I am a Catholic priest currently completing a certificate in spiritual direction.
My theological and pastoral education includes studies includes a BA in Theology and License in Spirituality from the Gregorian University in Rome, an MA in Theology from Seton Hally University, and a certificate in Carmelite Spirituality from Washington Theological Union.
I have served as a pastor, and worked in Hispanic ministry and Italian ministry, and am fluent in both languages, and have also worked in young adult and campus ministries as well.
As the prior of the religious community, I animate the community and facilitate communication and cooperation among the members. I also coordinate with the pastor in ensuring a harmonious relationship between the community and the parish.
As a priest-in-residence, I collaborate with the parish pastoral team in ministering to the local community. I also help out in several parishes as needed with ministering the sacraments, and giving presentations and talks, focused primarily on the Hispanic population.
As leader of the faith community, I fostered prayerful fraternity among the congregation, and managed the day-to-day operations and function of the school and church facilities. I maintained a constant presence throughout the pandemic and other challenging situations. I educated parishioners on topics from theology and spirituality to science. I provided one-on-one spiritual support through individual meetings.
I assisted the parish priests in serving the community at Christmas and Holy Week and Easter. The ministry was carried out entirely in Italian, and required me to work with various groups in the constituent parishes.
I have organized conferences, given days of reflection, taught spirituality, translated at international conferences, and taken leadership roles on both the community and provincial levels.
I worked on developing programs for young adults under the guidance of a mentor. In the process, I learned how to encourage group participation as a leader.