Recent Graduates

About twenty years ago, when I started to study as part of the second cohort in the Graduate Program in Pastoral Minister at Holy Names University (HNU) from which I earned my MA in 2009, I never imagined that I would end up being a student at Santa Clara University (SCU), pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Restorative Justice and Chaplaincy. For several years after graduating from HNU, I was happy to meet one of my former teachers at the Liturgical Conference at the Santa Clara or San Jose Convention Center: Dr. Joseph Morris. He taught my cohort a New Testament course. We learned through the creative and enjoyable home-works he assigned us. One of the courses in this certificate program at SCU I enjoyed very much was Intercultural and Interreligious Competencies by Dr. Fr. Simon C. Kim. This course taught my classmates and I that the best way to learn other religious faiths is to lead a prayer in that other faith, without sacrificing our own Catholic faith. This is helpful especially if we are or will be ministering to people in places where we encounter people from various faiths or none at all, such as in prisons, hospitals, public schools or immigration centers. One of the places I encounter people from different faiths is at the food distribution from the St. Vincent de Paul Conference at the Church of the Good Shepherd Parish in Pittsburg, where I help on Mondays. The course Integrative Chaplaincy by Dr. Amanda Quantz taught me how to do verbatims, which help me be more alert and understanding of the homebound people I minister by visiting and/or bringing holy communion. All of the courses in this certificate program were interesting and helped me be a better person. We always have room for improvement no matter how much we have already studied nor how advanced in age we are. I am thankful to the teachers I have already mentioned and also to Ms. Suzanne Neuhaus and Deacon John Storm. I also thank Ms. Lynne Lukenbille for always keeping us on our toes regarding enrollment and fees and answering our administrative questions. My biggest thanks to Dr. Morris for having this certificate program at SCU available to be taken completely online. It was very helpful especially during the time I had injured my right knee and unable to drive for several months. This gives us an opportunity to meet other students who are also unable to meet in person. I am looking forward to soon meet some of my classmates in person.

I was born in Chicago, Illinois but raised in Acapulco, Mexico by my grandmother while my single mom worked hard in the winter city to sustain me. The absence of my biological father was substituted by the spiritual direction and mentorship of father Hermann Morin, OMI, a Canadian Missionary priest who initiated me in the Charismatic Renewal, where I experienced the unfathomable, abounding love of God through his Holy Spirit. When I came to Los Angeles I reclaimed my citizenship and with my wife started working in the emerging Hispanic Ministry with the Claretian priests, the Misioneros de la Palabra and the Augustinian Recollect friars. I am so thankful to God and Santa Clara University faculty and Dr. Joe Morris for the opportunity, support and encouragement in GPPM for accompanying others with compassion, competence and conscience.

My name is Carolyn Schmittzeh. I’m a single working mother of a now thirty-one-year-old man. My son has moved to Colorado where he is enjoying life and his work. We are in frequent and close communication both in visits and on vid-chats. I’m currently working as an accountant at the research facility of a large multi-national corporation. For most of my working life I have been in finance or accounting positions in corporations in the Santa Clara valley. I’m originally from New Jersey and I began my working life as a grade school-teacher. I taught for three years in New Jersey and then taught for two years in Okinawa working for the Department of Defense Overseas Dependents Schools. I came to California because I wanted to enter the business world. I felt that the best pathway to opportunities in business was to get an MBA. I enrolled and subsequently graduated from the MBA program at Santa Clara University. About seven years ago I began to feel a pull to learn more about God and my Catholic faith. I enrolled in the Institute for Leadership in Ministry. I was in that course of study for a year when one of the professors at the Institute encouraged me to apply to the Santa Clara University Pastoral Ministries graduate program. What the courses in this Pastoral Ministries program have taught me is to rely on God and His Grace. Reflecting on the courses has given me a perspective on the wealth of knowledge and wisdom that is the Roman Catholic faith. I hope to be able to proclaim in some small way a piece of this knowledge, wisdom, and joy to bring others into communion with God and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, bring those with whom I have contact the peace that comes from God alone.

Chris Estrella is a GPPM graduate from Southern California. He is a Catholic speaker, artist, and composer, on behalf of his publisher, Oregon Catholic Press (OCP), and has presented talks, worship and liturgies at national events like LA Religious Education Congress, National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM), and more, as well as 3 international World Youth Day events. He lives in San Bernardino, CA with his wife Alex, and their children, Evangeline (Eevee), who is 4 years old, and Edryc (nearly 2 years old). Chris’ family serves several ministries at Our Lady of the Assumption in San Bernardino. Chris, a lifelong Lakers fan and huge Raiders fan, worked in liturgy for the Diocese of San Bernardino for 13 years, and is now working at Aquinas High School (also San Bernardino), in addition to his travel ministry work, and his group event communities #MoviesWithChris and #LakersWithChris. He plans to use his studies in the GPPM to enhance his message when speaking, as well as in the process of serving the students of Aquinas and other young people on his ministerial journey.

My name is Edward Dantes and I was born in Napa and raised in Daly City, CA. I am a graduate of Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo and the University of California, Irvine where I received my high school diploma and my undergraduate degree, respectively. I am blessed to be married to my beautiful wife, Noren, for almost three years now. Over the past twenty years, I have participated and served in various Catholic ministries. I currently serve as a Director of Religious Education at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church in San Jose, CA. Aside from our careers, my wife and I proudly serve with the Knights of Columbus and Couples for Christ in various leadership positions. In addition, I am a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. Moving forward, I am excited to graduate from the Santa Clara GPPM and put my master’s degree to work, especially in helping our youth and young adults encounter Christ.

I currently work in the tech industry as a software engineer. I started my journey with the GPPM program in the summer of 2020. Being a lifetime learner, I had recently switched from technology related books to spiritual books. My first class ’Studying the Hebrew Bible,’ got me very excited about the program right from the start. I loved each class I took and met some amazing professors and classmates. I was surrounded by people who were just as excited about learning more about our faith and God as I was. I had Hospital Chaplain on my mind when I signed up for the program, but I didn’t really know if that was truly the path I was being called to. I was very fortunate to have a couple professors that were chaplains and learned so much from them. Going through this program helped me discern God’s calling. Through the grace of God, I recently got accepted to the CPE program at a local hospital. Though I still have a long journey ahead to be a Chaplain, I feel blessed that the GPPM program prepared me well. My three children are so proud of their mom for finishing the program even as old as I am. This GPPM journey has truly been remarkable, and I am forever grateful for all the gifts it has produced in my life!

My name is Gabriel Rodriguez Jr., I am originally from Mexico and come from a big family, I am the fourth of nine siblings. I have been married for 27 years and have only one son. I enjoy ministering to families in distress, but now I am ready to embark on a new journey as a deacon in the Catholic Church. I enjoy watching the Warriors with my family, and when I have time I also like going to the movies. My time here at Santa Clara in the GPPM has been a blessing for it has transformed me into a new person, and I am ready to share the good news of Jesus Christ to the People of God.

I am a mother of five beautiful young adults, married to Rudy Corzo, and I am a grandmother. Regarding the church ministry, I am a volunteer at the Juvenile Hall Assessment center in Apple Valley and in San Bernardino. After attending one of the Restorative Justice trainings, I received the information about Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministry (GPPM). As a result, I am graduating with a Master’s in Pastoral Ministries with emphasis in Restorative Justice. My educational journey has ups and downs. I was not sure about coming back to school in my 50’s. It took me some time to discern if I was on the right path. I was not so sure about this challenge, achieving a Masters, but I prayed to God to lead me. My goal is to work as a Prison Catholic Chaplain. Currently, I am working in a new Runaway Youth Shelter in Apple Valley. I feel confident that I will be a mentor for the youths, and I am advocating for their mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical safety.

Over the past two years I've had the privilege of immersing myself in the enriching environment of the pastoral ministries program at Santa Clara. It has been a transformative journey marked by profound moments of discovery and growth. During this time, I discovered a latent joy of learning that ignited a passion within me and redirected the focus of my ministry. I was drawn to the margins, where I discovered a profound sense of aliveness. My experiences were not confined to the classrooms; They extended to the streets of Mexico City, where I participated in mission trips experiencing transformative programs conducted by dedicated religious sisters. Witnessing their tireless efforts to accompany displaced individuals seeking safety and new opportunities left an indelible mark on my heart. Additionally, my involvement in projects with the Missionaries of Charity in Tijuana deepened my understanding of service and compassion. However, it was through my engagement in street ministry in Oakland that my perceptions of homelessness were shattered. Amid insurmountable challenges, I discovered seeds of hope and a vibrant community of belonging, hidden beneath layers of adversity. Initially driven by a desire to learn techniques for helping others and effecting systemic change, I soon realized that the greatest transformation needed to occur within myself. Each experience illuminated the path toward personal growth and self-discovery, compelling me to show up more fully in my own life. Through these encounters, I learned that true presence is not about fixing or changing others but rather about sharing the journey with authenticity and empathy. I am deeply grateful for the profound lessons I learned and the professors and classmates who have enriched my path. As I continue to discern my calling and strive to live authentically, I remain committed to serving others with humility and compassion.

I was born and raised in Mexico in 1977 as the youngest of seven brothers who along with my parents always formed a lovely and supportive family. As a young Catholic I was involved in youth ministry where I met a faithful and lovely woman called Dianna who I married in 2004. We moved to the United States in 2008 and together we got the greatest gift from God, our three children: Julian, María José, and Dannia. My wife and children are the clearest manifestation of His love and my daily inspiration to keep finding the Lord’s presence. After a difficult time of cultural adaptation, together we started serving in family ministry and participating in activities organized by the Hispanic Affairs Commission of Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Tucson, AZ. I have worked as a teacher for almost 28 years, teaching the last fourteen years as a Math High School teacher in Tucson, AZ. For me, this has been the perfect combination of profession and ministry, because I have had the opportunity to teach a varied and nurturing population of English Language Learners students from all over the world, those who I identified with. Always grateful to the Lord because he placed closed to me great examples of resilience, a supportive and dedicated community of educators, and a great opportunity to convince myself that I can find His presence in any place or circumstance. In all these years of professional growth, faith formation, and spiritual self-discovery, the Lord has surrounded me with great friends who have turned into family. They have stood by my side in all types of situations, together we do ministry and keep our families together in God’s love. May the Lord bless all those brothers and sisters that have been an instrument on my journey to eternal life.

My name is Ken Wright. I am 51 years old. I am a husband (22+ wonderful years), a father of two super young ladies, and a deacon of Roman Catholic Church, Diocese of San Jose, California (ordained 2022). I was born and raised in the Pensacola area of Florida. In the 1990's, I attended the University of Florida and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering and a Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering. My full-time engineering career lasted about seven years, landing me in California where I met my wife. Once married and in search of more stability, I transitioned into my second career in intellectual property law as a patent agent, registered with U.S. Patent Bar, which is now in year 23 and still going strong. I was born and raised in the Southern Baptist Church. In 2014, after much discernment, I came into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church with my heart on fire to serve the Lord. I began the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries (GPPM) at Santa Clara University in 2018 as part of my diaconal formation. This program has educated and enriched me in many ways. I thank God for the opportunity to have studied in the GPPM. My sincere hope is to apply all that I have learned through the GPPM to my work in the vineyard of the Lord.

María Cristina is originally from Quito, Ecuador, and has 25 years of experience working in parish and diocesan ministries in the United States, particularly in pastoral leadership development. She is a consultant for the Latina/o Network of Theological and Ministerial Leadership from Santa Clara University in California. She also teaches a class on Pastoral Ministry at the St. Frances of Sales School for Pastoral Ministry in the Diocese of Oakland. María Cristina has been a consultant/presenter at the national level with the Fifth National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry (V Encuentro) in the areas of Respect for Life and Ministry with the Detained and Incarcerated. She also directed the Office for Life and Justice in the Diocese of Oakland, CA, for eight years and worked as Director of Education and Economic Development at Catholic Charities of the East Bay for four years. María Cristina has served on several advisory boards, including representing Region XI on the National Advisory Council of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and currently on the Hispanic Advisory Board of the Conference Office of the Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development. María Cristina received her degree in Economics, with an emphasis in Environmental Economics, from the Pontifical Catholic University of Quito and her Master's Degree in Pastoral Ministries, with an emphasis in Restorative Justice and Chaplaincy, at Santa Clara University in California. Her most recent areas of study include the Holy Eucharist as a source of Catholic Social Teaching and ministry with Latino/Hispanic young adults impacted by the judicial system and their families. Guadalupana at heart, María Cristina is an active leader in creating bilingual/bicultural spaces to serve the Latino/Hispanic community better. To my fellow graduates, professors, and GPPM staff: I can't imagine a better group of talented, faithful, and generous people to navigate the last four years. We have faced life-changing events in our local communities and in the world; it has been a privilege and honor to walk with you during these times. Thank you, and God bless you abundantly!

I was born in the City of Santa Ana, San Salvador and came to the United States in 1977. Leaving my family and my high school sweetheart was difficult. However, adapting to a new environment, new family, language and new country was a bit scary and challenging too. After a year or so of being a full-time student in a English as a Second Language school, I started attending college to obtain an AA Degree. At the same time, I worked on a part time as a kitchen helper in a wealthy residence in the hills of San Francisco. During this time and within a year, I was able to save money to purchase a roundtrip ticket to visit my family and boyfriend back in El Salvador. I then moved to LA from San Francisco where I was living with my father and his family. In 1980 a few months after Roberto, my husband, arrived in Los Angeles from El Salvador, we married. We have two sons, a grandson and one more on its way. I love the outdoors and enjoy long walks. In 2021, at the beginning of the GPPM program I traveled to Spain and did the Camino, a 100 mile walk in Santiago de Compostela, I think this trip was meant to be. I was walking the camino during the day and at night, I connected via zoom to Santa Clara's Camino to write my reflections regarding the amazing, Ignatian Spirituality Class and my experience in the trail. Currently, I am taking kick boxing to accompany our son and I am now finding this fitness session enjoyable and healthy to do. I recently retired as of March 15, 2024; however, I am now more involved in the ministry of Social Justice and focusing on completing the GPPM this year in June. My goal, after completing the program is to take a few weeks off in July and then be ready to start with my job search and hopefully start working soon in a job close home so that I can spend more time with the family. I recognize God's abundant blessings in my life, especially in giving me the amazing opportunity to further my education through the GPPM. This opportunity has given me the tools to continue with my service to God's people out in the community, and in the different ministries at the parish.

I’m a second-generation immigrant and my parents are from Mexico. I will be the first one in the family with a Graduate Degree. My faith comes from deep roots in my mother’s side of the family. My mothers Catholic faith is the one that has kept me going all these years until now. My current Ministry is with our unhoused brothers and sisters. I am looking forward to transitioning in the ministry of Chaplaincy. I have always lived here in Los Angeles, enjoying the weather and all the delicious food from all over the world. When I have time, I like playing the guitar and I always have time to play with my nephew and dogs.

Meave Ward is the Christian Service and Justice Coordinator at Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo, California. She was a college rower and graduated from Santa Clara University in 1994. After serving two years in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in the 1990s, she earned a MA in Sports Management from the University of San Francisco and began her professional career as a middle school and high school athletic director and coach. Building off her JVC experience, Habitat for Humanity global trips, and local community service projects, three years ago, she pivoted her career into high school Campus Ministry at Serra High School. She is the wife of a high school English teacher, Andy, and mother to three very active and athletic boys, Peter 16, Billy 14, and Matthew 12.

Melvin Bautista is a husband and father of two daughters. He is married to Katrina, and his two daughters are Zoe Elise, who joined our maker when she was 20 weeks old, and Isabela Gianna, who is almost one year old. He has been a volunteer musician/chaplain at Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas since 2016. He is a member of a Catholic Charismatic Community that originated in the Philippines but is now here in the United States called Bukas Loob sa Diyos, which means Open in Spirit to God. He graduated from the Institute for Leadership in Ministries for the Diocese of San Jose in 2007, and in 2018, National University, and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration. He had been working for the County of Santa Clara at the Assessor's Office since 2015, and he worked last there as a Property Transfer Examiner. In April 2024, he switched careers and transferred to the County of Santa Clara - Social Services Agency as an Eligibility Worker, serving the community and helping provide benefits, especially to those who are in the margins of society.

I migrated to the United States in 2003. I never dreamt of going back to school to get an MA, until I realized how much I enjoyed learning about the Catholic Church. From being an un-catechized Catholic when I entered GPPM, I am now teaching in many different programs to young students and adults in parish settings. I am forever grateful for GPPM. Without it, I wouldn’t be where and who I am now! God is good all the time..!!

As I complete the GPPM, I am weeks away from embarking on a new chapter of my life as I rapidly approach my scheduled ordination date as a deacon. In my day job, I am a building contractor with my own remodeling company that I have run for 20 years. A trade that has allowed me to serve others in the intimacy of their homes and learn to be Christ in the world as he did for years as a carpenter. For most of my adult life I have been involved in a variety of music ministries in the Church. For the past five years I have focused on diaconate formation. I am currently assigned to Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish in Santa Cruz but am still awaiting my assignment for after ordination. As I write this, it feels odd to describe my life as it is, knowing that it is about to undergo a profound change as I begin a new and uncharted journey into the great unknown, confident in the wonders that our good God has in store.

My name is Myrna Phelps, I am originally from Torreón, Coahuila Mexico. I am the eldest of three children of Guillermo Pacheco and Maria Elena Cortes. I married Chris Phelps 33 years ago, and we have three sons, James Christopher, William Edward, and Charles Jurgan. They are young adults, all three living their lives independently. My husband and I are in a stage as empty nesters. This is one of the many examples why I affirm that Santa Clara, GPPM program offers integral formation. I have taken the spirituality class, especially Ignatian spirituality, I have had the tools to find joy and happiness and work to reinvent ourselves as a couple for this new stage of our life. The GPPM program offered by Santa Clara is not only of academic excellence, with a pastoral view and inclusion, that helps to grow as a human beings, but also of academic, pastoral and spiritual formation with a vision of self-care to be the best version of yourself. I want to a moment to thank God because, without his grace, I would not have reached this moment. To my husband, who, with love, patience, and sacrifice, journeyed with me all this time, supporting me. To my sons, who were my unconditional support, never letting me get discouraged, as they always said, “You can do it, Mommy”. To all those who contribute financially so that Santa Clara can provide financial support to those of us who do not have the resources to cover the total cost, my gratitude. They are in my prayers, as they are so that the Lord may multiply them. To Joseph and Lynne, for all their support. My professors are all excellent. For this I thank you for your support and for always providing me with additional project resources. I just want all Latin@s and those whose second language is English to know that if I could do it, you can too!

First off, I’d like to say that I am incredibly ecstatic that I undertook this journey. For most of my life (I am 62 years old), I have wanted to go back to school and earn a Master’s Degree. I have spent over 45 years in ministry, starting in high school when I began playing guitar at a folk mass, helping with the local Young Life Club, and getting involved as a small group leader in YES Catholic Retreats. I received a BA from Franciscan University in the 80s and then worked as a youth minister, a Pastoral Associate, and now as the Western Director for Evangelical Catholic. I now feel more fully equipped to serve the church, as the conciliar documents of our Church have been fused into my life. I have discovered that the ideas of accompaniment and advocacy are not just nouns but verbs to be lived and that our Church is not an organization but an organism from which we are all apart. Here is why the MA program is essential for those working in the Church. 1) It provides a pathway to empowerment. It gives you a seat at the table and a voice in the conversation. I often felt overshadowed by Bishops and Priests, believing I couldn't match their education or 'speak' their language. This led to many moments of silence on my part. Now, I speak with much more confidence, able to accurately cite sources from our rich history to give life to my words. 2) It is a pathway to advancing your career. Many friends of mine have left ministry over time. Finances are often tight in this field, and many can't afford to support their growing families. A Master's degree opens doors to opportunities that can provide a more equitable wage. 3) Knowledge is the gateway. Be informed, stay current, and remain relevant. I can't think of a better way to achieve this than through a program like this.