The Crew
Wayne Gignac is a deacon-candidate for the Diocese of Norwich. He is the co-host of The Sign Podcast and technical advisor for dmst internet ministries. Wayne is a noted motivational speaker and an entertainer of long standing. He is employed by ESPN in Brstol CT.
Deacon Michael Berstene is involved in parish ministry at Saint Bernard Church in Rockville. He is the Director of Diaconate Personnel for the diocese, a graduate of the Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Institute at St. Paul’s College in Washington, DC and a past president of the Hartford Area Habitat for Humanity. Current Chairman of the New England Region of The National Association of Deacon Directors and a member of the dmst Parish Mission Band, Michael has a degree in business from the University of Connecticut and a Masters in Computer Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Deacon Dennis Dolan holds degrees from St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore and Boston College He is a graduate of the Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Institute at St. Paul’s College in Washington, DC. Dennis has been an Asst. Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Norwich, Parish DRE and is past Chairman of Religion Departments at South Catholic and Aquinas High School. He is presently senior Catholic Chaplain for the CT Department of Corrections, a board member of the Diocesan Prison Ministry Board and Malta Prison Volunteers of CT. Dennis is a national columnist for the Paulist Father’s newsletter for Catholic Inmates Let’s Talk and a member of the dmst Parish Mission Band.
Deacon Peter Gill is the former editor of the Four County Catholic and member of the Diocesan Disciples in Mission Team. He now directs outreach ministry to homebound seniors and provides pastoral care and bereavement support to Bristol VNA & Hospice. Additionally, Peter serves as Catholic Chaplain for the mentally ill at Connecticut Valley Hospital and as deacon for the parish community of St. Colman, Middlefield CT. Dn. Peter is a member of the dmst Parish Mission Band.
Sister Patricia Cook, RSM, Ph.D., a co‐founder of the Program For Spiritual Direction at Sacred Heart University,earned a doctorate in systematic theology from Fordham University and a
certificate in ministry supervision from Yale University. She has taught theology on both
undergraduate and graduate levels, and was director of ministry formation for the Diocese of Norwich for 11 years. Since 1998, Sister Patricia has been chaplain for three men’s correctional facilities.
Jill Rauh is Senior Program Associate for the Education for Justice (EfJ) Project. She joined the staff at the Center of Concern in August 2004. Jill develops educational resources on Catholic Social Teaching and social justice, coordinates the project's marketing efforts, and communicates with EfJ members. Jill received her M.A. in International Affairs with a concentration in U.S. Foreign Policy in developing countries at George Washington University, and her B.A. in Theology and Communication Studies is from Marquette University. Before coming to the Center of Concern, Jill worked as coordinator of the citizenship and civic participation program at the Central American Resource Center in Washington, DC. Previous to this, she spent a year teaching and community organizing in Ecuador, South America, with Rostro de Cristo (Face of Christ).
Deacon Tom Casey is active in ministry at the Church of the Holy Family in Hebron and holds the position of Catholic Chaplain for the CT Department of Correction at the Gates facility in Niantic. Tom received his BA in Economics from Providence College and began his career with the U.S. Treasury Department. He went on to work in the banking and finance industry as Auditor, Comptroller, CFO, and CEO at various institutions. He received his Masters Degree in Dogmatic Theology from Holy Apostles College and Seminary. Tom and his wife Rachel helped establish group homes for mentally retarded women and the St. Vincent dePaul Soup kitchens in Norwich and Middletown. Tom is a Certified Financial Planner. He served in the Regular Army and in the Reserves, achieving the rank of Captain.
