Our 2022 Totus Tuus Teachers
TEAM VERITAS
Dale Brown (Seminarian Leader)
"Hello everyone, my name is Dale Brown. I am a seminarian for the Diocese of Portland. I am 23. I attended Nichols College in Dudley, MA, and studied Business before entering Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. I am originally from the Lewiston/Auburn area with Prince of Peace being my home parish. I am very excited to be able to work with the Totus Tuus program again. I like to go hiking, fishing, camping, playing and coaching sports, movies, playing games, and spending time with friends. I cannot wait to see what the summer has in store for us!"
Thomas Angelo
"My name is Thomas Angelo; I am 22 years old; I am from Troy, Maine, and a student at the University of Maine at Orono. I am currently studying parks and recreation to become a park ranger or a game warden. I will be going into my senior year of college. I converted to Catholicism last year during the Easter Vigil. I enjoy hiking, hunting, fishing, and learning about the faith that Jesus Christ has given us. I have a passion for teaching and guiding others to come to see and love God as much as I do. I look forward to working with Totus Tuus and helping the youth grow closer to God."
Cecelia Guerra
"Hi! My name is Cecilia Guerra and I will be serving on team Veritas at this year’s Totus Tuus! I am a sophomore vocal performance major at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York where I learn all different types of music: choral, classical, jazz, and opera. As you can probably guess I love to sing and hope to perform professionally one day. Some of my favorite pastimes are hanging out with my five younger siblings, visiting with friends, going to live performances, helping out at youth group, going for sunrise strolls on the beach, and taking care of my plants! I am so excited to serve as a team member for Totus Tuus because I have a heart for service; in both my work as a Totus Tuus teacher and my performing, I see it as an opportunity to glorify God through my life, talents, teaching, and art. My favorite saint is St. Therese the Little Flower because of how she served others and grew closer to God through her “Little Way”, offering little sacrifices to grow closer to God and serve Him in any way she could. She has become a role model for me as I strive to serve God and others, teaching others about God’s love and offering all I do to Him for His glory. I can’t wait to serve you at Totus Tuus!!"
Samantha Siemerling
"Hi, my name is Samantha Siemerling! I am a student at Western Governor’s University with a major in Elementary Education. Outside of school, I’m a bit of a dabbler. I like filling my free time with everything from practicing the viola to volunteering at a local fire department. My curriculum is entirely online, so I also enjoy being able to visit the University of Maine’s Newman Center. The community there has been an immense blessing in my life! This summer, I also feel incredibly blessed to be given the opportunity to work with Totus Tuus. Being with children fills my soul in such a unique way. I love St. Therese of Lisieux’s teachings on a childlike love for Jesus and seeing that love reflected in His most beloved children inspires my heart every day."
TEAM CARITAS
Vinh Nguyen (Seminarian Leader)
"My name is Vinh Nguyen, and I am from Vietnam. I grew up the oldest of my siblings in a peasant family, practicing the traditional Catholic faith with my parents, two brothers, and three sisters. The virtues of my parents provided great examples for my siblings and me to follow. They worked hard and sacrificed everything for us. Currently, I am studying philosophy at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD, and I will begin my theology studies this upcoming fall. I'm extremely excited to be a seminarian for the dioceses of Portland, Maine, and to be a leader of Totus Tuus this summer. One of my wishes is to see the parents bring their children to church for daily Mass. I am especially excited to see the children attending the Totus Tuus program this summer in their parish. As for personal hobbies, I love fishing. I could spend my whole day fishing. I hope that my fishing passion is like a priest serving his parishioners -- that he never feels tired. I am looking forward to serving you all!"
Liam Foley
"Hi everyone! My name is Liam Foley, I’m 19, and I’m super excited to be part of Totus Tuus this summer! I’m from Portland and have lived in Maine my entire life, and my home parish is the Portland Peninsula and Island Parishes. I’m fortunate to have two siblings and a loving family. I’m a rising Sophomore at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., double majoring in Philosophy and Mathematics. There I am active in the Knights of Columbus, a tutoring program for young children, and altar serving among other things. I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, camping, reading, having long conversations, and cooking good food. Going to St. Brigid’s parish school, attending Holy Mass and adoration, being part of men’s groups, and being at an authentically Catholic college all have greatly impacted my faith life and my desire to be a witness and spread the faith wherever I go. I look forward to traveling throughout Maine this summer with my team visiting parishes, meeting people, and teaching students the faith that we live by. God bless!"
Camille Desjardins
"Hi everyone! My name is Camille Desjardins, and I am a 21-year-old senior at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire. I am majoring in psychology in hopes to one day work in college campus ministry or pastoral counseling! I love spending time with my friends and praying with (and for) them! Through wonderful friends and through the great community at my college campus I have grown immensely in my faith. I find great joy through Adoration and knowing that Jesus is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament! One way that I see Christ is through others. At my college I am a Peer Minister and find so much joy in helping others to grow closer to God. By walking alongside my brothers and sisters in Christ I am also able to learn more about my own faith and grow in my relationship with Christ! I am looking forward to Totus Tuus to walk with Christ and to be his hands and feet here on earth! God bless!"
Madeleine Ellis
"Hi everyone! My name is Madeleine Ellis, and I am 18 years old. I have hopes of pursuing a career in Early Childhood Education, but my biggest goal in life to share the good news of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Some of my favorite things to do are read, write, be outdoors, but most of all spend time with the people I love! I feel the closest to God when I am resting in His presence and seeing all the ways He is working around me! I am so excited to spend this summer being a Totus Tuus teacher. It is an incredible opportunity to share God’s love with all and form new relationships! Knowing that I am always seen, heard, understood, and loved by God is such an amazing gift! I want to be able to share that with everyone and let God work through me to bring all His children into His loving arms."
TEAM LOCATIONS
VERITAS PARISHES
June 19-24 St. Mary of the Visitation Parish, Houlton
June 26 - July 1 St. John Vianney Parish, Fort Kent
July 10-15 St. Paul the Apostle Parish, Bangor
July 24-29 St. Anthony of Padua Parish, Windham
July 31 - August 5 Prince of Peace Parish, Lewiston
CARITAS PARISHES
June 19-24 St. Joseph Parish, Farmington
June 26 - July 1 Corpus Christi Parish, Waterville/Winslow
July 10-15 St. John Paul II Parish, Scarborough
July 24-29 Parish of the Precious Blood, Caribou
July 31 - August 5 Christ the Divine Mercy Parish, Millinocket
