Q. What is your past and present involvement with Youth?
A. In 1992 Father Flavin brought a fledgling version of Life Teen to Saint Colman’s in Brockton (now Christ the King) and I was a Life Guard. In 1993 we brought a bus filled with teens World Youth Day in Denver, incredible experience. While at Saint Colman’s my focus became more centered on younger adolescents and I founded JYG (Junior Youth Group) for grades 6, 7, 8 and occasionally 9. Also in the 90’s, while still living in my hometown of Brockton, I worked at the GreenTree detention home for boys, the Boys & Girls Club, taught CCD grades 3, 6 and 9, directed child care at a satellite homeless shelter for MainSpring, founded and operated an afterschool program at the Crescent Court housing project, coached soccer and baseball, was a teacher’s aide in a 3rd grade inclusion class, was a den leader in Pack 117 where my son Oscar was a cub and taught after school program at the Plouffe school where Oscar attended before being home schooled.
Upon moving to Bridgewater in 2000 my church youth involvement, except teaching grade 7 my first year in town, was dormant till 2006 when Fr. Clark brought Life Teen to Saint Basil’s Chapel. In the mean time I taught after school at the Williams Middle School, was a Cub and Boy Scout leader in Pack/Troop 31 , founded and led the home school support group Freelance Learners Bridgewater and ran the Bridgewater Youth Center under the auspice of the Bridgewater Police Department. I am currently on Core for Life Teen and on Core Team for the new Oneight religious education program for confirmation prep.
Q. What are some of the things you like to do, you know, as hobbies?
A. I fancy myself a writer, but more often can be found reading the work of others, especially nonfiction and Irish literature. I play flute well (preferring Celtic music) and most woodwinds passably. Genealogy is my new big thing and I’ve gotten my tree as far back as 1630 England. In the nicer weather I can be found in my flower and vegetable gardens and love the beach and camping. I also sometimes play soccer, softball and basketball in women’s drop in leagues.
Q. So what do you do to make a living, you know, earn cash and support the family?
A. I run a small business called Monk O’Phile Cleaning, Odd Jobs & Pet Care: monkophile.blogspot.com
I used to write for the local paper. Journalism wasn’t my cup of tea, but I do hope I can change this blurb soon and say with honesty that I’m a writer by trade.
Quick disclaimer about answers in question 1—it must look like I couldn’t keep a job! Please know that in community service, funds are low. There were periods where I had two and three part time jobs at a time and often fund dried up and a position eliminated.
Q. Do you have any other family or extended family?
A. I have my son Oscar, 18. I’m also the youngest of 11 children with whom I’m extraordinarily close. We lost our Ma in 1997, but our Dad turned 80 in September. I’m also close with my first and second cousins and even hang with some 3rd cousins. Working on my family tree has given me excuse to contact so many extended family members; from that contact friendships were struck. I even e-mail with 6th cousins. I’d have started it years ago if I knew the blessings it would bring!
Q. What is your favorite Bible verse?
A. Philippians 4:12-13 - I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
