Testimonials
From a graduate and former trustee
Connecticut graduate Gina Barber, an artist with a deep faith and a particular love for sculpture, and a talent for teaching, has carried the message of God’s love as she teaches art to disabled children and homeless adults, delivers the Eucharist to the elderly, and goes on parish visits with her husband, Al, the executive director of Catholic Charities of Fairfield County.
"I think EPS is the best kept secret of our diocese! I always wish someone could just get up at the masses and read a list of the topics covered in an interesting manner. Adult education is something we don’t do very well at a parish level, and people are starving for information. Wouldn’t it be great if someone just said…If you want to hear about heaven, hell, purgatory, angels, the gospel, the liturgy, what’s really in the catechism and lots more we have a place for you.
“I went to Catholic school K- 12 but am constantly amazed how much I don’t know. As an adult I have different questions and a real thirst to explore our foundations and traditions.
“I use what I have learned at EPS almost daily. My own children ask questions I could not have answered before EPS. My friends and students – young, old, and homeless – are interested in so many things. If I don’t know I now have a place to go and find out.
“Doing the lives of saints, mystics and church fathers has given me so much insight into my faith. Especially in these tough times it is so important to be standing on solid ground.”
“I love EPS – can you tell!”
CT graduate Maurice Magnotta
CT graduate Maurice Magnotta, who manages volunteers for United Visiting Nurse Association, said EPS prepared him for their service.
“From the Old Testament to Vatican II courses, there was a reoccurring theme that as Christians we have to provide service to others," said Magnotta. “It’s not an option, but what we’re called to do. EPS gave me the eyes to see that all situations in my life are opportunities to respond to that call."
Rev. Peter Daly, Pastor
“I can attest as a pastor how important EPS is," said Rev. Peter Daly, the homilist for the 2004 graduation of Washington day and evening program. EPS graduates used the gifts of the Holy Spirit in a deeper way. He said in his parish graduates are serving in the religious education, RCIA, Adult education and other ministries. “Without EPS graduates, we would be paralyzed."
Maria Elena Cortez, DC graduate
Born and raised a Catholic, Maria Elena Cortez left the church twice and came back twice. A self-described rebel, she didn’t want anyone to tell her how to live and what to believe; but she did have questions about her faith, and she wanted answers.
She was likely headed for her third departure from the Church when she decided to enroll in EPS.
“I felt like God was calling me back to church," Cortez said. “But I just felt I needed to know more in order to stay there."
The questions are not all answered for Cortez. But now, Cortez is comfortable searching for answers by turning to scripture, the catechism, papal letters and encyclicals, and the wisdom revealed throughout 2,000 years of church teaching. She is content to continue a lifelong search to understand and grow in her Catholic faith.
“Conversion is an ongoing process. That’s what I’ve learned," said Cortez, a parishioner and greeter at St. John the Baptist, Silver Spring who says her education increased her sense of humility as well as her knowledge. “It doesn’t mean the search is over."
EPS New York student
New York investment advisor Steve Macy was looking to expand his knowledge of the Old Testament when he enrolled in his first class at EPS New York.
“It’s a constant reinforcement and strengthening of my faith,’’ Macy said. “Not only does EPS give students an understanding of scripture as an underpinning of our faith, but it puts everything in historical perspective. It gives one a fascinating perspective of how the Christian faith evolved, leading up to the commencement of the Eucharist and the Church."
Macy, who attends daily Mass and is active in a wide range of social and religious advocacy programs, especially those relating to poverty and homelessness throughout the archdiocese, said his newfound knowledge about the Old Testament has increased his understanding and appreciation of all the readings, and how they relate to each other.
And, he said, “EPS has played an important role in the evolution of my growing faith by giving me a better understanding of God’s infinite love, goodness, compassion and wisdom."
Quotables
“From the Old Testament to Vatican II courses, there was a recurring theme that as Christians we have to provide service to others. It’s not an option, but what we’re called to do. EPS gave me the eyes to see that all situation in my life are opportunities to respond to that call.” _ Maurice Magnotta, EPS CT 2003 graduate.
“I was in the search mode when I entered EPS. I had a fairly good intellectual grasp of the Church and theology. My spiritual life was more halting. EPS was a good balance between the intellectual and the spiritual. EPS was the instrument that brought me to discerning a call to the diaconate.” _ Hans Gram, EPS CT graduate and deacon.
“In establishing the EPS vision, Sister Joan has opened up the possibility for over 2,000 Catholics already to learn and then share with others in their parishes and ministries the fruits of a full and mature adult theological education. With great foresight, she has created the opportunity for a full lay partnership with the bishops and priests in building a spiritually stronger American Catholic.” __ Rev. Larry Boadt, CSP, former president Board of Trustees, Scripture scholar
EPS “was an electric bolt that has just sent people home with a mission…a mission that has always been a part of EPS: to evangelize for God. He’s using us to be his hands and his feet.” __Rainie Brooks, EPS NY 2001, former Trustee
“I learned what the love of God really means. The value of the program has spread. You get to meet more people you didn’t expect to meet, and it’s very edifying.” _ Thomas Quinn, EPS DC Evening Program Graduate and former Trustee
“I think this is for every Catholic. This has really shored up my faith, and helped me talk to others about it. I think it’s really what so many people are looking for: to get an understanding of their faith and to see how God is working in their lives.” _ EPS Florida student Susan Tarantino
