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ATTLEBORO - The Rev. Tom Costa has been named the new campus chaplain at Bishop Feehan High School, replacing the Rev. Mike Fitzpatrick, who was chaplain for three years.

Costa was the parochial vicar at St. Mary's in Mansfield for three years, where he was active with the youth group, the St. Vincent De Paul Society, the Pro-Life group, and spiritual adviser to many who were sick or in need. He is now vicar at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Seekonk.

"Father Tom is truly a gift to us from God. He has a deep passion for Christ, combined with a real understanding of the culture of today's youth," says Carla Tirrell, director of Campus Ministry.

Costa, 38, was ordained three years ago and comes to Feehan with "real world" experience as a lay person in the corporate world for many years. He received a bachelor's degree from the University of Hartford before entering Blessed John XXIII Seminary in Weston to study for the priesthood.

"The kids are very open-minded intellectually and spiritually. They are seeking. I'm excited about the challenge of working with the youthful spirit and energy combined with an intellectual atmosphere," he said. "The more challenging it is, the more opportunities to show how God can work through you."