Catholic Center Staff

Gretchen Behrens

Gretchen Behrens

Chapter Leader

gretchen.behrens@spo.org

Hey friends! My name’s Gretchen and I’m so excited to be with you all in Boston! I grew up in a southwest suburb of Chicago, IL or as I always say ‘Chi city’. I graduated from the University of St Thomas in St. Paul, MN in May of 2021 with a degree in Political Science and minor in Catholic Studies. While I’m Midwest at heart, I spent the last few years in New Jersey so I’m becoming more of an East Coaster everyday. Things I can talk about for hours about include: baseball (especially the Chicago White Sox), Shakespeare, made for Netflix rom coms, my rankings of sour candy, and most importantly Jesus and the ways He’s transformed my life! Looking forward to getting to know you all!

“You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the Lord, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No more shall you be called “Forsaken”, nor your land “Desolate”, but you shall be called “My Delight is in her”, and your land “Espoused.” For the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be espoused.” – Isaiah 62:3-4

Anne Dooley

Anne Dooley

Pastoral Staff

rzasadooley@gmail.com

Hello friends, I am SO excited to be back in Boston, where I met my husband and graduated from Boston University with a degree in Education a couple of decades ago. Currently, I live north of the city with my hubby, 4 kids, and a sweet cavapoo named Ruby. A few of my favorite activities are taking road trips, walking on the beach, swimming in natural bodies of water, relaxing near a campfire, singing to Jesus, soaking in God’s Word, and hearing the laughter of those that I love. I am passionate about partnering with the Lord to bring His children into the joy and freedom that is our inheritance! Recently, I have been blessed to serve as a minister of Unbound deliverance prayer with a non-profit called Houses of Mercy. In addition, I am deepening my relationship with the Lord as an alum and occasional instructor for the Encounter School of Ministry, Boston Campus. My heart’s desire is to see my fellow human beings through God’s eyes- and what a beautiful experience it has been! It’s my privilege to be a part of the Catholic Center community, and I look forward to sharing the journey with you!  

 As a daughter of the Most High God, I believe and declare:

“The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; He has sent me to bring good news to the afflicted, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, release to the prisoners, to comfort all who mourn; to give them oil of gladness instead of mourning, a glorious mantle instead of a faint spirit.” – Isaiah 61:1-3

Adrian Espindola

Adrian Espindola

Staff

adrian.espindola@spo.org

Hey everyone, my name is Adrian Espindola, and I’m from the great state of Texas. I graduated from Texas State University where I studied Physical Therapy. In my free time I love to binge watch movies, explore coffee shops & explore the city! I look forward to meeting y’all!

 
“Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” – 1 Timothy 6:12
Dave Haig

Dave Haig

Staff

david.haig@spo.org

Hey friends!  I’m Dave Haig and I’m excited to be back in the Catholic Center community!  I’m originally from Guilford, CT (near New Haven), and I graduated from Northeastern in May 2020 with a degree in Computer Science and Business Analytics.  The Catholic Center was the best part of my time as a student here, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to devote my time and talents fully to this community and this city!  In my free time, I like to play/watch sports, play music (primarily on guitar these days), and read books that help me grow.  The Lord has shown me over and over that His plans for my life are better than my own haha. I’m excited to be a joyful witness on campus of what it looks like to say yes to God!  Hope to see you soon!

“Being a Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction” – Pope Benedict XVI

Elizabeth Lollar

Elizabeth Lollar

Staff

elizabeth.lollar@spo.org

Hi friends! My name is Elizabeth Lollar, known as Lizzie to my pals, and I am so excited to be at the Catholic Center this year! I am originally from Lawrence, Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk!) and just graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City with a BFA in Dance! I got very involved with the campus ministry through Saint Paul’s Outreach during my time in college in KC, and am feeling so blessed to be able to serve as a missionary now in Boston. I love to sing, dance, and explore the great outdoors and can’t wait to go on adventures in this city!

“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” – Luke 1:45

“Yes, be bold and strong. Banish fear and doubt, for remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

Br. Joseph McBride

Br. Joseph McBride

Staff

brojoseph.mcbride@brohope.net 

Hey guys! Br. Joseph here and I’m excited to be joining you guys in Boston! I’m originally from a suburb near Cleveland, Ohio where my love for basketball, frisbee, mountains (Ok, maybe not in Ohio), and Skyline Chili began. Along with Paul and Dana, I also graduated from THE Ohio State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. It was there, during my Freshman year, that I decided to honestly give God a real chance for the first time in my life. That was the greatest decision I ever made. Since then I’ve worked full-time as a Civil Engineer in Ohio, an SPO Missionary at Rutgers in New Jersey, and a Novice in Tallahassee, Florida. And in July ‘21 I made my first vows in the Brotherhood of Hope!! Let’s gooo!! I can’t wait to meet all of you soon!

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.”
Jeremiah 1:5

William Mueller

William Mueller

Staff

william.mueller@spo.org

Hello everyone! My name is William Mueller and I am excited to be serving here in the northeast. I am originally from the small town of Stewartville, Minnesota and recently graduated with a BA in Economics and Philosophy from the University of St Thomas (MN). Throughout my time at St Thomas I met some fellow Saint Paul’s Outreach missionaries who helped me encounter the Lord and learn of his unwavering love and mercy for me. I am grateful to be able to share this gift with you all now in Boston! On a more practical level, I love Taco Bell, playing sports (especially hockey and soccer), and watching thriller movies or ones so dumb you have to make fun of them. If you have even an ounce of interest in watching the Sharknado series, I’m your guy. Overall, I’m excited to be able to serve and run with this community for the next few years!

“No not by might, Nor even power, But by Your Spirit O Lord
Healer of hearts, Binder of wounds, Lives that are lost restored
Flow through this land, ‘Til every man Praises Your name, Once more.” – Robin Mark

Mariell Surin

Mariell Surin

Staff

mariell.surin@spo.org

Hi everyone! My name is Mariell Surin and it is so exciting to be serving with the Catholic Center! I am originally from Lake Mary, FL and I graduated from the University of South Florida (Go Bulls!!) with a BA in Psychology. I really love to bake, read, play guitar, and watch comfy, cozy movies with my friends! What I am especially passionate about is Jesus! What a blessing to have given my life over to Him! I can’t wait to meet you and get to know you better!

“But God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” – Ephesians 2:4-7

Brita Vitello

Brita Vitello

Pastoral Staff

britavitello@gmail.com

Hi All! I’m Brita. I’m a New York transplant who arrived at Northeastern many years ago as a lowly freshman where I studied Philosophy and then became a Double Husky with my Masters of Education. During my time here I went through RCIA, learned how to seek Christ, and even met my husband. I love reading, painting, rainy days, bicycling, hot beverages, and the beach. I spend most of my time now running around after my three kids and trying to inspire them. I’m always happy to talk philosophy, talk about my conversion, and wrestle with the issues of the day!

“Whither is thy Beloved gone, O Thou fairest among women? Whither is thy Beloved turned aside? That we may seek him with thee.”

– Song of Songs 6:1

Fr. Michael Zimmerman

Fr. Michael Zimmerman

Chaplain

 

Hi everyone!  I’m Father Michael, and I was ordained to the priesthood in 2017!  In addition to being the part-time chaplain here at the Catholic Center, I currently serve as assistant Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Boston and adjunct Scripture Professor at St. John’s Seminary.  Some of my interests include rock climbing, track and field, art, drawing, and of course the city of Boston!  I look forward to meeting you!

Br. Jason Zink, BH

Br. Jason Zink, BH

Director, Pastoral Staff

brojason@brohope.net

Welcome! I’m Brother Jason and I look forward to meeting you! I’m from Ft. Myers, Florida and I studied Mathematics in college at Florida State University. While in college I had a blast being in the Marching Chiefs, a 500+ marching band, playing trombone. And if you are a runner, let me know, I would love to have you join us for our annual Half Marathon! I am honored to be your brother and I look forward to running with you on your journey back to the Father’s House!

“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. When you call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me—oracle of the LORD—and I will change your lot; I will gather you together from all the nations and all the places to which I have banished you—oracle of the LORD—and bring you back to the place from which I have exiled you.”
– Jeremiah 29:11-14

Our Mission.

BRING, BUILD, SEND

The Catholic Center HUB at Northeastern University
stands as a sign of HOPE in Jesus Christ.
With CHRIST-like care and LOVE for every PERSON,

the Catholic Center
BRINGS in students to know the faith,
BUILDS up students to live the faith and
SENDS out students to share the faith

for the good of the WORLD,
the growth of the CHURCH,
and all for the glory of GOD!

Contact

nucatholic@gmail.com
‪(617) 297-7364‬

Catholic Center
Serving Colleges of Boston

A Ministry of the Roman Catholic Church Archdiocese of Boston