Oscar Rivera was born in Springfield, Massachusetts and raised in the inner city of Waterbury, Connecticut. He was taught at an early age how to be a survivor. His method of avoiding the streets and its promises became the art of Hip Hop. Oscar is a Franciscan University Alumnus (’10) and earned his Master of Arts in Theology from Saint Leo University (’15). Oscar's energy and passion for the faith make his approach inspirational and real-to-life. He takes his knowledge of Catholicism and inspires the youth and young adults of today's culture through his music, talks, retreats, and personal testimony.
He brings a message of hope in times of despair, love during times of hate, and faithfully follows God, no matter the obstacles. His life has been devoted to the New Evangelization of the Gospel and his upbeat contemporary approach to the good news has made the message easy to understand, follow, and relate to. Christianity is not boring, and Oscar does not intend to be either.
Maida Rivera has worked for the Springfield Diocese for five years. She is a social worker who is certified in youth ministry and was part of the lead team that created the 10-year plan for youth ministry in our diocese. Originally from Barranquitas, Puerto Rico, she loves to sing, worship, praise, and dance the night away. She and her husband have been married for thirty years and have three children.
Dr. Dan Baillargeon is a dedicated and devoted Catholic school leader committed to advancing the mission of Catholic schools. With teaching and administrative experience in elementary, junior high, high schools, and in the diocesan offices, I have gained expertise in strategic mission-based planning, enrollment management, effective marketing, budgeting, professional development, and integration of Catholic identity in a Catholic school setting.
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Kelly Coleman - Music director and vocalist, Springfield MA, currently a musician at Saint Mary’s in Longmeadow.
Amanda Smith - Springfield MA, vocalist at St. Martha’s in Enfield CT
Melanie Walsh - Wilbraham MA, vocalist
Stephanie Walsh - Wilbraham MA, vocalist
(The four above are sisters!)
Ron and Alicia Saloio, (father and daughter) Ludlow MA, musician at St Elizabeth in Ludlow MA
Domenic Addario, Springfield MA, percussionist
Paul Gorry, Enfield CT, musician