EDUCATION:

Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH. (Graduated 1998)

Bachelor of Arts Degree, English and Theater

WORK EXPERIENCE:

R.O.C.K. (Revival Of Catholic Kids) Youth Ministry Team: (August 2000 – Present)

High School Youth Ministry and Retreats

For the last seven years, I have planned organized and executed all-day retreats and conferences for high school age teens.

I have been the main speaker for this group, as well as the skit director and small group leader.  I also am in co-charge of the prayer ministry team.

This past year, leadership of this group has been handed over to me.  I now am in charge of marketing, developing, managing and executing the all day and weekend retreats.  Additionally, I am responsible for the other ministry members, the skits, the prayer ministry and booking the retreats with parishes and conferences.

This is one of the most successful youth ministries in all of New England.  

National Speaker:  (September 1998 – Present)

Professional Speaker and Retreat Leader 

For the last nine years, I have spoken to adults and teens on a wide variety of topics ranging from catechetics and morality to spirituality and apologetics. I have spoken at national conferences, retreats, workshops, seminars, schools, parish missions and regional gatherings.  I have spoken in front of crowds ranging from thirty to three thousand.

Speaking is my unique gift and passion, which I use to cultivate and foster in teens a greater knowledge, understanding, and excitement for God and the Catholic faith.  I have learned that to effectively work, relate and communicate with teens takes an enormous amount of energy and dedication, but it is also certainly rewarding to inspire them and evoke changes in their lives.

Xavier High School:  Middletown, CT. (September 2006 – May 2007)

Religion Teacher

Taught “Scriptures” to freshmen

Developed an Old Testament curriculum which followed the plan of salvation from the Old Testament to its fulfillment in the New Testament

Developed a New Testament curriculum which provided an in-depth look and understanding of Jesus Christ, the New Testament church, and Catholic culture, prayer and practice

Taught “Lifestyles and Justice” to seniors

Developed a curriculum for graduating seniors that encompassed the previous three years of Xavier religious education   

Maintained a focus on lifestyle choices, communication, relationships, morality, vocations and Christian justice

Served as a Pastoral Advisor for freshmen and seniors

Responsible for educational and spiritual direction in order to provide guidance and support to students

Assistant coach of Xavier Ultimate Frisbee

St. Paul Church:  Kensington, CT. (August 2004 – August 2006)

Director of Religious Education and Youth Minister

Developed and implemented all programs, curriculums, teacher guides and trainings for nearly one-thousand students and one-hundred teachers

Managed the Catechetical Sacramental Programs through Confirmation 

Started and directed the first successful youth ministry program for teens built around the US Bishop’s components of spirituality, catechesis, evangelization, service and justice.

Reached out to and served teens of all different backgrounds and levels of faith

Meriden Public Schools:  Meriden, CT. (2000 – 2004)

Substitute Teacher and Long Term Teacher for English, History, Reading, Science, etc.

Monitored and taught various classes in junior high and high school 

Was asked to teach full time for two years as a Long term Substitute in which I was the teacher for the year

Worked in the alternate high school for students who had trouble in regular education.

Taught students who were behaviorally and emotionally challenged

Worked in a well-structured, disciplined environment to ensure the success of students who could not function in the public school system 

St. Mary’s Church:  Walpole, MA. (August 1998 – September 1999)

Pastoral Associate and Youth Minister

Developed and implemented the first successful high school youth ministry program

Built a program around the components of spirituality, catechesis, evangelization and service/justice.

Taught RCIA and Adult Education

Taught Religious Education (Grades 8,9 &10)

OTHER WORK:

Author:

Catholic Educational Tracts

I have written numerous Catholic tracts on a litany of different topics ranging from spirituality to morality and catechesis.  

Catholic Leadership Institute Training:  Fallriver, MA. (August 2002)

Trained high school teens with the leadership skills needed to be effective leaders and co-leaders in their own communities  

Speaker/workshop leader

Small group leader

NACEF National Catholic Television: Providence R.I. (2002 and 2005)

2002 – Was a guest speaker for TV and radio in Providence, RI.

Aired an eight week show on the Catholic Church, Sacraments and Salvation

2005 – Aired a two week radio show on the Catholic Church with the Franciscan Friars

MORE ABOUT ME:

As the oldest of six children, I grew up in a good Catholic household in Massachusetts and attended Catholic school for most of my life.  I attended Dean College for two years and then transferred out to Franciscan University of Steubenville for three more years.  Though I grew up in good, practicing Catholic family, I had a lot of conversion and spiritual growth at Franciscan University.  It is here that I grew immensely in my spiritual life and knowledge of the faith.  I received a deep desire and zeal to love and serve God.  I also learned what my gifts and talents were and grew in my desire to use them for the benefit of others.  After my faith was shaken by Jehovah’ Witnesses in 1997, I learned how to explain and defend my faith, transforming me into the speaker and evangelist I am today.  I have spent the last ten years studying and growing in the Catholic faith, as well as teaching it to others through youth ministry, parish work, professional speaking, and more.  Six years ago, I moved to Meriden, and five months ago, I entered into the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony.  From there, I moved to Milford, CT. where I currently reside.  My wife, Katherine is also a very practicing Catholic who loves God with her whole heart, and we take our vocation very seriously. She works as a professional animator for Disney and Nickelodeon making kids cartoons for TV.

My interests include sports, games, hiking, fishing and other outdoor activities.  I have a gift for memorization and have learned all the capitals of every country in the world.  I am currently in the process of learning all of the popes in chronological order.  My biggest interest lies in my faith life.  I love to pray, go to Mass and to adoration, and to read spiritual books.  I enjoy learning as much as possible about God and my Catholic Faith, as well as bringing Him to as many people as He allows me reach.