Current GRACE Cohort 3 and 4 members

What I think of the GRACE Program...
	“I love living in community and cooking dinner for a lot people! Sharing our joys and concerns at community dinner is a way for us all to share, reflect, and recharge. It's an essential part of the program for all of us and helps make the community into a real family.” Sarah Brungardt, University of Dallas graduate from Wichita, KS, teaches mathematics and religion teacher for grades 6-8
	“GRACE has provided me with a valuable foundation in the field of education. Living in community gives me valuable resources, a source of comfort, and life-long friends to help me see Catholic education as a vocation to the ministry of Catholic education where students receive their first impression of Catholic Church and are educated to become leaders in the Church and in the world.” Ivan Earls, University of St. Thomas graduate from Pearland, TX, teaches high school theology
	"GRACE has given me the opportunity to grow spiritually because as a teacher it allows me to see God everyday in my students." Emily Feczko, Gonzaga University graduate Redmond, WA, teaches Pre-Kindergarten
	“I love how we have both spiritual and social events embedded in GRACE. We’ve eaten in Chinatown, sang karaoke, gone bowling, traveled to New Orleans and Austin, and have had a variety of social gatherings at our home. In addition, we've attended events to help enhance our personal spirituality, such as retreats and Catholic young adult events around Houston.” Norson Fernandez, University of Texas at Austin graduate from Sugar Land, TX , teaches language arts for grades 6-8
	"The GRACE program has challenged me to grow in numerous ways---professionally as an educator, personally in greater love for my community members, and spiritually in greater reliance on God during times of weakness." Gina Galassi, Marquette University graduate from Irvine, CA, teaches high school theology
	"GRACE has presented an opportunity for me to be stretched in more ways than I knew was possible. It is clear that God is at work at something, and I anxiously await the result.” Constance Graves, St. Thomas Aquinas College graduate from Kingston, WA, teaches 2nd grade
	“When I learned about the GRACE program I knew it was the thing I was called to do. This program has been an amazing adventure that I wish I could continue forever. I have learned so much about myself spiritually, emotionally, and professionally. This is the type of program that I would recommend to everyone who wants to teach and change the lives of young people.” Sarah McDonald, Spring Hill College graduate from Mobile, AL, teaches 3rd grade
	“Being from California, I couldn’t believe how quickly I found a home away from home. It’s phenomenal how easy the program allowed me to fit into a new city, a new school, and a new job. I feel the GRACE program is where I belong!” Irene Nino, St. Mary's College of California graduate from Pleasanton, CA, teaches middle school language arts and math. Irene Nino, St. Mary's College of California graduate from Pleasanton, CA, teaches middle school language arts and math
	“The education received from our professors, the experience gained in teaching, the spiritual growth, and the engagement in community life has greatly helped me in my personal and professional life. I will never forget this unique educational endeavor and have made, what I believe will be, lifelong friends with my community members.” Shayne Rodrigues, University of Houston graduate from Houston, TX, teaches physical education for grades Pre-K through 8
GRACE Graduates:
	“Put simply, I cannot conceive teaching apart from my experience in the GRACE program. You learn that to be called to the teaching vocation is more than giving a lesson and grading, rather it is a way of living. My time in the GRACE program has been the craziest two years of my life, but without them I would not know what I am capable of in teaching, community, or in my spirituality.” Lauren Barnes, University of Dallas graduate from Kingwood, TX, taught 5th grade
	“GRACE has been a life-changing experience. The memories from living in community will remain with me forever. I have been able to grow professionally as a teacher, as well as spiritually.” Joel Garcia, University of Houston graduate from Houston, TX, taught math for grades 5-8
	“The GRACE program enabled me to discover my vocation as a Catholic educator and has given me a community of fellow Christians to be companions in my spiritual journey. While in the GRACE program I have been given the education and support I needed to be a successful and passionate Catholic educator.” Amelia Galiunas, Bristol University graduate from The Woodlands, TX, taught religion for grades Pre-K-4
	“The first years of teaching are an exciting and surprising adventure full of opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. Via community it provides a support system to help you through the challenges of being a new teacher. I can confidently say, the program has helped me discover my vocation to Catholic education.” Grover Green, University of St. Thomas graduate from Houston, TX, taught religion and social studies for grades 6-8
	“Being GRACE member allows for personal growth because as a member, you enter the real world and are made to work in a real career, with real life experiences and learn how to deal with life’s trials. You don't go through everything alone as GRACE provides a support system where community members support you on your daily journeys, as well as professors who take time to answer your questions and help make teaching a better experience.” Lauren Chevalier, University of St. Thomas graduate from Houston, TX, taught 4th grade