Theology essay contest, $500 and 50% tuition at SJU prize.

Saint John’s School of Theology sponsors an essay contest for college juniors and seniors each academic year. 

The winner of this essay contest will receive a $500 cash prize and a 50% tuition scholarship to the School of Theology, should she or he enroll in a graduate degree program. 

The winning essay will also be published in Obsculta, our graduate student journal for writing and art.

Obsculta is the opening word of the Rule of Benedict, which has shaped the life of Benedictines around the world for over 1,500 years. The full opening phrase is “Listen with the ear of your heart.” This simple admonition shapes not only the life of our Benedictine monastic community but also the way we do our theology and preparation for ministry in the School of Theology. In a world where people too often speak first and ask questions later, we seek to listen—to listen for the voice of the Spirit in scripture, tradition, each other and the world in which we live today. We seek essays in that spirit for the Obsculta prize. 

Essays submitted for consideration can be on any topic of Christian theology.

This includes comparative studies of other religions, pastoral or practical theology, and disciplines such as scripture, history, etc.

Criteria:

· the significance and compelling character of the topic

· the quality of the research, analysis, and synthesis; the clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness of the argument

· overall writing style and creativity

· no more than 15 pages or 4,000 words

· 12 point font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins

· adherence to the Chicago Manual of Style

Submission Deadline: March 1, 2014

Eligibility Requirements: College Junior or Senior

For additional information e-mail obscultaprize@csbsju.edu

Last year’s publication is available for online viewing at:

http://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/obsculta/

Merry Christmas to all!

From Evangelii Gaudium, for all pastoral ministers (current and future!)

76. I feel tremendous gratitude to all those who are committed to working in and for the Church. Here I do not wish to discuss at length the activities of the different pastoral workers, from bishops down to those who provide the most humble and hidden services. Rather, I would like to reflect on the challenges that all of them must face in the context of our current globalized culture. But in justice, I must say first that the contribution of the Church in today’s world is enormous. The pain and the shame we feel at the sins of some members of the Church, and at our own, must never make us forget how many Christians are giving their lives in love. They help so many people to be healed or to die in peace in makeshift hospitals. They are present to those enslaved by different addictions in the poorest places on earth. They devote themselves to the education of children and young people. They take care of the elderly who have been forgotten by everyone else. They look for ways to communicate values in hostile environments. They are dedicated in many other ways to showing an immense love for humanity inspired by the God who became man. I am grateful for the beautiful example given to me by so many Christians who joyfully sacrifice their lives and their time. This witness comforts and sustains me in my own effort to overcome selfishness and to give more fully of myself. 

--Pope Francis


Read the rest here.

The End of Semester Cookie Hour!

...also known as an advent party, Christmas party, end of year party, and study break.

All friends of theology invited!

Thursday, Dec 12, 2013

2-3pm

The Theology Suite (SM 223)

Alums or December grads: Youth Ministry job listing

One of our alums, Janelle K, is moving on from St. Stephen's in Anoka, MN.  They are looking for a youth ministry coordinator.  More details at the link here.

Advent resources

It barely feels like it, but indeed, it is almost advent.  Advent is very hard to observe when you have exams and research papers competing for your time.  But there are some good resources out there--bookmark these and use them as you wish.

USCCB: All things advent 2013, including some in Spanish

Creighton University's Online Ministries: Advent prayers, essays, videos, and an audio retreat

Ignatian Spirituality: Advent resources of all types, including podcasts and devotional reading

The Christian Brothers are on it as well: John Baptiste de la Salle's meditations on advent

Prepare ye the way of the Lord (a little ahead)!

Two things to remember this time of year

and