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Student Feature: Meet Carrie

Carrie Czajka was an online student and recently completed the MA in Health Care Mission Leadership program this past December. Read our Q&A with her below to see what she has to say about her experience at IPS and how she is going forth and setting the world on fire.

Nickname:
Some of the young guys from my last job called me ‘Old School.’ Hey, if the shoe fits…

Where are you from?
I am from Detroit, MI. I recently saw a sewer cap on a sidewalk in downtown Detroit that had the following names listed on it: The Motor City, Day-Twah, The Big D, and Dee-Troit. It made me chuckle.

A favorite of yours:
I love Detroit Tigers baseball and spend a ridiculous amount of time listening to their radio broadcasts. What I like about baseball are the stories. Every player, every team, every city, and every stadium has its own backstory. Our local broadcasters (as I’m sure others do around the country!) do a terrific job of weaving these stories into their broadcasts.

A quote/motto or prayer/bible verse that has significance to you?
I am a talkative, high energy person by nature. I was well into my 40s before I learned to appreciate what “Be still and know that I am God” really meant. Silent retreats have become an invaluable part of my faith life.

What is your educational background?
I graduated from the University of Michigan with a BA in Psychology. I was so happy to finish my undergraduate degree that I swore I was never going back to school again. Ever. But I was bored in my career and decided to go back to school. I completed a Masters in Healthcare Administration from the School of Public Health at UNC in Chapel Hill. A tidbit about Chapel Hill: the fire trucks there are painted ‘Carolina’ Blue. No kidding.

Anyway, a few years later I completed a Certificate in Leadership Training from Georgetown (the hardest work I have ever done…lots of self-exploration…it’s exhausting!). Then I did an Internship in Ignatian Spirituality at Manresa in Bloomfield Hills, MI.

What were you doing before beginning your IPS journey?
I was working in a large Catholic health care company.

What made you decide to come to Loyola IPS?
I was really fortunate to have a mentor who encouraged me to go back to school. He told me that there are people who have a heart for mission work and specialized training would be useful. He was right.

How would you describe your experience at IPS?
I had an extraordinary experience at Loyola…even as a distance-based student. My professors were first rate, my classmates were engaged, prepared, and committed to their coursework. The shared commitment to learning made for a much more rewarding experience.

What was your favorite class?
I had so many great classes that it is hard to pick one. I had an opportunity to go to Rome with IPS in the summer of 2014. I would highly recommend a ‘Summer in Rome’ session if you are able to attend. It is simply wonderful.

I loved the course I took in Cultural Competency. And I am still talking about a leadership course I took last summer. What I loved most about my experiences during IPS was seeing my faith tradition with fresh eyes. I am grateful for the discussions, readings, assignments etc. that challenged my way of thinking or feeling about a topic.

Do you have any recommendations for future students?
Take a course that seems out there, but sparks your interest. Don’t be afraid to completely rethink how you feel about something. It can be very liberating. Most importantly, take time for good self-care. Rest, exercise, visit with friends, and find some quiet time to be with your own thoughts.

In what way will you go forth to “change the world?”
About a year ago, I started working with with a Jesuit priest in Detroit on the launch of an Ignatian leadership program. The ‘Contemplative Leaders in Action” (CLA) program is up and running in several other major metropolitan areas, but is new to the Motor City. The CLA program has three focal areas: leadership development, spirituality, and service. The target audience is young professionals (mid 20s to late 30s) and I am having a great time with this project. It is bringing a lot of my gifts and talents together in ways I had not anticipated. And I feel really fortunate to working on this effort…particularly at a time in Detroit’s history when there is so much growth and activity. There is a sense of hope in the City that we have not seen or felt in a very, very long time.

In addition, my Capstone project for Loyola included the development of a formation program for emerging leaders working in Catholic health care. I have been brainstorming with some former colleagues about ways in which we can use this program for first line managers working in the local system office. I have a soft spot for the ‘next gen’ of leaders and I am excited to be involved in efforts to encourage their growth and development.

Connect with Carrie:
Part of the reason why some of the young guys at my former job called me ‘Old School,’ is because I have been slow to adopt social media. I can be reached via email: cczajka@luc.edu.

***Join the conversation by following @BrianSchmisek on Twitter and @LoyolaIPS on Instagram! Also, network with the Loyola Chicago IPS community on LinkedIn.

4-14-2016 | Comments Off

Student Feature: Meet Sr. Rose

Sr. Rose Namawejje is pursuing her Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling at IPS.

“First and foremost,” Sr. Rose would like to say that she is “grateful to Almighty God for the constant sustaining and good health. And for all He has done for [her] all [her] life.”

She continues, “I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Lorraine. It was through her effort I was connected to Loyola Mission grant and Loyola regents who have contributed toward my studies at IPS, and to all members in those mentioned organizations, thank you. To the Cenacle sisters at Fullerton Parkway for hospitality given to me since I arrived in United States of America till to date. My further gratitude continues to go to the instructors who have been inspirational to me, especially Professor Steve Martz and Dr. William ‘Bill’ Schmidt.”

Sr. Rose

Sr. Rose’s nickname is Michael the Archangel, a name which means “who is like God?” She is from Kampala city in Uganda and Matooke is her local language.

Her favorite things include:

Hobby – singing and listening to music
Food – cooked bananas and fresh beans
Book – Holy Bible
Sports team – Chicago Bulls
Color – dark brown
Singer – Don William
Motto – My God and my all
Bible quotes – “What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?” Psalm 116:12 and “Love one another” John 15:12

Sr. Rose has had extensive education, studying topics like public health, strategic management, psychodynamic counseling and more. She has studied at schools in both Uganda and the United Kingdom. Currently, she is a volunteer at St. Joseph Hospital.

Before joining Loyola IPS, Sr. Rose was the Project Development Coordinator for the Institution of the Little Sisters of St Francis.

“I offered free counseling services at Home Care Department in St Francis Hospital for the HIV/AIDS patients and those who went to the hospital to be screened to know their status of life. Also I taught primary Healthcare to expecting mothers in an antenatal clinic,” said Sr. Rose.

She said her decision to make a change and come to IPS was motivated by her desire to reduce pain in people’s lives.

“With poverty and disease so rampart in my country, I have seen a lot of pain in the lives of many people,” commented Sr. Rose.

Her goal is to extend medical solutions and create more options for health care to those who need them, especially for people living with HIV/AIDS.

“In my ministry, I continually encourage people to invest in viable developmental projects as a way of fighting poverty. By increasing family incomes, I believe people can take care of themselves and their children better.”

Sr. Rose went on to share thought provoking advice from a lesson she learned:

“One of the life’s lessons I have picked up through the years is that while many of our contributions may seem small, their impact in the lives of people can be huge. They may not always be correctly estimated. It is imperative, therefore, to always do the best we can in the moment we have and not to procrastinate, because we are never sure whether we will actually have the future moment we keep waiting for.”

Sr. Rose is getting her MAPC from IPS because she believes it would be good for her to further develop her counseling skills so she can draw more qualified people back to Uganda and continue rendering services to the people there. In fact, a future goal of hers is to start an IPS in one of the Catholic Universities in Uganda, so that Ugandans who wish to study such courses will not have to travel abroad. Though she is enjoying her time and studies here.

“Joining Loyola IPS has opened my eyes, seeing that all people can study pastoral studies not only priests and religious people as it is known in Uganda,” noted Sr. Rose. “Each class is different with different challenges, but important. I look forward to taking two electives from Dr. Peter Jones because I have had so many students speaking about him as a very good instructor.”

Here time here has not been without its challenges though. Sr. Rose is trying to adapt to American culture and is also learning English so she can write her papers and assignments. She said she has overcome these obstacles with the help of colleagues and nuns she has met.

Sr. Rose said she with “go forth to change the world” by transferring the knowledge she is acquiring at IPS to the people of Uganda.

“My major dream is to establish IPS in one of the Catholic Universities in Uganda in image of Loyola IPS and students who will go forth in the programs will help me to change the world too. This school will not be limited to few people, but open to all Ugandans without discriminating in tribe, race, religion, et cetera. Even though studying abroad is fun, especially in developed countries, not all Ugandans can afford to study abroad. Not only that, in Uganda there is no university with faculty of IPS if you want to study pastoral studies you either go to Kenya, UK, USA, et cetera. The best way I will make change is to establish IPS in one of the Catholic Universities in Uganda.”

To conclude, Sr. Rose was nice enough to share a fun story from her childhood:

“The Catholic Church has a day known as Holy Thursday. On this day, the church and Catholics ponder Jesus Christ’s institution of the Eucharist, and how he invited the twelve apostles to celebrate it always in his memory. During the evening of this day, all Catholic Christians, Religious men and women, and the priests watch Jesus in the church throughout the night, pondering about this mystery. On one of these celebrations when we were in the church, watching and praying with Jesus, a schedule for the day was put out. The laity were to keep watch first, the religious sisters were next, and the priests were to remain in the church till the following morning while the other Christians return to their homes for the night. That night I hid myself behind the door so that I could remain in the church with the priest and sisters. I did not want to go home. I soon heard the catechist announce that there was a little girl who was missing and the parents were looking for her. My name was announced then I came out from behind the door very shy, sad and unhappy because my mission was not fulfilled. I had wanted to remain in the church with the religious sisters and priests. Of course my parents and siblings kept asking me why I did that and some were upset with me. But my parents were just calm. So we went home. From that day, I nurtured in my heart, the desire to be a religious sister or nun, so that I may stay in the church and watch Jesus with the priests till morning. And the Lord was so good to me that He answered my prayer and I became a religious sister. This made me very happy and now I am able to spend time with Jesus and watch with him till dawn during the Holy Thursdays.”

Connect with Sr. Rose:
LinkedIn
Twitter: @rosemikemawejje
Skype: rose.michael73 or rosie192069

***Join the conversation by following @BrianSchmisek on Twitter and @LoyolaIPS on Instagram! Also, network with the Loyola Chicago IPS community on LinkedIn.

3-30-2016 | Comments Off

Student Feature: Meet Elizabeth

Elizabeth Schultz is earning her Masters in Pastoral Studies with a Health Care Chaplaincy concentration through IPS online courses. She has Masters in Engineering, flew a helicopter at 18 years old, loves long walks with her husband and has recently accepted a position as a hospital Staff Chaplain.

Check out our Q&A with Elizabeth below to read a little bit about her journey and her future goals.

Nickname: Betty Jean (my middle name is Jean, and Betty is a nickname for Elizabeth!)

Hometown: I was born and raised in NJ, went to college in Delaware and Syracuse, NY, and I’ve lived in Lititz, Pennsylvania for the last 23 years.

What do you enjoy doing outside of school? One of my favorite pastimes is going for a walk/run with my husband on a beautiful evening.

What is a fun fact or story about you?
I flew a helicopter when I was 18! Actually, I was in the co-pilot seat, but the pilot let me fly, hover, and land the Army helicopter. I was working at a military base in NJ during the summer between high school and college. One of the Army pilots gave me a flight suit to put on and took me (unofficially) on a flight along the ocean and up to NYC. We flew around my house, then up to the Statue of Liberty, and back to the base. Waving to the kids on the beach was almost as cool as actually getting to fly the helicopter by myself.

A quote, prayer, etc. that has significance to you?
What is a blessing but a rain of grace
falling generously into the lives
of those in need; and who among us
is without need?
May the divine Spirit
touch your spirit in the course of this day.
May your work this day be your love made visible.
May you breathe upon the wounds
of those with whom you work.
May you open yourself to God’s breathing.
May you honor the flame of love
that burns inside you.
May your voice this day
be a voice of encouragement.
May your life be an answer to someone’s prayer.
May you own a grateful heart.
May you have enough joy to give you hope,
enough pain to make you wise.
May there be no room in your heart for hatred.
May you be free from violent thoughts.
When you look into the window of your soul
may you see the face of God.
May the lamp of your life
shine upon all you meet this day.

Sr Macrina Wiederkehr

What is your previous education? I graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelors of Electrical Engineering in 1985 and from Syracuse University with a Masters in Engineering in 1988.

What were you doing before beginning your IPS journey? In August of 2011, I decided to take a unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE). That was a period of discernment which had begun over 6 years prior when I did a one year stint as a volunteer Eucharistic Minister in the hospital. After finishing my unit of CPE, I was hired part-time as a per diem chaplain. In August of 2012, I began a one-year CPE residency. THEN, I began at IPS. I did things a bit backwards!

What made you decide to come to Loyola IPS?
The maturity of the online curriculum. I looked at many online programs at Catholic universities and none seemed as rich and well-developed as Loyola’s.

What degree are you seeking?
I am in the final year of a Masters in Pastoral Studies with a Health Care Chaplaincy concentration. This curriculum will prepare me well for seeking board certification with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.

Do you have a favorite class or one you look forward to taking?
Boy, that’s a hard question. What I’ve discovered as an adult learner is that I want to soak in as much as I can and all of my courses thus far met that desire. I loved IPS 417: Literature of Ancient Israel and IPS 404: Theology of Suffering. I’m looking forward to taking IPS599: Theology and Ethics at the End of Life this fall.

Do you see any challenges you will have to overcome during your time here?
Probably my biggest challenge has been learning in the online environment. I tend to process information best by talking face to face with fellow students, colleagues, and instructors. So, conversing via posts in our message boards continues to be my biggest challenge. That being said, the synchronous classes are a blessing. The other MAPS programs I researched prior to applying to IPS did not offer nearly as many (if any) synchronous classes. Of course, professors and fellow students are only a phone call away for verbal discussion and learning.

Do you have any recommendations for future students?
Don’t hesitate to utilize all of the resources IPS offers. I’ve found the professors to be available and more than willing to help me reach my goals both academically and professionally.

Tell us about your new job.
I have accepted a permanent position at Lancaster General Hospital as a Staff Chaplain. The position is contingent upon finishing my degree and being Board Certified within 2 years. The IPS curriculum has me right on track (thanks to the Integration Project specifically for Health Care Chaplaincy)! I am the lead chaplain for our critical care units which include medical ICU, surgical ICU, Intermediate ICU and trauma/neuro ICU. That’s about 60 beds. I am to provide a consistent presence and read-access for staff, families and patients on those units. I will also provide mentorship to our CPE students assigned to those units and coordinate the provision of spiritual care. Other parts of the position include: attending and facilitating debriefings, participating in follow-up meetings for organ donation cases, attending ethics committee meetings, providing staff education, and working on advanced care planning.

What goals do you have for this job?
My primary goal is to be available to provide for the spiritual and emotional needs of our staff, patients and families. One of the ways in which to achieve part of this goal is to help patients and their families work together with the interdisciplinary team to develop a plan of care which is consistent with their goals and values.

Feel free to reach out to Elizabeth at: betty.j.schultz.9@facebook.com

**Join the conversation by following @BrianSchmisek on Twitter and @LoyolaIPS on Instagram! Also, network with the Loyola Chicago IPS community on LinkedIn.

8-25-2015 | Comments Off

Graduating Student Feature: Meet Anna

While at IPS, Anna Dudek has taken advantage of some of the great things IPS has to offer to enhance education. Anna has learned a lot during her studies and shared with us some experiences, accomplishments and wisdom. We know you will succeed in your goal of helping young people “see the presence of God in their own lives.”

Hometown: I was born in Poland and for the past 10 years I have been living in Chicago.

What did your studies focus on at IPS?
In the Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS), my studies focused on Master of Arts in Religious Education. I strongly believe that taking classes on campus gave me opportunities to have social interaction and instructor feedback available in traditional classrooms. Discussions and teamwork are a couple of benefits of learning through this format. Two years ago, it was a privilege to go to John Felice Rome Center as a part of Loyola’s 1st summer study abroad. Loyola’s campus is wonderful and I couldn’t miss the opportunity to go there last year as well. I highly recommend the John Felice Rome Center for a study abroad experience in Rome.

What has been your biggest accomplishment while at IPS?
“Contextual Education,” one of the courses offered at IPS, gave me the opportunity to initiate Advisory Board for Office for the New Evangelization in Archdiocese of Chicago. The Advisory Board exists to advise, assist, support and advocate activities designed to carry out the mission offered to parishes and those in their care (school, catechist, youth, young adults’ families and etc.).

What was your favorite class and why?
I cannot say which class was my favorite because IPS has good professors and each of the classes impacted my life. Christian Doctrine & Its History with Professor Peter Jones helped shape my understanding of Christian Theology from the first century to the present day, with special attention to Christology, the doctrine of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Thus, Foundations of Christian Spirituality with Fr. Steve Krupa S.J. gave a beautiful overview with special attention to current issues in the field of spirituality and Christian spirituality in our time. Yet, I can clearly identify with the class of New Testament in Rome. I can certainly say I had a most pleasurable time with our group of great friends and outstanding teachers: Professor Brian Schmisek, Professor Heidi Ann Russell and Fr. Steve Krupa S.J. I am very happy that I could take the course of the New Testament on the site where St. Peter was martyred and became the first Pope. As I look at my pilgrimage in Rome I discover that I could participate in the history of the Church. The frescoes that decorate the walls and the ceiling of Basilica present full reconstitution to the community of the Church. It’s amazing that I could visit the places where early Christians gave their lives for their faith. Morning Mass in the basement of St. Peter Basilica was an enormous spiritual experience for me.

Do you have any advice for future students?
Do not be afraid and take advantage of what IPS offers you. Loyola University prestige has the potential to be an excellent education. The IPS has excellent faculty and very good resources. My dream was to study abroad and IPS gave me this opportunity.

As a recent graduate, in what way will you go forth to “change the world?”
I think that many young Catholics experience Christ every day through Mass, prayer and in the community where they grow up. Albert Nolan in his book Jesus before Christianity points out that:

“Faith, like a mustard seed, is an apparently small and insignificant thing that can achieve impossibly great things.”

I feel excited that I can work with the young people. I want to support the young people and to help them discover deeper meanings of their faith. Together I hope they find the happiness of being Disciples of Christ. I believe many young people are looking for a real experience of God. They would like a religion that helps them know life with its joys and sufferings. Young people need to recognize the story of Jesus and the gospel message. Nolan also points out:

“The only power that can heal and save the world, the only power that can do the impossible, is the power of faith.”

As an Evangelization Associate in the office for the New Evangelization, I want to teach young people that “Everything is possible for God” (Mk 10:27).

We must open ourselves to authentic communication with God and take a serious look at the liturgy and the Bible. God always wants us to say something to others. I believe that my charisma will help to build a warm and evangelistic atmosphere that involves people in parish ministry.

Today, young people speak new languages and they have to experience the practical reality of building a faith community:

“Pray for one another (James 5:16);
Care for one another (1 Corinthians 12:24b-25);
Bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2);
Spur one another toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24).”

I want to help them to see the presence of God in their own lives. Like my parents who helped me see God in my life, I want to empower young people to participate fully in the celebration of the sacramental life of the Catholic Church. In the book The Difference God Makes: A Catholic Vision of Faith, Community, and Culture, Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I. clearly points out:

“Creating a culture that provides a more evangelically authentic environment for daily life in the United States is less a program with clergy defined stages than a movement of gradual growth. Cultural change is slow, but it can be steady if our purpose is clear and our nerves are strong. Evangelizers need a broad vision and strength for the long haul.”

Connect with Anna via Facebook.

Join the conversation by following @BrianSchmisek on Twitter and @LoyolaIPS on Instagram! Also, network with the Loyola Chicago IPS community on LinkedIn.

4-28-2015 | Comments Off

Graduating Student Feature: Meet David

David Gibbons will be completing his four year journey with IPS in just a couple weeks when he graduates with his MA in Pastoral Counseling. Like many of our students, it was a challenge for David to balance life, work and education, but he did it and did it successfully!

“Just take it one day at a time – it will not last forever and every day is a wonderful opportunity for learning and growth. Make the most of the community of peers and the wisdom of the professors,” advised David.

Hometown:
I am originally from Portsmouth, UK and have been living for the past 7 years in Barrington Hills, IL.

What did your studies focus on at IPS?
I have been taking the MA in Pastoral Counseling since 2011, taking all classes on campus except one – The Counseling and Care of Men, which I took online.

What do you want to be doing upon graduation?
I will continue as Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Barrington Hills and work part time as a counselor at a Counseling Center in the Northwest suburbs.

What has been your biggest accomplishment while at IPS?
Taking another step on the path to integration! Plenty of work to do, but the great gift that IPS offers: its classroom experiences, friendships, learnings, and opportunities to put the class learning into practice has helped make a significant shift in my personal growth journey.

Were there any challenges you had to overcome during your time here?
Juggling full time work, family, classes, internship and commuting has been a significant challenge.

What was your favorite class and why?
Pastoral Psychodynamic Assessment and Intervention because it provided a rich framework for plotting a client’s current situation as well as needs and some strategies and plans toward healing and wholeness.

Do you have any advice for future students?
Just take it one day at a time – it will not last forever and every day is a wonderful opportunity for learning and growth. Make the most of the community of peers and the wisdom of the professors.

As a recent graduate, in what way will you go forth to “change the world?”
Hopefully – I’d like to be part of the emergence of spiritual growth and integration into our society to influence and even heal our culture.

Join the conversation by following @BrianSchmisek on Twitter and @LoyolaIPS on Instagram! Also, network with the Loyola Chicago IPS community on LinkedIn.

4-22-2015 | Comments Off

Graduating Student Feature: Meet Elizabeth

Elizabeth Reardon is ready to accept her Master’s degree in May and commit fully to work in her archdiocese. Elizabeth tells us about her challenges, achievements and motivations. She also has some great advice for students just beginning their journey.

E. Reardon — Pictured above with Fr. Krupa at the Alpha Sigma Nu Awards Ceremony

Hometown: Though originally born in the South, I have lived in Plymouth, MA for the past 19 years.

What did your studies focus on at IPS?
As a student at Loyola’s Institute of Pastoral Studies, the focus of my Master’s studies has been Religious Education. While primarily an online student, I have been fortunate to visit Loyola’s campus and travel to Rome as part of Loyola’s 1^st summer study abroad.

What do you want to be doing upon graduation?
Presently, I am working towards Pastoral Associate certification with a board review anticipated sometime in late May and a course in canon law forthcoming. Thus, I have begun looking for a position within the Archdiocese of Boston as a pastoral associate or faith formation coordinator. Having served in lay ministry in various capacities for many years, this is definitely where my heart is being led to follow. Likewise, with the shortage of priests and the rapid movement of parishes into a collaborative status, there is a great need for a growing number of “workers in the vineyard”.

What has been your biggest accomplishment while at IPS?
The greatest accomplishment or honor given while at IPS would have to be my acceptance into Alpha Sigma Nu, the National Jesuit Honor Society. Words cannot express the truly humbling experience of being selected for inclusion into Alpha Sigma Nu with such an amazing group of students dedicated to both academic excellence and service. Spanning ethnicities, and continents they embody God’s incredible diversity and gifts of the Spirit, witnessing God at work in their lives today. Through them, I both experience community and recognize the consequences of my faith to work for peace and justice yet also hope and trust in the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. How blessed I am to have been given such an amazing “family” in Christ! For those professors, priests, theologians, friends and colleagues who have shown support and love, but challenged and inspired me to reach deeper and go further in my faith – Thank you!

Were there any challenges you had to overcome during your time here?
Yes, in returning back to college later in life there is the new struggle of balancing family, prior commitments and coursework. I found that whenever possible that I would work ahead to allow for unforeseen events that arise, and for much needed time with my family. While there were overlaps in my attention, I fully sought to make the time given to each activity worthwhile.

What was your favorite class and why?
There is no way I can choose just one class as my favorite, yet I can clearly identify the classes that have helped shape my pastoral perspective for the future. Liturgy and Christian Sacraments with Heidi Russell in Rome, has been an essential foundation for understanding what it really means to live a life fully in the sacraments. Exemplifying what it is to embrace a life of communion, this further empowers a life of discipleship and mission. Thus, Church and Mission with Peter Jones gave a beautiful glimpse of the mission that continually beckons us as a Church to walk with others on a path of mercy, reconciliation and renewal. In doing so, we are called to reexamine our lived discipleship through our faithfulness to Christian ethics and social justice (Christian Moral Theology and Ethics with Therese Lysaught). This calls for an authentic witness of our faith to the often troubling circumstances of the world around us.

Do you have any advice for future students?
When the going gets tough, pray and if you feel alone in the struggle, reach out to other students. They are going through the journey with you and IPS is an incredible community of faith. Also, I went my first year without a spiritual director and this is an invaluable gift. Not only for your personal spiritual development, but this time will help you better discern where God is leading you to be.

As a recent graduate, in what way will you go forth to “change the world?”
I believe that just as our faith is not static, but a living and vibrant encounter, so should our pedagogical attitude be. Through the interaction of reflection, engagement, and practice there is much work to be done in bridging the gap between liturgy and their lived expression in the life of the community. This final step is for me where I currently find myself wanting to contribute more in the world around me. For, how can one live a sacramental life and not feel compelled to seek also its expression in addressing the challenges of poverty, human dignity, and liberation?

**Connect with Elizabeth:
Blog – Theologyisaverb.com
Facebook & Google+ – Elizabeth Reardon
Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest – @theologyisaverb

Join the conversation by following @BrianSchmisek on Twitter and @LoyolaIPS on Instagram! Also, network with the Loyola Chicago IPS community on LinkedIn.

4-14-2015 | Comments Off

Graduating Student Feature: Meet Pearl

May 2015 graduation is quickly approaching! In honor of our wonderful graduates, IPS will begin to feature graduating students on the blog.

To kick off this series, we would like to first feature IPS Graduate Assistant Pearl Chiang. She has been so helpful and has brought so much joy to the office, we are going to miss having her here!

Read about her future plans below and find out what we already know… that she is an amazing person with a bright future ahead of her!

Hometown: Troy, Michigan

Degree: Pastoral Counseling

What do you want to be doing upon graduation?
Working in a private practice, preferably a Christian Counseling practice, with emphasis on family therapy and holistic methods of therapy. My end goal is to start my own practice with a couple friends who are in the field.

I currently have a couple interviews lined up, so hoping for the best!

What has been your biggest accomplishment while at IPS?
Becoming more aware of who I am, what my needs are and what my limits are.

Were there any challenges you had to overcome during your time here?
I was diagnosed with stage 3 Breast Cancer at the beginning of last year and by the grace of God was able to stay the course and finish my studies. I am now in remission and appreciate the support of IPS and my cohort in the hardest and most transformative year of my life.

What was your favorite class and why?
It’s a tie for Psychopathology and Assessment & Intervention with Michael Bland. These classes are the most relevant and I refer to my notes from those classes almost every day in my internship setting.

Do you have any advice for future students?
Take advantage of every opportunity to get to know your classmates because 3 years goes by in the blink of an eye. Also, go out to coffee with your professors. They are extremely wise and you can gain a wealth of knowledge by racking their brains.

As a recent graduate, in what way will you go forth to “change the world?”
When I’ve been asked that question before in other contexts, it was very easy to give a carbon copy answer and say, “I want to help people and these are the ways…” Now having been through IPS MAPC program, my outlook has changed. I still want to change the world by helping people and the way that I feel that I have been called to do that is to provide counseling. It also means meeting people where they are and supporting them in that, without imposing your own agenda.

Join the conversation by following @BrianSchmisek on Twitter and @LoyolaIPS on Instagram! Also, network with the Loyola Chicago IPS community on LinkedIn.

4-08-2015 | Comments Off

Student Feature: Meet DeVona

Earning a dual degree at IPS, DeVona Alleyne has great advice for future students and shows that hard work pays off. Read below to find out some interesting and wonderful things about DeVona.

Nickname: None, but DeVona often gets shortened to Dee for the sake of quick conversation.

Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.

A favorite of yours: My favorite color is red, but my favorite color to wear is black – the standard East Coast uniform.

A bible verse that has significance to you?
“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” – Romans 12:5 (NKJV)

Previous education:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – B.A. in English and in Journalism in 1999
Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va. – started M.Div. in 2005

What were you doing before beginning your IPS journey?
I was a newspaper editor, most recently at the Chicago Tribune, who was laid off and considering where my passion existed outside of journalism. From my work as a hospice volunteer, I considered being a nurse and worked in a hospital for a year then went back to editing at a Christian publishing company. There, I met my mentor who steered me toward finding a program like mine at IPS.

What made you decide to come to Loyola IPS?
My manager at the Christian publishing company where I worked in 2012 would ask me about my interests from time to time that had less to do with my editing tasks. She took note of my practical theological perspectives and my care for understanding and positively shaping others’ motivations. In talking through it, she suggested I find a master’s program that combined spirituality and psychology. Thinking it was nearly impossible, I started Googling anyway and was pleasantly surprised, already living in Chicago, to find IPS’ pastoral counseling program right in my front yard!

What are your studies focused on/what degree plan are you in?
I’m in the dual degree program, pursuing the M.A. in pastoral counseling and the master of divinity. If all continues to go well, I’ll have both by May 2016 – three and a half years from when I started.

What are you most looking forward to accomplishing during your time here at Loyola IPS and how does that relate to your future goals?
I’ve learned so much in the two years I’ve been here that I couldn’t have predicted any of it. One of the things that broadened my understanding of pastoral counseling in this program is that my future career will be less about what I do and more about who I am.

That’s important for recognizing what God means to me and how, as a minister, I reflect that very practical understanding for someone else’s individual translation of their own spirituality. Through my divinity program, I hope to build upon that foundation for future chaplaincy work. Further, I look forward to being even more aware of myself in relationship to anyone I encounter — whether it’s a client in individual therapy, a group or couple – to provide the best therapeutic care leading people to their greatest capacities to love.

Do you have a favorite class or one you look forward to taking?
I thoroughly enjoyed my Social Context of Ministry course taught by Dan Rhodes, though it was perhaps the most depressing and challenging of any that I’d taken – even over Michael Bland’s psychopathology. (The latter is a close second for favorite and, ironically, depressing.) More than any other course, it framed the real world and all the intangible forces that determine public and private thought with not-so-great consequences. The challenge of the course was to rethink my worldview by deconstructing its origins and then step up to the world by considering ways to make a real difference for people.

Do you see any challenges you will have to overcome during your time here? If so, what is one of them?
The only challenge I see at IPS will be the race against time. I juggle a lot with school, church and family, and precision is necessary to get everything done. It’s gone well so far, despite a crazy schedule. I’ve taken 12 hours most semesters and just focused and prayed – prayed a lot, actually.

Do you have any recommendations for future students?
Take advantage of every experience IPS offers: Get to know and connect with classmates, have a meal on campus, talk with professors, attend events and spend time physically in the library. It’s easy to get caught up in such a studious mood that you miss out on the full experience of your studies. Debate ideas, put them into practice and question what’s happening around you. And as for the libraries, well, I’m a former journalist. There’s no reward like actually using a little shoe leather to find the information you need. All of that is a part of learning and will give you the full Loyola and IPS experience.

In what way will you go forth to “change the world?”
That’s simple: The world I encounter will change when and as I change myself and allow my experiences to change me for the better. With others, I will encourage positive transformation and expose the benefit of unexpected, undesirable or uncontrollable change.

Are you currently working on an interesting project that you wish to share?
It won’t happen until next year, but I’m tossing around a few ideas for my M.Div. project paper that will likely center on the intersection of Christianity and general understanding of human sexuality.

What is a fun fact or story about you?
I have an uncle whose name is King Solomon and an aunt whose name is Queen Esther, each on opposite sides of my family tree.

Any additional information you would like to share:
I’m a married mother of 2-year-old twins, who were 5 months old when I started attending IPS full-time. They show me every day that anything is possible.

You can connect with her via Twitter: @devonaara

Join the conversation by following @BrianSchmisek on Twitter and @LoyolaIPS on Instagram! Also, network with the Loyola Chicago IPS community on LinkedIn.

2-10-2015 | Comments Off

Student Feature: Meet Tom

Between computer science, cooking, family and training for triathlons, Tom Micinski has found a way to pursue his MAPS degree from IPS. Find out more below about his many talents and work with St. Teresa of Avila Parish. Happy to have you Tom!

IMG_20140503_144037122_HDR — Photo of Micinski at graduation from the Lay Ecclesial Ministry (LEM) program with the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Hometown: Mishawaka, Indiana

A favorite of yours?
My favorite hobby is cooking. I worked as a personal chef and caterer for about 10 years, but now cooking is just a hobby.

A quote that has significance to you?
“Whoever has God lacks nothing; God Alone Suffices” – St. Teresa of Avila

What is your previous education?
I have a BS from Northern Illinois University in Computer Science and I have a MS from DePaul University in Computer Science (Data Communications).

What were you doing before beginning your IPS journey?
I have been working as the Facilities Manager at St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Lincoln Park for the past six years. Before that, I was a cook for a religious community in Chicago.

What made you decide to come to Loyola IPS?
I was accepted to the Lay Ecclesial Ministry (LEM) program with the Archdiocese of Chicago. Part of this program includes a masters level education component and I chose Loyola for my studies within the LEM program.

What are your studies focused on?
My studies are focused on pastoral work, especially as they relate to Catholic parish-life. I am enrolled in the MAPS program at Loyola. At the end of my education, I hope to work as a Pastoral Associate within the Archdiocese of Chicago.

What are you most looking forward to accomplishing during your time here at Loyola IPS and how does that relate to your future goals?
Right now, the biggest accomplishment I am looking forward to is graduating! With a full-time job and children in middle school, completing the MAPS degree program is proving to be a challenging endeavor.

Do you have a favorite class or one you look forward to taking?
I have enjoyed all my classes at Loyola. The teachers have been very knowledgeable about the subject matter and the classroom discussions have been engaging. If I had to pick one, I think I would pick Christian Moral Theology because many of the components of this class pertain directly to my life and work. Introduction to Canon Law, which I am currently enrolled in, is proving to be a close second because it will have direct applications to my future work as a Pastoral Associate.

Do you see any challenges you will have to overcome during your time here? If so, what is one of them?
The biggest challenge I face is balancing my time between work, family and studies.

Do you have any recommendations for future students?
Ask a lot of questions and engage with your professors and fellow students. You never know what ‘spark’ will come out of a conversation.

In what way will you go forth to “change the world?”
The progression of my life has not been a straight path; it has been more like a winding road. Therefore, I have a hard time picturing exactly what lies ahead around the next curve. I just hope I can help meet the needs of the parishioners at a parish, bringing them closer to God’s Kingdom.

Are you currently working on any interesting project(s) that you wish to share?
The parish where I work, St. Teresa of Avila Parish, is currently working on a major church renovation. The parish has been in Lincoln Park for 125 years and many people can drive by the church without knowing it is a Catholic church. It was rebuilt in the 1960s after a fire, so the structure is more modern than the typical Catholic church in Chicago. One goal of this renovation is to make the parish’s presence more visible within the community by replacing the front brick wall with a variety of glass windows, including some stained glass windows from the original convent. It has been an exciting project and is scheduled to be completed before Easter!

What is a fun fact or story about you?
I love the outdoors and staying active. After heart surgery about four years ago, I got involved with triathlons as part of my recovery. I am now hooked on the sport because it allows me to enjoy the outdoors in a variety of ways; running, biking and swimming.

Join the conversation by following @BrianSchmisek on Twitter and @LoyolaIPS on Instagram! Also, network with the Loyola Chicago IPS community on LinkedIn.

2-03-2015 | Comments Off

Student Feature: Meet Eliza

Eliza Stucker is currently seeking a dual Masters degree from IPS. From the beginning, she has welcomed and embraced the new challenges and experiences that higher education brings. Find out more about Eliza and her future goals below:

Nickname: Liza

Hometown: Irmo, SC

A favorite hobby: Cooking – Italian cuisine in particular

A favorite quote:
“Perhaps everything terrible is, in its deepest being, something that needs our love.” -Rainer Maria Rilke

What is your previous education?
Furman University, Bachelors in Chemistry and Bachelors in Biology (2012).

What were you doing before beginning your IPS journey?
I was in college, doubling in Chemistry and Biology, planning on applying to veterinary school.

What made you decide to come to Loyola IPS?
I began by realizing that religion is often used as a weapon to judge, demean, or harm others as opposed to being a source of healing. I have experienced God as One who heals, and I wanted to learn more to be able to be a source of healing and counter this trend in our world. I also wanted to work with people and became intrigued by the idea of psychotherapy. IPS’s dual degree in Divinity and Pastoral Counseling matched my interests, and I applied!

What are your studies focused on?
I am in the dual Masters program, getting my Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling degrees. I like to describe the MDiv as a degree focused on how religion/theology play out in the world at large, on the ground. This degree teaches me how to stand beside people as God would and how to be a resource for those who are on their own personal journey and are in need of a companion.

My MAPC degree is a bit more specific to the mind. Pastoral counseling is essentially psychotherapy with a pastoral lens, and it is a unique approach to the psychological issues many people in our society face daily. This degree teaches me about basic psychology, yes. More than that, though, it teaches me how to attune to others, to truly listen and to help someone find his/her own answers. One of the most healing techniques I have found is how to be able to be a calm, supportive person for someone as they face their own suffering, becoming a witness to the life of another. This is not something many feel comfortable doing; we are almost wired to move away from suffering. My field and vocation, however, asks me to stand my ground and face the suffering of life alongside those who need me as a witness and support.

What are you most looking forward to accomplishing during your time here at Loyola IPS and how does that relate to your future goals?
I am looking forward now to my clinical internship in counseling that will begin either this summer or next fall. It will be my first opportunity to act in a psychotherapeutic role, and I’m very excited for this real-world, hands on experience. Thus far, I am most proud of my completed CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education) unit I just completed this past summer. I learned so many things about ministry and chaplaincy, met some amazing people and learned a lot about myself.

Do you have a favorite class or one you look forward to taking?
Hebrew I and II were my favorite classes that I’ve taken at Loyola as a graduate student. Within IPS, though (Hebrew is in the Theology department), my favorite class has been either Human Relations Skills or Psychopathology…I can’t decide! Both are pastoral counseling classes. I’m looking forward to Testing and Measurement and, as aforementioned, Internship.

Do you see any challenges you will have to overcome during your time here? If so, what is one of them?
I feel as though education always comes with its challenges, and in my 2.5 years at IPS I can say I have underwent some challenges. For the future, though, I cannot predict what will happen next. I rest in the fact that I can come to IPS staff to help me with whatever issues I may come across for the remainder of my time here.

Do you have any recommendations for future students?
I recommend that students come to a class in the program(s) they are interested in and speak to the students about their experiences. While I enjoy what I do, the reality of my programs are very different from what I had imagined going in; it’s hard to understand a program through paper. Since we all have 20/20 hindsight, I think talking to some students about the programs would be very informative for prospective students!

In what way will you go forth to “change the world?”
My hope is to be able to provide therapy for all different kinds of individuals that will improve their body, mind and spiritual health.

Are you currently working on any interesting project(s) that you wish to share?
Well, a final paper for a class that I’m currently finishing up has me researching/writing about the impact of a female victimization narrative on the recovery of battered women. I am weaving together feminist theology with social context and a bit of psychology to speak to how this large, societal problem (domestic violence) can be understood through lenses that can be harmful or unproductive.

What is a fun fact or story about you?
I think one of the funniest facts about me in the context of IPS is that many of my MDiv classmates thought I was Jewish my first year in the program because of how often I cite the First Testament and/or Hebrew!

Connect with Eliza:
Prospective students are welcome to email me at estucker@luc.edu if they have further questions or comments for me!

Join the conversation by following @BrianSchmisek on Twitter and @LoyolaIPS on Instagram! Also, network with the Loyola Chicago IPS community on LinkedIn.

12-15-2014 | Comments Off

Tag : student feature

Student Feature: Meet Carrie

Student Feature: Meet Sr. Rose

Student Feature: Meet Elizabeth

Graduating Student Feature: Meet Anna

Graduating Student Feature: Meet David

Graduating Student Feature: Meet Elizabeth

Graduating Student Feature: Meet Pearl

Student Feature: Meet DeVona

Student Feature: Meet Tom

Student Feature: Meet Eliza

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