In Matthew 4:19, Jesus calls his disciples, saying, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." At the St. Thomas More Teaching Fellowship, we view part of our mission as being 'fishers of men' on college campuses. When we recruit future teachers for our Catholic schools, we strive to ensure that we recruit men—and not only women—because young boys and girls also need to see examples of faithful male role models among their teachers.
Our Catholic schools and our Church more broadly could not long survive without the considerable contributions of women. They have carried a disproportionate burden in staffing most Church ministries and virtually all teaching positions at the elementary school level. In our Catholic schools, the failure of the Church to recruit more men, however, robs children of the positive impact of encountering faithful male role models in the 16,000 hours children spend in Catholic schools from age three through their eventual high-school graduation.
Why is it important to make sure that there are faithful men among the St. Thomas More Teaching Fellows?
For starters, a very large percentage of children enrolled even in Catholic diocesan schools do not have a male authority figure in their home life who they ever see on their knees praying. This is true in households where men are not present but also in households where the men who are present are not particularly religious, if at all. Based on my experience in Catholic schools as Superintendent for five years in the Archdiocese of Boston—one of the largest Catholic school systems in the nation—I would not be surprised if a majority of students in our Catholic schools never see their father praying or attending Church consistently.
Because of this absence, it's even more important that these children encounter faithful male witnesses to our faith in the Catholic schools that they attend. However, teaching is a female-dominated profession, especially at the elementary level. It is not unusual for the only males in an elementary school to be the gym teacher and the custodian.
The absence of male role models significantly impacts the spiritual formation of young boys in particular. St. Paul VI once said: “Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers; and if he does listen to a teacher, it is because they are witnesses.” Of course, we have many female witnesses in Catholic schools, but for boys if the only faithful people they see are women and never men, it creates an unspoken presumption that religion is for girls and not for them.
The Wall Street Journal recently wrote: “A generation of boys is growing up with few male role models in the classroom. Boys today are more likely than girls to have discipline problems in school and fall behind in reading. They are also much less likely to complete high school or enroll in college.” I would add that they also are much less likely to believe in God, practice the faith of their parents or grandparents, and will suffer from the emptiness of never believing in something larger than themselves. According to Georgetown University, 50% of children from Catholic families lose their faith by age 13, and 86% by age 18. I believe that for boys, the absence of faithful male role models is a primary reason for this loss of faith.
To address this crisis, we've recruited many male witnesses for Catholic schools through the St. Thomas More Teaching Fellowship. Watching them teach and seeing how the students—especially boys—respond to them has strengthened my conviction that faithful male teachers could be what saves these children.
Below are a selection of the faithful role models we have placed in Catholic schools, with their colleges listed and the schools at which they teach.
You may share your thoughts with me on this topic at: thomas_carroll@catholictalentproject.org.
Please feel free to share this newsletter with any college-age men who might be interested in becoming faithful role models in our Catholic schools after they graduate. We recruit graduates of all majors and will prepare them over the summer to teach in the fall. They can direct any questions they might have to Peter Nguyen, the Executive Director of the St. Thomas More Teaching Fellowship, at: pnguyen@saintthomasmorefellows.org.
Hassan Ahmad holds a B.A. in Politics from Princeton University and an M.T.S. in Comparative Religion from Harvard University. He is currently pursuing an M.B.A. at Louisiana State University Shreveport (LSUS). Last year, he taught 7th and 8th grade Religion at St. Peter School in Cambridge, MA, and this year, he serves as the Apprentice Principal at St. Mary of the Assumption School while also teaching 7th grade Science.
Nick Antonacci earned his B.S. in Exercise Science from James Madison University and is currently pursuing his M.Ed. in School Administration at the University of Mary, expecting to graduate in 2025. Before entering school leadership, he served as a campus missionary and team director with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) at Harvard University and Montclair State University. During his time at St. Mary of the Assumption School in Brookline, MA, from 2023-2024, he served as an Apprentice Principal and 6th grade Math teacher. He is now the Assistant Principal at St. Patrick School in Stoneham, MA, where he also teaches 7th grade Religion.
Nick currently mentors seven middle-school students at St. Patrick's, guiding them in faith, virtue, and academics. Reflecting on a recent mentoring meeting, Nick shared, “One of my 7th-grade mentees, Luke, was inspired to take his Catholic faith more seriously. He committed to beginning each school day in prayer with Jesus in the Church. After a month of this practice, Luke expressed a deep desire to continue growing in his faith. His commitment has become a great inspiration to other students at St. Patrick's.”
Marcello Brownsberger teaches Latin and English at St. Joseph School in Medford. He earned his B.A. in Classics and Philosophy from Boston College and is passionate about sharing his love for the ancient world and the Catholic faith with his students.
Marcello on his experience teaching: "One of the greatest blessings this year has been the ability to connect with the male students man-to-man. From throwing around the football at recess to getting pumped about ancient Rome together, I have loved sharing what it means to be a Catholic man with my boys."
Sean Callaghan earned his Bachelor of Liberal Arts from Thomas Edison State University and teaches Middle School Social Studies and ELA at St. John School in the North End.
Sean assisted Fr. Michael Della Penna, OFM, with the Rite of Reception of a relic of St. John Paul II, gifted to St. Leonard's Church by Cardinal Dziwisz, the Archbishop Emeritus of Krakow, Poland. The relic, a drop of blood, is contained within the walls of the theca, a small metal container used to hold the remains. Fr. Della Penna serves as school pastor for St. John School, where Sean teaches.
"I love to sing with my students. Thomas Aquinas says, 'To sing is to pray twice,' so my students and I attempt the Ave Maria and Non Nobis Domine before every class period," he shares.
Peter Dowdy graduated from Thomas Aquinas College in California. He's been teaching at St. Benedict Classical Academy for three years. He is currently pursuing his master's in Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas. As a leader for small-group spiritual formation for the Fellows, Peter gathers a group of male fellows biweekly for fellowship, scripture readings, and discussion. His role is to foster meaningful conversations, create a space for camaraderie, and to support the fellows in their first few years of teaching.
Reflecting on his experience in the classroom, he shares, “Teaching has deepened my understanding of concepts like authority in the Catholic Church, the legitimacy of the sacraments and plenary indulgences, and the richness of the liturgical seasons. Most of all, I have come to see that God delights in watching over me with joy and tender love—much like, though infinitely greater than, the way I care for my students. As a Catholic educator, I have the privilege of being a professional appreciator of all things and of speaking to children about the ever-unfolding goodness of God's creation.”
Ryan Farrell graduated from Christendom College and currently teaches Middle School Latin and Religion at Saint Mary of the Hills School in Milton, MA. Before joining the fellowship in 2023, Ryan taught Theology, Physics, and History in Iraq for two years, where he gained valuable international teaching experience. Last year, Ryan also served as the Faith Formation Director for grades 6-10 at Our Lady of the Visitation Parish.
Ryan on his experience teaching: "In September 2024, I welcomed a new student into my 6th grade class, whom I will affectionately call Gregory. Gregory had received little to no religious education before joining us. Though baptized Catholic, he had only a vague recollection of ever attending Mass. Early on, he frequently protested that he 'didn't know what the other kids know.' Yet, he was quickly drawn into the faith—so much so that by November, he was excitedly sharing that his parents might take him to Midnight Mass for Christmas.
This year, Gregory made his first confession, preparing with meticulous attention to an examination of conscience. He will receive his first Communion this spring. In class, he constantly asks deep theological questions, pondering everything from the nature of Original Sin to the relationship between chance and Providence. Outside of class, he earnestly seeks to understand moral judgment. He has begun reading the Bible on his own at home and often asks if he can borrow one to read during the school day.
Despite his naturally energetic personality, I have often found him in the chapel, alone in still silence. One day, when prompted to return to class, he simply asked, 'Can I keep praying? The chapel is the best place here.' Though still a young boy with years of growth ahead of him, Gregory is, at this moment, all-in for Jesus Christ. Witnessing the transformation of grace in him over such a short time has been one of the greatest joys of my teaching career."
Claudio Ferrari holds a B.A. in Theology and Philosophy from Franciscan University. He is currently teaching 3rd grade Language Arts, Literature, and Math, as well as 4th-grade Religion at all-boys Sparhawk Academy in Millis, MA.
Jon Merola is an English teacher at Arlington Catholic High School in Arlington, MA. He earned his undergraduate degree from Grove City College (2017), a master's from Miami University (2019), and is completing his Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut (2024). Jon teaches AP Language and Composition, Honors English II, and Bridge ELA.
John Morales earned his B.A. from Assumption University and teaches 5th-8th Grade ELA and 6th Grade Religion at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus School in Somerville, MA. He previously taught 4th grade at Immaculate Conception School in Revere, MA.
John on his experience teaching: "Teaching in a Catholic school has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to model what it means to live out the faith as a Catholic man. It's important for boys and girls to have strong Catholic role models. One student in my homeroom initially showed little interest in religion, reluctant to engage with Scripture. As I got to know her, I learned she had lost hope after witnessing a friend's suffering. When I shared a similar experience, she began to see that faith is for those who struggle and seek God's help. Now, she reads Scripture on her own and asks thoughtful questions. Living the faith authentically shows students that classroom standards are more than rules—they are virtues we all strive to uphold."
Al Palmquist earned his undergraduate degree from SUNY Fredonia in 2009 and completed his master's at St. Bonaventure University in 2011. He and his wife, Annie, spent seven years teaching in Spain, where Al taught History at an American Catholic school in Madrid, and Annie taught private piano and guitar lessons. Al has been teaching at Bishop Fenwick High School since 2023, where he teaches Spanish 1 to freshmen, Spanish 2 to sophomores, and Theology 4 to seniors.
“One of the most rewarding fruits I've seen in my time as a teacher is students coming to conversion in the school. Both last year and this year, multiple students have come forward, of their own initiative, requesting and receiving Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation,” he shares.
James Pritchett earned his B.A. from Boston College, double majoring in History and Classics with a minor in Philosophy. He teaches middle school Math, Science, and Latin at St. Mary of the Assumption in Brookline, MA. He encourages students to see connections between disciplines and develop a deeper appreciation for both the humanities and the sciences.
James on his experience teaching: "When I joined the fellowship, I had no idea how impactful my presence could be on my students, both inside and outside the classroom. During a parent-teacher conference, I was speaking with the parents of a 7th-grade student when his father said, 'I see where he gets it now.' Confused, I asked what he meant. He explained that my mannerisms, way of speaking, and even some of my ideas and interests had rubbed off on his son—just from our daily conversations on everything from history to the liturgy.
As the only male homeroom teacher at my school, I've had the unique opportunity to complement my colleagues' teaching with a distinctly male presence. It is vital, especially in co-ed schools, for students to learn from and build trust with authentically Catholic men and women."
Vince Valentine earned his undergraduate degree in Business Communications from York University in Nebraska and his master's in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He currently teaches Theology at Bishop Fenwick High School in Peabody, where he leads Freshman Theology (Trinity, Ecclesiology, and the Seven Sacraments) and Honors Sophomore Theology (Sacred Scripture). Vince brings both theological depth and a strong communication background to his classroom, helping students engage more deeply with their faith.
Vince serves as the Confirmation sponsor for two of his students and is the godfather of another. One of his sponsees chose St. Valentine as his Confirmation saint.
Chris Walters graduated from Thomas More College of the Liberal Arts in Merrimack, NH in 2023. He has been teaching middle school Religion at St. Augustine School in Andover for the past two years. As a small-group leader for spiritual formation for the fellows, Chris gathers a group of male fellows biweekly for fellowship, scripture readings, and discussion. His role is to foster meaningful conversations, create a space for camaraderie, and to support the fellows in their first few years of teaching.
Chris on his experience teaching: “During my time as the middle-school Religion teacher at St. Augustine School, there have been several moments where God touched the lives of my students in a tangible way. Besides the many thoughtful questions about the Faith that the students ask me on a daily basis, one of the 8th grade boys came to me and shared that he was thinking about becoming a priest – and four middle schoolers separately expressed interest in finally receiving their First Holy Communion. When I first became a teacher I didn't fully realize the impact that a faith-filled teacher can have in the students' lives; it has become clearer to me that God takes our daily surrender and transforms the seeds planted in the students' hearts through our witness into the lush wheat field that Jesus talks about in the Parable of the Sower.”
Eamonn Weed studied History at Hillsdale College and began his teaching career at St. Theresa of the Child Jesus School in Somerville, MA, where he taught middle-school humanities. Now at Sparhawk Academy, an independent boys' school in Millis, MA, he teaches lower school humanities and gym, embracing the challenge of shaping boys into virtuous, capable young men. Eamonn mentors 4th grade students at Sparhawk, meeting with them regularly, guiding them in their academic, personal, and character development through the school's mentorship program.
For Eamonn, teaching is more than a profession; it is a vocation—one that calls him to be a model of Christian manhood and a conduit of God's grace in the lives of his students. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, or in day-to-day interactions, he strives to lead by example, encouraging his students to pursue truth, discipline, and excellence. His approach to education is rooted in a deep conviction that every student is made for greatness, and his role as a teacher is to guide them toward it with wisdom, patience, and a steadfast commitment to their growth in both intellect and character.
As I visit schools, I have seen first hand the impact of these St. Thomas More Teaching Fellows. Please keep these men in your prayers.
In Christ,
Tom
Thomas W. Carroll
Founder and President
Catholic Talent Project