are committed to giving it all that we have, in order to be the best clerics, we can be.
Of course, none of that would be possible without the support we receive. I am deeply grateful for all God has given me, especially through organizations such as the Knights of Columbus. I will continue to work hard to be the best deacon and priest I can for you and for the whole Church. Thank you all.
In Christ,
Zackary Gray
Please pray for Zackary and help support his education by making a donation today.
My name is Zackary Gray, and I am a seminarian for the Diocese of Orlando. I am currently studying in St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in my 3rd year of theological studies. I would like to thank Council 5618 for the constant support that you have given me over the years, both financially and spiritually.
Over this past year, I had the opportunity to have a Pastoral Year in Lakeland, FL. I had more experiences than I could possibly explain, but from teaching RCIA, Hospital ministry, and more, I was able to step into the role of a priest in ways I never could before. It was all very efficacious for me, and I am now more convinced than ever before.
Like most other people, the pandemic changed my summer immensely. I went from being constantly busy in the parish, to at times having to look for things to do. But, in all that, I was still able to serve the people of St Joseph Catholic Church, specifically by serving in our live streamed liturgy. To be able to attend mass while most people could not, was a sobering experience for me, and it challenged me to reflect on my own relationship to Christ in the Eucharist. I am grateful to see people return to mass now, and I am more deeply committed to serve them at the altar than I have ever been.
That phase of my life has come to a close, and I am now back at my studies. I am currently preparing for my diaconate ordination, which will take place in April. It is an exciting time, but also one full of challenges of its own. The work is certainly not light, but my brothers and I are committed to giving it all that we have, in order to be the best clerics, we can be.
Of course, none of that would be possible without the support we receive. I am deeply grateful for all God has given me, especially through organizations such as the Knights of Columbus. I will continue to work hard to be the best deacon and priest I can for you and for the whole Church. Thank you all.
In Christ,
Zackary Gray
Please pray for Zackary and help support his education by making a donation today.
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.
2020 - 2021 Orlando Seminarians
