Monday, January 31, 2011

Reflections from the "Lost?" conference on the Catholic Church and twenty-somethings


Fascinating questions driving this conference at Fordham University from last weekend (even if you disagree with how the questions are put):

  • Have young adult Catholics lost their way?
  • Has the Church lost twenty-somethings?
  • Has our culture lost its soul?


I wasn't there, but there is decent summary, appreciation and critique of the conference here.  I especially appreciate the critique "where were the 20 somethings at this conference, hmm?"....

Friday, January 28, 2011

Happy Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas!

St Thomas Aquinas WindowGrant me, O Lord my God, a mind to know you, a heart to seek you, wisdom to find you, conduct pleasing to you, faithful perseverance in waiting for you, and a hope of finally embracing you.
– St. Thomas Aquinas

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Closing note from Todd Graff's colloquium

From John Paul II's Christifideles Laici:

The vocation to holiness must be recognized and lived by the lay faithful, first of all as an undeniable and demanding obligation and as a shining example of the infinite love of the Father that has regenerated them in his own life of holiness. ... The eyes of faith behold a wonderful scene: that of a countless number of lay people, both women and men, busy at work in their daily life and activity, oftentimes far from view and quite unacclaimed by the world, unknown to the world's great personages but nonetheless looked upon in love by the Father, untiring labourers who work in the Lord's vineyard. Confident and steadfast through the power of God's grace, these are the humble yet great builders of the Kingdom of God in history.  (Para. 17)

Thanks to Todd and thanks to all who participated!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

TODAY! Vineyard Colloquium on lay vocations....

"The Lay Vocation to Ecclesial Ministry"
Todd Graff, Director of the Office of Ministry Formation for the diocese of Winona


January 25, 2011, 4pm
President's Room in Toner Center

See you there!

Pulling together a portfolio?

A message from Peggy Johnson at the SMU Writing Center:

As you prepare for the job market or anticipate graduate school, our professional tutors are here to help. From polishing application essays and cover letters to developing and formatting resumes, we can provide the insight and creativity that will set you apart.

To help you transform your resume and application materials into marketing tools that “sell” you to future employers or masters programs, make an appointment with a tutor in the Writing Center by calling ext. 1432, stopping by 78 Griffin, or replying to this email.

Begin the work today that will shape your future.



Peggy Johnson, Ph.d.

Writing Center Director

Friday, January 21, 2011

"The Lay Vocation to Ecclesial Ministry", Jan 25th at 4pm


Please come to the second Vineyard colloquium of the 2010-11 year!

"The Lay Vocation to Ecclesial Ministry"
January 25, 2011, 4pm
President's Room in Toner Center
Todd Graff

Todd Graff currently serves as the Director of the  Office of Ministry Formation for the diocese of Winona.  Todd received his Bachelor of Arts degree  from Creighton University in Omaha, NE, and his Master of Arts degree  in Theology from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA.  Previous to  coming to the diocese, he served as a campus minister at Creighton  University and as a high school religion teacher and campus minister at  Hales Franciscan High School in Chicago, IL.  He came to the Diocese of  Winona in August, 1990, to serve as the Coordinator of Social Action  Programs for Catholic Charities.  In December, 1999, he assumed his  present position. Todd is married to Laurie Ziliak and the father of six  children - Isaac, Jesse, Nathan, Samuel, Sophia, and Hannah.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Follow us through your email

It's incredibly easy--


Email Address:


Powered by Feed My Inbox

You can also follow through facebook or twitter. Just follow, OK?

Congrats to Dr. Sobolewski!

Congratulations to our Dr. Greg Sobolewski, who was named Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs!

Now the entire faculty will be forced to determine its purpose and thesis.

***

(He's still teaching in Theology 1/2 time.)

Monday, January 17, 2011

We still have a dream

Welcome back and The Vineyard News!

Welcome back to everyone! Remember the five elements of the Spirituality for the Vineyard co-curricular program that sets you up for lay ecclesial ministry and the national standards? Seeing, Learning, Discerning, Exploring, and Clarifying? You don't? Don't worry. We have helpful events set up:

LEARNING: THE VINEYARD COLLOQUIA
1) Vineyard Colloquium #2: "The Lay Vocation to Ecclesial Ministry"
January 25, 2011, 4pm
President's Room/Toner Center
Todd Graff

Todd Graff currently serves as the Director of the Office of Ministry Formation for the diocese of Winona. Todd received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Creighton University in Omaha, NE, and his Master of Arts degree in Theology from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA. Previous to coming to the diocese, he served as a campus minister at Creighton University and as a high school religion teacher and campus minister at Hales Franciscan High School in Chicago, IL. He came to the Diocese of Winona in August, 1990, to serve as the Coordinator of Social Action Programs for Catholic Charities. In December, 1999, he assumed his present position. Todd is married to Laurie Ziliak and the father of six children - Isaac, Jesse, Nathan, Samuel, Sophia, and Hannah.

2) Vineyard Colloquium #3: "On The Spirituality of Youth Ministry"
March 18, 4pm
Place TBA
Rich Curran

Rich Curran is a SMU alum (and current student in the Institute for Pastoral Ministries program) who, after being seriously injured sledding down our bluff (really), changed directions with his life and ended up serving for years as the director of youth ministry for the diocese of Green Bay. He has since been doing consulting with parishes, religious and secular organizations, and speaking on a variety of faith-based topics. A video of Rich's work these days is on his site, under "media." He is going to speak to our majors March 18th on the spirituality that is born out of engaging in youth ministry.

SEEING: ENCOUNTER YOUR WORLD
Soul trips! Check it out at OCM!
Volunteering--a new semester, so perhaps you want to try something new?
Think ahead to summer--where do you want to be, what do you want to experience, where do you need to grow? We'll let you know about opportunities as we find them....

EXPLORING: PRAXIS FOR MINISTRY
Got internship? Want to tell us about it (through a one paragraph write-up for our blog?)?

CLARIFYING: SMALL GROUP SUPPORT, SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
If anyone is interested in engaging in spiritual direction this semester, please see Dr. Windley-Daoust or Lynn Streefland in OCM for the list of local directors who said they would be willing to be contacted for spiritual direction.

DISCERNING: PRAYER AND RETREAT
After looking at the short survey we sent out in December--we're working on it! More to come very soon!

Thanks, and please contact me with any questions. And remember to check in at

http://www.spiritualityforthevineyard.blogspot.com,

and join us on facebook there so you'll know what it going on!

Peace and all good things this new year!
Dr. Windley-Daoust

Monday, January 3, 2011

Merry Christmas season to everyone!



Get some good rest on this longer break...we'll see everyone January 17th!