time again, I see our residents pull through the tribulations and look back on their experience in our hall as a uniquely rewarding experience in their lives. How has this ministry changed your life? I have spent 18 years in this ministry – 15 at Notre Dame, and three at the University of Portland. From the very start in 1993, my role as a Hall Director allowed me to branch out and undergo substantial professional and personal growth. Integrating myself into the Residence Life ministry stretched me beyond anything I had imagined – it caused me to be much more self-giving and other-focused. I was fortunate to have Sister Jean Lenz, OSF as a mentor in the beginning of my ministry, and she introduced me to many of her friends who were Holy Cross priests. I was inspired to become more involved with those seeking a vocation in religious life, and shortly after arriving at Notre Dame, I became a part of the Holy Cross Priest Formation team. In this chapter of my life and in the ones that followed, I have been part of communities that value my gifts and strengths and have helped me to expand them. I thank the community of Holy Cross priests and brothers for their support and friendship over these past 22 years. They are one of the finest groups of people I have ever had the pleasure to work with. What impact do you feel you make on other people? I strive to form authentic connections with those around me, whether it’s with the Holy Cross priests, my residence hall staff, university administration, or the students in our hall. When people first meet me, they notice right away that I’m a “no-nonsense” individual. I have a very honest, assertive and straightforward demeanor – and few people have met a Sister who was a telephone installer and who rides a Harley Davidson! But I believe that everyone can see that
Father John Donato, CSC, Pastoral Resident in Fields Hall; Monique Martin, Resident Assistant and Sister Susan Bruno, Fields Hall Director
my strong personality is driven by the passion I have for my ministry and for those I serve. I take my work very seriously, and my dedication to our residents is at the heart of all I do. People recognize that I frame residence life as not just a job, but a ministry, and I believe this causes people to see their roles differently. One of my resident assistants told me that after working with me, she “tries to not just manage the women on her floor, but to minister to them.” It becomes a win-win situation for those on our staff and for the women we serve. Part of forming these authentic connections with others is being able to laugh and let loose. As committed as I am to my role, I’m also not afraid to have fun! Several nights a week, my staff and residents make themselves at home in my apartment to watch Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune together. And they’re not afraid to help themselves to what’s in my fridge – I’ve gone through more Gatorade, tea, coffee and Diet Coke than you would believe! I believe these casual and fun moments reflect how I help people (of all ages!) feel comfortable, safe and relaxed. I love seeing residents consider our hall as not just a hall but as a home – and in this ministry, you truly can’t do much better than that.
Annual outing of Resident Assistants and Residents of Fields Hall to the Pumpkin Patch on Sauvie Island in Portland, Oregon
FALL 2015
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