From Priestly Ministry to Catholic Education, Lives Dedicated to Service

Father Kaique Santos Shares the Joy of His First Weeks as a Priest

Photos Courtesy of Fr. Santos

Just over a month ago, hundreds gathered at the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption for the Ordination of Father Kaique Santos. Since then, Fr. Santos has embraced his new ministry with energy and gratitude, often sharing glimpses of his daily life as a priest through social media. He recently led a group of young people to Catholic HEART Workcamp in Farmington Hills, Michigan, where they helped renovate Camp Casey, an organization that provides children undergoing cancer treatment and their families opportunities for joy, connection, and healing. Through prayer, hard work, fellowship, and service, this service trip demonstrated faith in action.

Shortly after his ordination, Fr. Santos shared on his Facebook page, “I can say without hesitation that I have never felt a happiness as profound, as peaceful, or as complete as I do now. This joy does not come from achievement, recognition, or success. It comes from knowing that I belong entirely to Christ and that I will spend the rest of my life serving Him as His priest.”

We are truly blessed to have wonderful priests in our Diocese who have answered God’s call to serve His people with humility, joy, and dedication. I invite you to watch a brief reflection from Fr. Santos as he discusses his new ministry and the grace of beginning this journey as a priest.

FACE Recognizes Patricia Marmen’s Enduring Impact on Catholic Education

The Diocese is blessed with so many generous individuals who believe in the value and life-changing opportunities provided by a Catholic education. At the Foundation to Advance Catholic Education (FACE) Summer Gala in August, we will honor Patricia “Pat” Marmen with the 2026 Al Makkay Sr. Award. The award was established in 2017 by Maureen Makkay and her family to honor the memory of Al Makkay Sr. and to recognize individuals who have made remarkable contributions to impact Catholic education on Cape Cod.

Pat’s legacy in Catholic education includes serving as the first Head of School at St. Pius X School in South Yarmouth, where she helped establish the school’s curriculum, culture, and community from its founding in 2003 until her retirement in 2010. Before coming to Cape Cod, she served as principal of St. Mary/Marian Hill Middle School in Southbridge and Venerini Academy in Worcester, bringing a commitment to academic excellence, faith formation, and mentoring students throughout her career.

In addition to her work as an educator, Pat has been a dedicated advocate for access to Catholic education through her longtime involvement with FACE. With her husband, Tom, she has helped support tuition assistance efforts, including more than 20 years of service on the FACE Summer Gala Committee and four years as a Summer Gala Chair. Please join me in congratulating Pat and her family!

One of God’s greatest gifts is the beauty of His creation. I hope you are able to take some time this summer to enjoy that gift! A Blessed summer to all of you!

Sincerely,

+Bishop da Cunha