TENDING THE VISION, ADVANCING THE MISSION The general shape and purpose of theological schools might lead one to conclude that there is really “nothing new under the sun.” After all, every school needs an expert faculty, talented students, classrooms, a blue ribbon library, and chapel. Students go to class, write papers, complete field work, participate in liturgy, and hopefully grow in wisdom and faith. These are some of the building blocks of a theological school. But running throughout the life of a school, especially a theological school like Saint John’s, is a vision that defines its purpose and drives it forward. Our vision asserts that we will cultivate our Catholic, Benedictine tradition as we excel as an influential community of theological learning where study, prayer, and hospitable dialogue expand understanding and deepen vocation for the sake of building up vibrant Christian communities. Bold words demanding hard work on everyone’s part. Everyone knows that once the vision has been written – and that sometimes is the easy part – there has to be a commitment to realize it. Two members of the Board of Overseers shared what motivates them to invest their time, talent, and treasure in advancing the mission of the School of Theology·Seminary.
Monsignor James Dillenburg I am a retired priest of the diocese of Green Bay and a graduate of the school. My interest in serving on the board comes from both those sources. As a pastor, I know how critical solid grounding in theology and ministry is for the vitality of parishes. Helping a school like Saint John’s see the parish and Christian life through my eyes can hopefully deepen its understanding of the challenges and dreams we have “out here.” At the same time, I know what being a graduate of Saint John’s has meant for me. What I contribute to the Board is part of my repayment of a debt of gratitude. From my perspective, every school of theology seeks to recruit the best professors possible, giving students every opportunity to develop their talents. Where I believe the tipping point lies is in the “extras” a school can offer. Analogously, these can be the difference between a Christian Ponder and an Aaron Rodgers: both good athletes but… As our world and church become more secularized, ministers must be well-prepared to meet the challenges of evangelizing skeptics and agnostics. Fundamental scholarship that encourages creative, critical thinking is a basic tool to meet such challenges. Pastoral ministers need to be able to think theologically – not just know the answer. Prayer is the energy source behind all Christian learning and leadership. Praying well and leading others in prayer are learned best by participating in inspirational communal prayer. What the Abbey models daily sets the pace for all the opportunities the SOT·Sem provides for prayer. In addition, through the Abbey, University and HMML, Saint John’s offers an enormous reservoir of history and expertise. Saint John’s reputation and leadership in areas of liturgy, patristics, and ecclesiology are highly respected not only in this country but throughout the world. Our students have access to all this as an “ordinary” part of their learning experience. Most important, personal formation must be part of theological education if a student is being prepared for ministry. It is the difference between learning job skills and being anchored in vocation. As a place of prayer and study, Saint John’s believes in the formative power of community and strives to cultivate a sense of community under rapidly changing circumstances. Formation here flows from the development of a relationship with God “where God lives.” For me, that is in the people so that attention to searching for God in relationships is the difference between knowing someone and knowing about someone, knowing God or knowing about God. To be deprived of this experience of community is to be shortchanged in preparation for effective ministry. continued on page 16
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