Diocese of Kalamazoo
Brielle Treml
Echo Class:
Echo 22 Parish Apprentice
Echo Placement:
St. Mary Parish
Diocese of Kalamazoo
Hometown:
Freedom, WI
Undergraduate Institution & Area(s) of Study:
Vanderbilt University , 2025
Engineering Science and Management, Engineering Management (minor)
What are your favorite hobbies and activities outside of your ministry work?
I enjoy sewing, gardening, playing volleyball, cooking, and going to the beach on Lake Michigan. I also love spending time with my community members on the weekends and exploring Kalamazoo.
What have you enjoyed most about your Echo experience thus far?
I have really loved getting to know the parishioners and being generously welcomed by the parish and diocesan staff. It has been a gift to see the humanity of the Church at all stages of life. There are many young families as well as retired volunteers who are devout and actively seeking to serve the parish and the Catholic Church. Their commitment to family and service is truly inspiring.
What kinds of things will you be doing at your Echo placement?
I will be teaching confirmation prep, assisting the Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Kalamazoo, leading a women's book study, teaching a catechetical class on the mass, and assisting in various other parish events.
What advice would you give to Echo applicants?
Pray. Ask the Lord to reveal the desires He has placed on your heart and how He wants to fulfill these desires. In doing so, remember that the Lord is a good Father who desires to give you good gifts and draw you nearer to His heart. Do not be afraid to share with Christ your hopes and fears for the future, rather allow these to be places of encounter with Him.
Camila Holden
Echo Class:Echo 22 Parish Apprentice
Echo Placement:
St. Philip's Catholic Church
Diocese of Kalamazoo
Hometown:
Hot Springs, AR
Undergraduate Institution & Area(s) of Study:
University of Notre Dame, 2025
Music major, Musical Theatre minor
What kinds of things will you be doing at your Echo placement?
I will be working with first graders preparing for their First Communion and on the OCIA team for people seeking to be Baptized or Confirmed in the faith. I am also taking on new responsibilities with ministry to the Hispanic community and with Catholic school students at the high school attached to my parish.
What advice would you give to Echo applicants?
I would advise anyone considering Echo to take seriously the desire you may feel to look into a service program, especially one as immersive and formational as Echo. No matter what you choose to do in life, living in intentional faith community, studying theology, and serving those in need will only give you more clarity in becoming who God is calling you to be.
Choose your own adventure: Write your own question and answer it!
Favorite saint! My favorite saint is Saint Therese of Lisieux, and there is a very good song by the Stillwater Hobos by the same name. Pray to St. Therese to bring you a rose as you discern Echo!
Gretchen Lampe
Echo Class:
Echo 22 Parish Apprentice
Echo Placement:
St. Monica Catholic Church
Diocese of Kalamazoo
Hometown:
Washington, Missouri
Undergraduate Institution & Area(s) of Study:
Missouri State University, 2025
Religious Studies, Classics (minor), Communications (minor)
What are your favorite hobbies and activities outside of your ministry work?
I enjoy theatre, crocheting, playing volleyball, and hanging out with my friends.
What attracted you to Echo and helped you decide to join the program?
Echo attracted me because of how intentional of a program it is. Not only are you studying to get an MA in Theology and having the opportunity to gain hands on experience by working in the Church, but Echo provides a support system that is hard to beat.
What have you enjoyed most about your Echo experience thus far?
The summer was a blast! I really enjoyed getting to know so many fellow Catholics that all want to help grow the Kingdom of God.
What kinds of things will you be doing at your Echo placement?
I will be teaching 2nd grade CCD, working in youth ministry, and organizing a young adult group.
What advice would you give to Echo applicants?
Allow the Lord to guide your heart. He knows where you are meant to be and will lead you there, trust in His plans for you.