Diocese of St. Petersburg (Echo 16 & 17)
Randolph Davidson, Mackenzie Kraker, Katie Groves, Mason Fredenberg
Randolph Davidson
Echo Class:
Echo 16 Parish Apprentice
Echo Placement:
St. Timothy Catholic Church
Hometown:
Sugar Land, Texas
Undergraduate Institution Area(s) of Study:
Baylor University, 2018
Classics, Liberal Arts
What have you enjoyed most about your Echo experience thus far?
I was very happily surprised by the Echo community. I had no idea how much of a family feel it would have, but I am incredibly thankful for it.
Mackenzie Kraker
Echo Class:
Echo 16 Parish Apprentice
Echo Placement:
Corpus Christi Catholic Church
Hometown:
Westerville, Ohio
Undergraduate Institution Area(s) of Study:
University of Notre Dame, 2019
Biochemistry, Theology
What advice would you give to Echo applicants?
As I worked on the Echo application, I found that the questions it asked were questions I enjoyed exploring, so pay attention to what gives you life. Be real and answer the questions as yourself rather than the "perfect applicant." Dive deep into the questions, take them to prayer, and let them penetrate your heart and mind to see your own calling and role in serving the Church in a new light
Katie Groves
Echo Class:
Echo 17 Parish Apprentice
Echo Placement:
St. Mark the Evangelist
Hometown:
Ridgefield, Connecticut
Undergraduate Institution & Area(s) of Study:
University of Dallas, 2020
Pastoral Ministry, Human Sciences (minor)
What advice would you give to Echo applicants?
Take advantage of your first year. There are so many opportunities at every parish to really push yourself and discover new areas of ministry—even if you don't immediately see them. If you are passionate about a certain area, don't limit yourself to that. Keep it in mind, but one of the amazing things about Echo is that you really have the freedom to explore many kinds of ministry.
Mason Fredenberg
Echo Class:
Echo 17 Parish Apprentice
Echo Placement:
Nativity Catholic Church
Hometown:
Mission Viejo, California
Undergraduate Institution & Area(s) of Study:
University of Portland, 2020
Theology
What attracted you to Echo and helped you decide to join the program?
I wanted to serve in ministry, and I wanted to continue my education in theology. Echo provided the opportunity to do both, and incredible amounts of support in doing so. What helped me decide to join the program were the people. Everyone is so devoted to serving God and it inspires me to continue to better myself each and every day to do the same.