Recent Graduates

I am from a large Canadian American of Slovak/Polish family, have a cute twin sister, and have been married to a man from the Dominican Republic for the past 37 years. We have 3 wonderful grown children and one grandson (so far). With an educational background in Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Spanish, I’ve worked professionally in programs addressing mental health, community and restorative justice, and international development. After 14 years living and working in the Dominican Republic, my family moved to San Diego in 2007. In 2019, the Lord intervened in my life, and I was hired as the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the Diocese of San Diego. This was my first job working in and for the Church, and there was a steep learning curve. Entering into the GPPM program has especially helped with my understanding of the way the institutional Church works, what it teaches, and how our faith is proclaimed and lived out. I am an experienced facilitator of victim offender dialogues and restorative practices and believe in the power of dialogue and synodality to address many of the world's conflicts. I hope to use all I have learned through the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministry from Santa Clara University to better serve my diocese and especially those harmed through sexual abuse in the Church, and to be a supportive resource for my local parish.

I was born in 1958 and raised in Massachusetts and New Hampshire as a cradle Catholic. He is the father of three adult children. Since 2007, Bill has been an active member of Resurrection Catholic Community in Aptos, California and is heavily involved in liturgical ministry. After receiving my GED, I attended California State University, Chico with a new wife and 6-month-old child. I graduated cum laude, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Information and Communication Studies/Public Relations in 1991. He lives in Santa Cruz, California where he likes to hike, ride his bike and, occasionally do stand-up comedy. The GPPM coursework began as a non-degree when I was in the diaconate program, from which I was dismissed. Not knowing where this road would take me, I felt drawn to the program, pressing on to earn the full degree. The GPPM coursework instilled in me a deeper love and understanding of my faith and our Church, opening my eyes to the teachings of Vatican II, theology, liturgical and pastoral ministry, and the call to open wide the doors of the Church and reaching out to the margins. Today, as a result, I am now a devout Catholic, but not in the rote fashion of my youth. The call for “faith seeking knowledge” has led to a grand awakening in my personal and spiritual life. I am an advocate for social justice issues, including wealth and income inequality and the treatment of immigrants. Hebrew Bible and Social Justice, instructed by Professor Plines, open my eye to the understanding that social justice is not a contemporary idea, rather an age-old scriptural call to care for the poor and less fortunate and to share wealth for the “Common Good.” This is why I was heartened when Pope Leo XIV was chosen, taking the name of Pope Leo XIII, the father of Catholic Social Teaching. My hope is this is a good sign for continuing Pope Francis’ reform efforts.

I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. After completing my undergraduate studies at UC Irvine in economics, and later an MBA in Finance from USC, I worked for a total of 25 years in housing development and affordable housing. After marrying at 30, and coming to faith and baptism at 35 as a new mother, I became involved in ministry as a volunteer and began learning how to serve and balance family, ministry, and work. Today, I am the happily married wife of 31 years to husband Bruce, and mother of three adult sons. Over these years, I served as Deacon, Chair of Deacons, and Elder in the Presbyterian Church, caring for and serving the congregation. I was formed as a Spiritual Director by the Sisters of Mercy, Burlingame, after experiencing an epiphany and significant deepening of my relationship with God during the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius. I have served on missions teams working in Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico, and Ethiopia. More recently, after moving to Aptos in Santa Cruz County, Bruce and I have been serving on ministry teams that host workshops and date nights that strengthen marriages. I also have been leading some ecumenical small groups that study scripture and discipleship topics together in community. I love the Catholic Church, especially the Ignatian tradition, especially how it was there for me when I was ready to go deeper in my faith. I appreciate how the Catholic Church leads through Christian education and how she stands up to serve as conscience to those in power in our broken world, defending human dignity and calling us all to act however we are able to create a more just world. Most recently, I have been enjoying serving Jesus and the Church by encouraging community across denominations, encouraging faith and action, serving with love, and fostering a loving ecumenism and church unity on the ground through relationships, in our local communities. Completing this MA in Pastoral Ministries 2025, I plan to continue being open to serve however God calls. Please stay in touch!

I am from a small but beautiful Central America country, Costa Rica. At 19 years old, I decided to come to this country to learn about its culture and language. I made a promise to my dad to return two years later, as I planned to study medicine in my country. More than 3 years have passed, and I am still here. My parents, to whom I dedicated this diploma with all my heart, have been married for almost 60 years. Last June, my dad passed away. He was 93 years old. Learning to live without him has not been easy, since he was an extraordinary father and human being, who gave his entire life to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He always told me that he was proud of all my achievements. He will not be physically with me on my graduation day, but I know that he will be with me in my heart. I am the youngest of three children. My sister Guadalupe lives in Los Angeles, and my brother Arturo lives in Costa Rica. I am happily married to an amazing man, German, and we have 7 children. He has 3 sons from an earlier marriage, but I consider and love them as my children. I have 2 daughters from a previous relationship, and together we have a son and a daughter (yours, mine & ours, movie). We have a black chihuahua dog, Bayle. My husband and I have been serving the Lord for over 20 years. He is a member of the Parish men’s group and plays the bass in the choir. I belong to the prayer and Bible study group. Since I began serving in the Church, I have always wanted to continue learning about my faith and the history of the Church. So, for years, I have studied and taken many courses in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Thanks to my dear friend and spiritual guide, Carlos Obando, who helped me find all the information that I need to get into university, I enrolled in the GPPM. The experience has been wonderful, and everything I have learned has been a blessing in my life. The program’s professors are all extraordinary, and their wisdom has helped me learn so much more. After everything I have studied and learned in the program. I now have another goal to fulfill; to continue studying and preparing myself for everything related to women. Many women in my community and beyond need a lot of help. If women were better prepared, the education of our children would be better, and the churches would be full of young people. The Church needs women to help it build a better and stronger Church. The Church needs brave and strong women to educate young people who are the future of the Church.

I am a GPPM graduate from San Diego, CA, with a lifelong commitment to serving the Church through various ministries. My roles have included liturgical musician, music director, instructor for Catholic musicians, and Catholic speaker for organizations such as Oregon Catholic Press (OCP) and others. I have contributed as a musician and music director at events including the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress, El Sembrador Ministry, Hombre Nuevo Ministry, and many more. Currently, I serve the Diocese of San Diego, where I have had the honor of working under Cardinal Robert McElroy and collaborating with an exceptional diocesan family. I intend to apply my GPPM education to promote and cultivate a synodal culture by forming new generations of leaders both within and beyond the Diocese of San Diego. In Christ & Mary!

Justin Fontenot is a GPPM graduate from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Growing up in Compton, California, Justin has been educated in Catholic schools throughout his life, attending Our Lady of Victory during his elementary years, graduating from St. John Bosco High School, and earning his BA in Theology and Catechetics with a concentration in Youth Ministry from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He has served in pastoral ministries for over 15 years, primarily in catechetical ministry. He has served as Director of Confirmation and Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, OCIA, and as Coordinator of Religious Education in several parishes, most notably St. John of God (Norwalk, CA), St. Philomena (Carson, CA), and St. John Fisher (Rancho Palos Verdes, CA). He currently teaches Theology at his alma mater, St. John Bosco High School. As he completes his MA in Pastoral Ministries, Justin is looking forward to continuing his studies in pursuit of a doctorate. His research interests include Sacramental Theology, Ecclesiology, Catechetics, and Intercultural Competence. Justin plans to utilize his studies in the GPPM to continue evangelizing and catechizing anyone who may be curious about Christ and His Church, and he looks forward to serving in any other areas God may call him to. He is incredibly grateful for his family's patience and support over the past two years, especially that of his loving wife, Jackie.

I was born in Southern California as the oldest of three girls and have lived many places across the U.S. But the cliffs above the ocean are home. As a singer-songwriter, I still enjoy traveling to offer devotional concerts. With dad being a Catholic deacon, I also have found myself on-call to assist with many funerals, whether offering music or helping with graveside services or just sitting and holding hands with a family member. When I reflect on my life thus far, there have been three constant threads accompanying music. The first is being surrounded by children. The second is a love for Native American peoples and the presence of St. Kateri Tekakwitha. And the third is a deep connection with nature and animals. In these, I have experienced the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit, from whom the music comes. I have been unexpectedly called into all sorts of service and in so many different places, with the road taking many unforeseen twists and turns, that this phrase resonates with me: "Bloom where you are planted."

For a long time, I thought the dream of serving God through ministry had passed me by—but somehow, God opened a new door and gave me a second chance. The GPPM has stretched and challenged me in ways I didn’t expect, but it’s also helped me rediscover a deep sense of purpose and belonging. I still don’t know exactly where this new path will lead, but I’m so grateful for where I am right now. Before stepping into ministry, I spent years working in the hotel world—moving through roles in human resources, sales, and operations. Each of those experiences taught me something valuable about people, leadership, and the complexity of care. My first role after leaving hospitality was in the development and marketing office of a small Catholic school that opened its doors to me with such kindness and trust. That season was a gift—it helped me transition from corporate to pastoral work in a way that felt rooted, hopeful, and full of grace. I’m incredibly thankful to the Archdiocese of Seattle for welcoming me into the Christifideles program and giving me the opportunity to begin this journey with Santa Clara. I’m also deeply grateful to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, where I now serve. Being part of a ministry grounded in peace, justice, and spiritual hospitality has been a true blessing. While the degree may be complete, I don’t feel like I’m “done.” If anything, I feel more curious, more open, and more excited to keep learning. There’s still so much to explore—so many voices to listen to, books to return to, and questions to live into.

My name is Phil McCarty. I am a husband, a father, and a deacon. I was born in in San Francisco and raised in Menlo Park. My wife, Kerry, and I were married in 1991 and made our home in San Jose where we raised our two sons, Andrew and Alex. In 2018 I was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of San Jose by Bishop Patrick J. McGrath. Upon ordination I was assigned to St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in San Jose where I served until August 2022 when Kerry and I relocated to Bend, Oregon. Now serving at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Bend, in the Diocese of Baker, I also work full-time for the parish as the Coordinator of Liturgy and Stewardship. Santa Clara University’s GPPM provides the academic portion of deacon formation for the Diocese of San Jose, and so from 2014 through 2018 I was a GPPM student preparing for ordination. Upon ordination I was sixteen units short of a degree, but I opted not to continue my studies at that time. In 2024 I was invited to return to GPPM to complete the final sixteen units and earn a degree, an invitation which I am very pleased to have accepted. The seven-year formation process for the permanent diaconate was truly transformative, and the four years in GPPM was a huge part of that transformation. Having the opportunity to return to the GPPM has proved to be invaluable in my ministry as a deacon and my role in liturgy and stewardship coordination.

Jambo! (Swahili for Hello!) My name is Anyango, which means “mid-morning born” in my Luo culture in Kenya, which principally names children according to the time of day. However, I am primarily known as Caroline Okello. Caroline is my colonial baptism name, and Okello is my surname from my late father. My community of the Luo people is believed to have migrated from Egypt along the Nile River, eventually settling around its source, Lake Tanganyika (the colonial name is Lake Victoria), the largest lake in the world. Besides Dholuo and English, I speak Swahili, French, and the British Sign Language. I am blessed with four adult children of various nationalities who live in different parts of the world. I remember with love my family members who have gone before me. I minister at St. James Cathedral, Seattle, under the Very Reverend Michael G. Ryan, pastor. I am a member of the 2023 Christifideles lay ecclesial cohort of the Archdiocese of Seattle under the Most Reverend Archbishop Paul D. Etienne. The Christifideles program partnered with the GPPM for our academic formation. It has been a journey of advanced learning in service for others and full of blessings. I have enjoyed meeting and connecting with fellow students and faculty, traveling to Rome during the Synod as part of the GPPM immersion trip in 2024, and receiving the Jesuit Alpha Sigma Nu Award, just to mention a few memorable experiences. I am grateful to God for this amazing opportunity, and to all who have supported me throughout my studies. To God be all glory!

Ignacio Osorio grew up in Tehuacán, Puebla, Mexico, and holds a B.S. in Physics and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering SCU Class of 1989. After working in the high-tech industry in Silicon Valley for over 25 years, he discerned a deeper call to ministry after many years of service at both Saint Anthony and Holy Spirit parishes. He is a graduate of the Diocese of San Jose’s Institute for Leadership in Ministry (ILM) and the Advanced Lay Leader Program. His Catholic faith has always been a guiding force in his life, shaping his values, service, and vocation. As he completes his Master’s in Pastoral Ministry at Santa Clara University, Ignacio is grateful for the formation he has received and looks forward to continuing his ministry through leadership, accompaniment, and evangelization. He lives in San Jose, California, with his wife, Kirsten, and their two children, Andrea and Mark.

"God would never inspire me with desires which cannot be realized; So in spite of my littleness, I can hope to be a saint." - St Therese de Lisieux "Don't allow the sad sight of human injustice to sadden your soul; someday you will see the unfailing justice of God triumph over it." - St. Padre Pio

I am an immigrant. I was born in Estelí, Nicaragua, and I came to this country when I was seventeen. Throughout my life, I have been a living testimony to God’s love and mercy. My personal life is the greatest gift I received from the Lord: I have been married to my husband, Guillermo, for 36 years. I met him in St. Peter’s Church through San Francisco’s Catholic youth group. We are both very proud of our son, William. My husband has been a permanent deacon with the San Francisco Archdiocese for three years, and I attended formation classes with him for five years. My education has been full of blessings: I graduated with the equivalent of a high school diploma or GED. Later, I received my Associate of Nursing Degree from San Francisco City College and passed the California State Board, receiving my Registered Nurse license. I continued my education with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Public Health at San Francisco State University. I worked for San Francisco County for 36 years. I love being a nurse, but my learning journey was not over; the Lord permitted me to study and learn about Him formally. The Graduate Program for Pastoral Ministry (GPPM) has been my way of life for the last three years. I thank my professors, classmates, and the excellent staff of GPPM for their support and guidance. The GPPM program has provided me with the tools and expertise to grow in knowledge and, most importantly, in my faith. Every assignment has been meaningful. The GPPM program has prepared me to work with all age groups, offering support, evangelizing, and bringing the love of Jesus from pregnancy to death. Through classes in Theology, Ethics, Ecclesiology, The Hebrew Bible, The New Testament, Foundations and Process of Catechesis, Catechesis and Culture, Sacramental Preparation, Catholic Social Teaching, The Eucharist, Working with Youth and Young Adults, Evangelization and Discipleship, and Christology, I discovered the beauty of the Holy Trinity, our Catholic Church, and our faith. God’s love is universal; He does not leave one person out. I found that there is so much to share and commit: “No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light.” (Luke 8:16).

After earning my BA later in life, I made a promise to myself to pursue a master’s degree as well, though I had no idea where God would lead me until I was introduced to the GPPM. Encountering like-minded, faith-filled individuals in the program shaped my formation in profound ways. It gave me space to wrestle with hard questions, to recognize God’s presence in all things and people, and to discern His movement in the everyday spaces of my life. The support and encouragement I received from my classmates and professors sustained me through the complexities of study, ministry, and life itself. Through our shared journey, I came to better understand myself, my family story, and the cultural and familial narratives of others. Not being raised in any faith tradition, I chose to enter the Catholic Church at 26. I never could have imagined that decision would one day lead me from a BA in Theology in New Orleans to an MA in Pastoral Ministry at SCU. Along the way, I served in youth ministry, faith formation, and sacramental preparation on the parish level. When I entered the GPPM, my focus was on accompanying those on the margins of society through my work with a local Catholic agency. Over time, that call deepened into a passion for accompanying those who feel excluded from the Church itself. Once again, I find myself at a new crossroads, discerning where God is calling me next. Though I do not know where that will be, I end my time at SCU ready to live out Pope Francis’ vision of the Church as a “field hospital,” by bringing mercy, compassion, and presence to those who are wounded and suffering.

My name is Garrett Stephens. I am not Catholic, I am a part of the Reformed Church in America, but I have felt warmly welcomed from start to finish in our GPPM program. My start in ministry in 2020 at the outset of the program was that I was a full time volunteer site supervisor for a project in Santa Cruz that gave our free food to around 70 people every day in public in Santa Cruz. At GPPM I specialized in Restorative Justice and Chaplaincy, and my wife and I were married in 2022 which is when I moved to San Francsico to begin Chaplaincy with a focus in Pyschoatry and Behavioral Health, using the combination of skills I'd cultivated in the GPPM and in my volunteer work. I love God and delight at opportunities to take part in spread joy to his peoples, especially especially to those who are at the margins burdened by heavy stressors, who could use brightness in their life, or some reminder of just how much their God loves them.

My name is Edward Dantes and I was born in Napa and raised in Daly City, CA where I attended the local Catholic schools and first met my beautiful wife and love of my life, Noren Lopez, when we were still classmates in grade school. Following those early years, I graduated from Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, CA, the University of California, Irvine for my undergraduate degree, and, recently, Santa Clara University, where I completed my M.A. in Pastoral Ministries (emphasis on Youth and Young Adult Ministry) from the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries (GPPM) in June 2024. Over the past twenty years, I have been involved in various Catholic ministries, primarily the Knights of Columbus and several young adult groups. Currently, I am completing my first year as a Director of Religious Education (DRE) at Saint Gregory Catholic Church in San Mateo, CA after previously serving three years as a DRE at Saint Christopher Catholic Church in San Jose, CA. Also, I proudly serve alongside my wife with the Knights of Columbus California State Council as the State Evangelization and Faith Formation Director (2024-2026) and we also serve together with the Couples for Christ Family Ministries. In addition, I am a Knight Commander (KCHS) of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Finally, I am excited to complete the Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice and Chaplaincy. I look forward to building more friendships with my fellow students and alumni of the Santa Clara GPPM. Congratulations to the Santa Clara GPPM Class of 2025! Blessings and to God be the glory!

I am a writer, author, wife, and mother of four. Born and raised in Santa Clara County, I attended St. Justin's elementary school, Archbishop Mitty High School, and earned degrees in comparative religious studies and Middle East studies from San Jose State University. I have published three novels with Red Adept Publishing, and my fourth book, In the Shadow of Freedom: The Enduring Call for Racial Justice, is my first non-fiction title with Orbis Books. In addition to co-founding Black Catholic Messenger, my writing has appeared in National Catholic Reporter, America Magazine, US Catholic, The Revealer, Critical Theology, The Catholic Worker, and Notre Dame's Grotto Network. I plan to volunteer as a jail chaplain with CIC ministries in Santa Clara County after earning my graduate certificate in restorative justice and chaplaincy.

Dr. Chris Miller is an educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I most recently worked as a high school teacher at De La Salle High School in Concord CA, after working for 3 years at Catholic Charities Santa Clara County supporting the Community Action Poverty Simulation program as well as serving as the youth and young adult coordinator at a 5,000-family parish in San Jose, CA. I am excited to complete the certificate program in restorative justice and chaplaincy at Santa Clara University and recently earned a master’s degree in clinical psychology at Notre Dame de Namur University and a Graduate Diploma in Canon Law through Saint Paul University. In 2019, I graduated with a doctoral degree in education from the University of San Francisco, focusing research on the Kairos Retreat experience in Jesuit High Schools in the United States. I am also a three-time graduate of Santa Clara University, where I received a bachelor’s degree in history, a California Teaching Credential, a master’s degree in education, and a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministries, Finally I am also a 3-time alum of Boston College where I completed a post-master’s program in youth and young adult faith, a post-master’s certificate in spiritual formation, and a certificate in Jesuit Studies.

Matthew Schopf is a resident of Alameda in the East Bay Area. He lives there with his family and is a member of the St. Philip Neri St. Albert the Great Parish. Matthew attended Bishop O’Dowd High School and Holy Names University in the Oakland Hills where he studied philosophy and diversity. Matthew enrolled in the Restorative Justice & Chaplaincy Certificate program at Santa Clara to expand on his passion for social and restorative justice. He hopes to continue his discernment of ministry in the Online Masters Program in Pastoral Ministries. Matthew wishes to work as a volunteer one day in the name of the greater good.