Diocese of Camden

Ben Hershey

Echo Class:
Echo 22 Parish Apprentice

Echo Placement:
Christ The Redeemer Parish
Diocese of Camden

Hometown:
Colchester, Vermont

Undergraduate Institution & Area(s) of Study:
The University of Vermont, 2025
Chemistry, French (minor)

What are your favorite hobbies and activities outside of your ministry work?
I love spending time outdoors and am a big fan of running and hiking. Skiing is my favorite winter activity, and you can find me at my local mountain whenever there's snow and I have free time! I am also an avid baseball fan and enjoy cheering on the Boston Red Sox (and going to games whenever I can!).

What is your favorite quote, song, or image?
“Do not put off till tomorrow the good you can do today. You may not have a tomorrow.” – St. John Bosco (my confirmation saint!)

What attracted you to Echo and helped you decide to join the program?
I really liked the idea of learning more about my Catholic faith through studying theology, but after being involved at my Newman Center during undergrad, I also wanted to continue to serve the Church and invite others into the faith. Echo offered me the opportunity to do both at the same time. When I was admitted to Echo, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.

What kinds of things will you be doing at your Echo placement?
I will be co-leading a Bible study for adults, teaching 6th grade religious education classes, teaching OCIA, and organizing an initiative called Ministry of the Month to highlight all the different ministries at my parish.

What advice would you give to Echo applicants?
Regardless of whether you get in, the Echo application and discernment process is an incredible way to learn how to hear and to recognize what God has placed on your heart. And if He is calling you to Echo, don’t be afraid to say yes! Even if all the details of this part of God’s plan for you aren’t clear yet, what’s important is that by saying yes, you are placing your trust in Him.