Diocese of St. Augustine
Grace Joines
Echo Class:
Echo 21 Parish Apprentice
Echo Placement:
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Diocese of St. Augustine
Hometown:
Granger, Indiana
Undergraduate Institution & Area(s) of Study:
University of Notre Dame, 2024
Theology
What is your favorite quote, song, or image?
"Behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
What kinds of things will you be doing at your Echo placement?
I will be a catechist for teenage OCIA, youth ministry, and Children's Liturgy of the Word.
Who is a saint you admire and why?
A saint I admire is St. John the Apostle because he wrote the Book of Revelation and was one of Jesus' closest followers and friends.
Natalie Chevrel
Echo Class:
Echo 21 Theology Teacher
Echo Placement:
Bishop Kenny High School
Diocese of St. Augustine
Hometown:
Miami, Florida
Undergraduate Institution & Area(s) of Study:
The George Washington University, May 2023
Political Science (major), International Affairs (major), Religion (minor)
What are your favorite hobbies and activities outside of your ministry work?
I love to try new coffee shops, read spiritual books, adore Jesus in the Eucharist, and explore new cities.
What have you enjoyed most about your Echo experience thus far?
I have enjoyed every part of Echo so far. The summer classes, readings, teaching, community life, faith formation, friends I have made, and more. The Notre Dame campus is unlike any other, and I feel so blessed and grateful to be a part of this program.
What kinds of things will you be doing at your Echo placement?
I will be teaching the Paschal Mystery and Ecclesiology to 10th grade high school students!
What advice would you give to Echo applicants?
I would say that if this is the Lord wants you, He will make it happen. He wants abundant life for you, whatever that looks like! So, trust that He wills your good and is making you new every day.
Larissa York
Echo Class:
Echo 21 Parish Apprentice
Echo Placement:
Hometown:
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Undergraduate Institution & Area(s) of Study:
The Catholic University of America, 2024
Biology (major), Theology (minor), Pastoral Ministry (certificate), Spanish for Healthcare (certificate)
What are your favorite hobbies and activities outside of your ministry work?
I love meeting new people and cultivating friendships! I also love spending time in nature and exploring new places. I'm an animal lover and enjoy being with pets, horseback riding, and hiking. I like baking and dabbling in painting and poetry. I am a hobby photographer and love drawing portraits. I love learning, so reading books and listening to podcasts are favorites also.
What attracted you to Echo and helped you decide to join the program?
I love that Echo focuses on learning by doing and the immediate application of coursework as we serve at our placements. I was also attracted to the opportunity to live and work in a community. Being a young pastoral minister is a unique experience, so it is a big blessing to do it alongside others. I'm so grateful for the peer and mentor support while starting this new adventure!
What have you enjoyed most about your Echo experience thus far?
I have really enjoyed meeting the Echo students and professors! The classes were very lively and full of information. That said, my favorite part so far has been joining the parish community in Mullingar! There's so many friendly people who are excited that we are here to serve and happy to support us. I am eager to see what these next two years bring!
What kinds of things will you be doing at your Echo placement?
I am going to have a wide variety of ministry experiences! I will be helping with anything and everything, but I am primarily focused on being a pastoral minister at four local schools, children's and youth ministry, and hospital support. I'm very happy to interact with people of all ages and stages of life and get to be a part of how the Church loves and supports them. I am sure to learn a lot.
What advice would you give to Echo applicants?
Echo is not a one-size-fits-all experience. If you don't see a student who already looks or sounds like you, that does NOT mean you aren't supposed to be here! The Catholic Church is universal, and we need all kinds of people serving in ministry. If God is prompting you to apply, go for it. "Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart." -Psalm 37:4
Katie Aldrich
Echo Class:
Echo 21 Parish Apprentice
Echo Placement:
Hometown:
Atlanta, Georgia
Undergraduate Institution & Area(s) of Study:
Xavier University, 2024
Social Work
What attracted you to Echo and helped you decide to join the program?
There is no other theology program like it! I already planned to do a year of service after my undergraduate experience, but to have a program where I can earn a Master of Arts in Theology, gain working experience, and live in community - it checked all my boxes!
What have you enjoyed most about your Echo experience thus far?
I have most enjoyed the community and Echo summer. This community has been so wonderful and I’ve met some amazing friends. They are a great source of support because we are going through classes and placements together! Echo summer was awesome and caused me to grow in all aspects of my life. It is a well-balanced time of prayer, getting to know people, fun activities like holidays, and classes.
What advice would you give to Echo applicants?
Take your time! The application is open for a long time so use it to pray through the questions and walk with God as you are discerning. Don’t be afraid to seek out Echo staff and ask questions because they are an amazing resource. Talk to loved ones about your discernment because they know you well and can help guide you too. And know that God is with you through it all!