Welcome to St. Mary's, Matthew Duclos!

We are excited for a new member to our addition to our Saint Mary's Parish - Matthew Duclos is a seminarian who is studying for the priesthood for our Diocese. Three years ago, he was sent by our Bishop to Rome, Italy, and to the North American College there to complete his priestly preparation. He is due to be ordained a transient deacon in October. When the outbreak of the Coronavirus began in Italy, all American seminarians were sent back home since it was too dangerous for them to remain in Europe.

Matthew was scheduled to spend this coming summer with us as an intern but, since he has come home earlier than was planned, he will take up residence in our rectory this week. This is certainly not the type of internship that he was supposed to experience, but here, we can give him a home and an experience of a parish in quarantine. When he returned from Italy, he had to self-quarantine for two weeks, so I am happy he is free from the worry of passing on the virus to anyone here.

Matthew is from Corpus Christi parish in Clifton Park, is an accomplished musician and organist, and a computer and social media wizard. We’ll keep him busy. He will help me and the Parish stay connected. We welcome Matthew with open arms! Or should I say…with open arms six feet away!