Saint John’s Seminary Theological Institute Celebrates the Class of 2025 at Graduation Mass and Diploma Ceremony

Brighton, MA – Saint John’s Seminary joyfully announces the graduation of the Class of 2025 from the Theological Institute. The Graduation Mass and Diploma Ceremony took place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Saint John’s Seminary. We were honored to welcome Most Reverend Cristiano Guilherme Borro Barbosa as the principal celebrant for this momentous occasion.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the lives of this year’s graduates, who have dedicated themselves to theological study and ministerial formation in service of the Church. Among this year’s graduates are remarkable individuals whose stories of faith, service, and perseverance reflect the very mission of Saint John’s Seminary.

Karen Drake, M.A.M., whose path to ministry began as a mother yearning to deepen her faith, fulfilled her goal of earning a Master’s Degree after years of dedicated service in parish life and Catholic education. Her field study project—a Catholic Mindfulness Program for high school students—highlights her commitment to spiritual and emotional wellness among youth.

Michelle Gallo, M.A.M., a lifelong Catholic and vibrant member of her parish community, brings her decades of service in education and communications to the next chapter of her vocation. Her faith has long been at the heart of her personal and professional life, and she looks forward to continuing her ministry in her parish and beyond.

Arianne Lokuta, M.A.M., who entered the Catholic Church in 2017, found the M.A.M. program to be transformational. Her passion for catechesis and faith formation shines through in her continued work with Blessed Trinity Parish and her commitment to Catholic scouting.

Elaine Noonan, M.A.M., whose background in finance and volunteer prison ministry uniquely inform her faith journey, enters this next season ready to embrace the unknown, trusting in God’s call and grateful for the support of her parish, professors, and classmates.

Daniel Waldron, M.T.S., brings decades of service and religious life experience to his new role as a teacher at St. Michael’s School in Lowell. Having discerned a renewed call to minister to young people, Daniel plans to use his theological formation to continue guiding youth in faith and discipleship.

“These graduates are a testament to the mission of Saint John’s Seminary and Theological Institute—to form faithful disciples equipped for leadership and service,” said Rev. Msgr. Stephen Salocks, Rector of Saint John’s Seminary. “We congratulate the Class of 2025 and look forward to witnessing the many ways they will continue to serve the Church.”

As we celebrate their achievements, we also extend our prayers and blessings for their ongoing journey of faith. May the Lord continue to guide them in their vocations and use their gifts for the building up of His Church.

For more information about The Theological Institute at Saint John’s Seminary, visit www.sjs.edu/theological-institute.