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Theology
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Testimonials From Our Tutors

From Jim Ferruggiaro:  

“The tutoring program at Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology (ICSST) provides a thoughtful hour of learning and conversation for seminarians who are studying English and Spanish. It also provides an opportunity for a positive relationship to develop between the tutor and student which inevitably leads to the student's acculturation to life in the United States.”

From Debbie Abbattista: 

“Tutoring seminarians and priests at ICSST has been a gift to me. I continue to admire their tenacity in not only learning a new language, but also in being immersed in a new culture with different traditions and social mores. Listening to the stories of these men, who left their native lands in order to spread God’s word, has been both inspiring and encouraging.”

From Debi Gilbert:

“I have been tutoring ESL at ICSST for more than four years and it has been a very gratifying experience. The seminarians are always eager to learn and are exceptionally thankful for the sessions. I have found tutoring to be a learning experience not only for them but for myself as well.”

From Dottie Iantosca: 

“This is my seventh year as an ESL tutor and I believe I get so much more than I give. Currently, I am tutoring five seminarians and one religious sister. The enthusiasm of these young people is contagious and they have filled my life with joy and hope for the future of our church!”

From Marie Kelly:

“I am happy to be supportive of the seminarians and hope my efforts will enhance their knowledge, enabling them to respond effectively to any challenges they may encounter as they enter their ministry. It is encouraging to note the progress in their English skill development. I continue to feel so privileged to work with these men over the years and find my association with them enjoyable and edifying.”

From Donna Monaco:

“I am in my sixth year of ESL tutoring. One particular experience that I will never forget happened at the end of the Spring 2018 semester during my final session with one of my students, a native Vietnamese speaker, with whom I had been working for two years. As the end of the session approached, he suddenly looked very serious and turned to face me as if he wanted my full attention. He wanted me to know that he now had confidence with conversing and when it was his turn to read aloud from the daily readings, he didn't feel anxious anymore. Those were the words that I believe every tutor wants to hear – that the student feels comfortable and successful with speaking the English language!”

From Deacon Richard O'Hara:

“Tutoring ESL is a rewarding experience for me and those seminarians whom I teach. It is important for them to learn how to communicate effectively for their future parish work.”

From Mary Jane Tannen:

“I feel truly grateful to have been given this opportunity to serve as an ESL volunteer. This is something that retired teachers, especially, should consider doing – enriching seminarians’ skills by sharing their experiences and expertise!” 

From Evanna Topper:

“Helping a point-of-entry level Spanish-speaking student learn English was a very rewarding experience for me, and I hope it was a blessing for him as well.  I was inspired by his dedication to his vocation and felt privileged to play my small part in assisting him on that path. Additionally, I feel blessed to guide another seminarian here at ICSST in his study of pastoral and general Spanish language skills.”

From Fr. Michael Romano, Vocations Director for the Diocese of Camden (New Jersey):

“The ESL program at ICSST is individually tailored to the needs of each student.  The seminarians from the Diocese of Camden who have participated have greatly improved their vocabulary, grammar and writing skills.  Their tutors have found ways to teach these things while also assisting the men to learn about American culture at the same time.”