Neumann University
PCC Newsletter October, 2014
I N S ID E T H IS IS SU E : SD Student: Life-Long Learner
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Faculty Feats Recounted
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Introducing Dr. Sophia Park
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Meet the New Ph.D. Cohort
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CLE Focuses on Mindfulness
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Alpha Omega Nu: What’s New
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PC Grads in the News
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Homecoming is COMING
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“The experience of speaking from the heart and being taken seriously builds the psychic architecture that supports the capacity to bear life.” Nancy McWilliams, author, teacher and clinician, comes to Neumann’s campus for the Homecoming lecture on October 18, to speak on “Engaging the Whole Person: Appreciating Individuality in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction.” Sachin Karnik, from the Delaware Center for Gambling Problems, states that many people do not realize they have a gambling problem. "Many individuals who have a serious gambling problem aren't aware that they have a serious problem.” Karnik said that between 3 and 4 percent of the population suffers from a gambling addiction. "Gambling addiction is not about money. It's the agent of the addiction. It's not the cause of the addiction," Karnik said. Karnik offered a certification in DE as part of addiction training.
"Life is filled with entryways to the sacred: a conversation with a child, recovery from illness, and the gentle embrace of a close friend," Mary Beth Werdel wisely suggests in her book As Faith Matures: Beyond the Sunday God. She asserts that our deepest experiences can be simple or even lifealtering. These moments are often doorways or an invitation into a more adult relationship with the God we encountered in our childhood or continue to encounter on Sundays. Werdel is the keynote speaker at the Atlantic Region’s conference for AAPC, Friday and Saturday, November 7 and 8 in Loyola University of MD. Columbia.
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Why does a woman who already has an established ministry and business in spiritual direction begin anew? This year Anita Wood entered the certificate in Spiritual Direction Supervision in Neumann’s pastoral counseling program. She shares with the readers what has called her to take a further academic journey. Being a life-long learner has repeatedly opened my life’s path to unexpected joys and fresh opportunities. Like many adults today who find themselves journeying through more than one career, as I have evolved, I have experienced a need to study not just more, but in uniquely differing settings. And, I have found that the educational methods and contexts of study have been just as enriching as the content covered. My early professional learning involved traditionally big-classroom academic programs, preparing me both to teach in elementary school and to lead parish religious education programs. Then, about 12 years ago, I moved into the ministry of spiritual direction and retreat work, starting up a one-woman business of my own called Gloria Dei, LLC. To prepare for this emerging calling, I enrolled with Shalem Institute, an ecumenical spiritual direction program composed of two residencies and lots of at-home work. Later, since I identified so with Ignatian spirituality, my travels took me to the Jesuit Spirituality Center in Wernersville, PA, where I engaged in a similarly designed residency program.
Happily doing spiritual direction in my home and in the setting of a local parish, as
And voila! Neumann’s Certificate of Advanced Study in Spiritual Direction marvelously fit the bill!
well as guiding group retreats and companioning silent retreats, I again felt the urge to engage in further learning. This time my goal was that I could assist other spiritual directors, both beginning and experienced, in their own process of becoming the most authentic, free, contemplatively present and evocative companions they can be in the service of their directees. And voila! Neumann’s Certificate of Advanced Study in Spiritual Direction marvelously fit the bill! I had long admired the spiritual directors I had met who had graduated from Neumann’s program. I sensed that they had been formed in a setting that aimed more explicitly at being a professional along with the contemplative emphasis from which I had come. A pleasant surprise to me, I also discovered that Neumann had instituted a recent 50% off tuition reduction for all spiritual direction classes!
I have to affirm that each of the past programs I have taken offered irreplaceable gifts but my Neumann experience is again unique. Neumann gives attention to some of the things not as present for me in other programs: extensive guided practice in doing spiritual direction within a classroom setting, along with reading, discussion and ministerial applications of both contemporary and original texts in Christianity’s major spiritual traditions (Benedictine, Franciscan, Ignatian, Carmelite, Salesian, and Reform.) The extended practicum experience outside of class allows for an expansive development frequent small-group reflection on real-world experience. Plus, there is a decided bonus in having a strong sense of support and camaraderie with faculty and classmates one meets often over time. What a joy it has been to share with others in such a nourishing place a mutual passion and commitment for being of service through the ministry of spiritual direction and supervision.
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Over the summer, Dr. Eileen Flanagan conducted an Independent Study Course, “Models of Theological Reflection and Transformational Learning” through the D.Min. Program at Aquinas Institute, St. Louis. Also, Eileen was interviewed about the origin and history of Neumann’s Graduate Certificate of Advanced Study in Spiritual Direction Supervision for a study conducted by Maria Tattu Bowen of the Graduate Theological Union of San Francisco. In August, Eileen led a workshop, “Spiritual Direction Supervision: We Find What We Are Looking For” for the Supervisors of the Spiritual Direction Training Program at Moravian Seminary, Bethlehem. In October, at the 2014 Fall Meeting of Delaware Spiritual Directors, Eileen facilitated a program, “Creativity, Compassion, Hope: A Trinitarian Approach to Spiritual Direction” in which directors engaged the question: How does a Trinitarian model of discernment inform and influence a director’s theological assumptions when listening and responding to a directee’s narrative? Prior to the July publication date of his third book, Reclaiming Authenticity: A Psycho-Spiritual Process of Transformation and Transcendence (WestBow Press), Dr. Jim Houck returned to South Dakota to say pilámayaye (thank you) and to show his appreciation to Native American leaders for their spiritual wisdom and support for his writing. Apart from visiting these leaders along a trek that stretched from Sioux Falls to Rapid City, conversations also began regarding how to incorporate a non-traditional psycho-spiritual approach in order to heal intergenerational trauma among the Lakota, Sioux and Cheyenne people. On October 2-3, Dr. Houck attended a two-day workshop on Healing the Land, Healing the Generations in Virginia. For two days, participants will examine the psychospiritual connectedness of all things, and how humanity experiences these on an interpersonal and intrapersonal level. The theme for the conference focused on being in right relationship with Creation to empower each person to act more reverently toward one another. This summer proved to be a series of retreat opportunities for Suzanne Mayer, ihm, Ph.D. Along with several day programs that dotted the weeks of June, S. Suzanne gave three week-long retreats. She traveled to the community of the monastery of Mt. Grace in St. Louis, home of the Pink Sisters, to present on the topic of Resiliency in mid-June. July saw her at the Spirituality Center of her own Community in Immaculata offering a Cinema Divina Retreat on Forgiveness. Finally, in the early part of August she flew to Boston to offer a Cinema Divina retreat to the Daughters of St. Paul with films reflecting the Gospel theme for the day. As part of the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities, S. Suzanne joined with Eileen Flanagan to offer an Object Relation lens through which to view the spiritual life and maturation of St. Clare of Assisi. She will collaborate with Dr. Beth Toler on October 20 for Neumann’s Faculty Convivum in which they will provide a look at “Reflective and Contributive Processes in the Capstone Experience,” drawing on the pastoral counseling Interdisciplinary Seminar papers. At the upcoming AAPC Atlantic Regional Conference, taking place November 6 and 7 at Loyola in Columbia, MD, Beth Toler, M.Div., Th.D. will be co-leading a workshop on pastoral supervision with Dr. Wally Fletcher as part of the pre-conference sessions. On Friday, September 19, she took part in a Pastoral and Worship Leaders Lunch and Seminar at Nemours/Alfred DuPont Hospital for Children at which guests were welcomed to the new expansion of the facilities and given a tour of the campus.
Supervisors — New and Veterans, SD and PC, Site and Independent SAVE the DATE for our Fall Gathering October 21, 2014 from 3:00 to 4:30 Refreshments! Fellowship! Sharing! Contact Hours! If coming, please contact Mary Anne Stewart at 610-558-5572.
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My home is wherever God leads me —
Mantra of Pastoral Counseling’s New Faculty Member From Korea to Vietnam, from Australia to England, from Venezuela to the U.S.A. Dr. Sophia Park, Pastoral Counseling’s newest faculty member, has lived in over 20 countries throughout her life. No wonder, when she needed to uproot her family of six from Minnesota to bring them to resettle in Pennsylvania in late July, she seemed remarkably calm. Even when courses were about to start and she and her three younger children were still residing in a hotel, Sophia seemed unflappable. Although on the surface Sophia’s composure never flinched, she admitted that the biggest challenge in the 1,167 miles transition was “being in two places at the same time.” Processing leaving behind what we had known for the last few years along with starting new here was emotionally demanding. Along with her peace-filled demeanor, Dr. Park brings with her great academic and pastoral experience. She holds a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Theology in Pastoral Theology, Care, and Counseling from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. In terms of ministry, she can claim extensive clinical background in psychotherapy, hospital chaplaincy, both in the medical and mental health/addiction fields, and children and youth ministry in the local church. Currently, Sophia is teaching clinical courses in both the M.S. and Ph.D. programs and the marriage and family course in the Master’s program. In addition to Sophia’s professional experience, she brings a multi-cultural identity that informs all of her work including teaching, counseling, research, and writing. “My home is wherever God leads me” states Sophia, as she has also lived in several U.S. states as well as 20 different countries: California, Atlanta, and most recently, Minnesota.
Sophia’s academic interest comes as a natural extension of her life experience. Sharing in the daily lives with the local people has given her the ability to have intercultural dialogues and the ability to see from both subjective, emic, and objective, etic, perspectives. “Having experienced what it is like to be the people of majority, of minority, as well as being the people with power and also without much power, I have great interest in pastoral theological reflections around issues of race, gender, class, social location, and power dynamics, especially in inter-cultural relationships.” Sophia’s research and counseling focus has been on persons, both individuals and families, who are living in many cultures, especially the immigrant families. The reality is that many children of immigrants, or the “1.5 generation, feel caught in-between cultures, not having a sense of belonging in either culture. However, by rethinking their experience as living ‘in-both’ and ‘inbeyond’ rather than as living ‘in-between’” cultures, she has sought to recognize their bi-lingual and bi-cultural identity and develop their potential to become the “cultural space” to connect various cultures and persons. Sophia feels that pastoral counselors can become the “cultural space” when they journey with the counselees into their world to find reconnections to important relationships, previously disconnected, including with their God.
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Mark your calendars —
Offerings in Lecture Series, Gathering Evening Invite Within the next few weeks opportunities for extracurricular classes, lectures, and workshops will be happening. Also, the mid-semester evening using the “community learning experience “ model will have every member of the program in the Schmidt Room for building community among each other. The two offerings in the Lecture Series for October start with the “nuts and bolts” of being an academic writer and ends with delving into the medico-scientific world of psychopharmacology. On October 3 (Friday, 5:00 to 8:00) and October 4 (Saturday, 9:00 to 4:00), S. Suzanne will lead participants through the scholarly maze of doing research work, moving from the basics of choosing and narrowing topics to the rigors and requirements of composing an entire paper — from class research report to doctoral dissertation. Dr. Jim Houck will launch into the complex world that invites collaboration among clients, counselors, therapists and medical prescribers as he introduces his listeners to the wonders of the psychoneuroleptic drugs and the brain chemistry and sociocultural factors in their use. Please note: While this lecture was originally listed for one credit, it is being offered for two credits. It will still carry 6.5 contact hours, as the extra time and work involved in taking the class for credit will be done on line. The course/workshop will run Saturday, October 25 from 8:30 through 3:00. Finally, the evening of October 22 will see all those in the PCC program, from the newest of counselors-in-training to the group of students about to graduate in December, in the Schmidt Room in Living and Learning Center 1. They will be listening to, learning and leaning into the practice of Mindfulness. Directed by Michael Rawlings, PC X10 the group will experience the semesters of training that Mike has brought with him from the famed London program in this relaxing and centering practice.
Michael Rawlings
Pastoral Counseling Begins Second Cohort for Ph.D. with 15 Students The 2014 cohort of the Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling Program brings a wealth of clinical, pastoral, educational and research experience. Because these students live in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, attending classes every third FriSaturday allows them to continue working full-time, as well as spending quality time with their families. Still considered to be an emerging field, the Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling trains candidates to become skilled leaders in spirituality and mental health. The 2014-15 Ph.D cohort for Pastoral Counseling met for their orientation on July 2: Those Seated from l to r]: include Jenine Johnson, Linda DiMatteo, Cassandra Pistorius, and Mary Lou Inzerillo. Standing [from l to r] are Anna Carter, Charlotte Phillips, Michael Monk, William Clay, Mary Brown, Julie Droddy, Ronaldo Tello, Becky Foraker, Warren Mays and Peg Mahoney. Absent from the group was Jill Sieverts.
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Alpha Omega Nu —
Opens Year by Inviting New Members, Various Projects With a new academic year comes a new group of officers for the Neumann honor society, Alpha Omega Nu. This year’s group of President Jackie Corsini, President-elect Susan Kogon, and Secretary-Treasurer Heidi Allen met with the Chapter Faculty Advisors, Suzanne Mayer. Ihm and Dr. Jim Houck to lay plans for membership, service, advocacy and gatherings. The result which was spelled out in the annual plan is looking to invite at least 10 eligible current students to become new members. To be invited into the society PC graduate students must have completed nine credits, have earned B+ or better, and show potential as counselors of good character and competence. Invitations will be sent out to these candidates during October. Looking at the area of service, the new officers having several “irons in the fire.” At their next planning meeting, they will meet with Mr. Fritz Haas, Director of the Neumann Wellness Center, to discuss outreach to undergraduate students. With a focus on the stress that comes often by mid-semester, the group is considering some project to help students relax, reframe and reduce stressful moments. In setting the date for the induction of new members, the officers are considering moving the ceremony to the Spring Community Learning Experience to allow the community of those in pastoral counseling and spiritual direction to become part of the celebration. Along with the inducation, the local chapter of the honor society will be considering various service programs that the members, new and veterans, can complete. In the past helping plant a garden for St. Vincent Homes, collecting funds and raising awareness to fight sex trafficking, and gathering donations for women in a federal prison have been among the efforts made.
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In September Franciscan Newsletter In Berks County, a second chance for women leaving prison will soon include the assistance of Clare of Assisi House. Robin Ball, a 2013 graduate of the Master’s in PC and a board-certified pastoral counselor, will begin operating her new ministry in March 2015. It will provide transitional residential services and life skills training for nonviolent women with a history of domestic violence, substance abuse and/or prostitution. “Our goal is to help these women with counseling, training, and other aids required for them to begin their lives anew,” remarked Robin. Helping Robin with the start-up and operation of the transitional home are both Srs. Kathleen McMullin and Eileen Doherty, Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. “Although we have selected a house,” said Sr. Kathleen, “furniture, rugs, kitchen supplies, and much more will be needed to make it a home. In addition, there will be rent and utilities to pay. All of these come with price tags. Our hope is that people will open their hearts to these women and provide donations to help us with this new ministry.”
In Philadelphia Inquirer, August 22, 2014
The Reverend Denise Statham, a Spring 2010 graduate of the M.S. in pastoral counseling, prepares the candles for the vigil for slain teenager Michael Brown in Living Waters Church in northeast Philadelphia. In a small redbrick church in Northeast Philadelphia's Oxford Circle section, an interfaith group of blacks and whites gathered in prayer for the people of Ferguson, MO, and a Philadelphia delegation of clergy sent to the troubled town. "We hope this is the last vigil for a young man gunned down," the Rev. Denise Statham told the gathering of about 70 people at Living Water United Church of Christ in the 6500 block of Loretto Avenue. The vigil was in support of Bishop Dwayne Royster, pastor of the church, and other clergy from the city who are in Ferguson in support of protests over the killing of Michael Brown, 18, who was shot by a police officer in the St. Louis suburb. Statham noted that the clergy group represented POWER - Pennsylvanians Organized to Witness, Empower, and Rebuild - a broad spectrum of churches committed to social justice. The group of about 1,000 clergy went to march in Clayton, MO, to the St. Louis County prosecutor's office. "Our prayer is that their message is about peace," she said.
Kevin Laughlin, who will graduate in December, Michael Ziegler and Collen Finzel, May ‘14 graduates , take shelter under the new bright blue umbrellas in front of the RAB as they play National Counselor Exam Trivia Pursuit to prepare for the October 18 administration of the test.
Brown, 18, who is black, was killed August 9 by Darren Wilson, a 28-year-old white officer, after being stopped on a street, officials said. An autopsy indicated that Brown was shot six times. The shooting sparked 10 days of protests and as many nights of unrest. BY VERNON CLARK, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Department of Pastoral and Theological Studies One Neumann Drive Aston, PA
19014
Homecoming & Family Weekend October 16 - 19, 2014 Each fall, Neumann University rolls out the red carpet to welcome alumni and parents back to campus for a week of events and activities including concerts, the King and Queen pageant, the Presidential Scholarship Reception, Fireworks, A Taste of Neumann, and of course, our family style picnic.
A recent commercial on the radio says it all. When Neumann University began in 1965 as Our Lady of Angels College, a gallon of gasoline cost only 31 cents. By 1982, when the program in Pastoral Counseling was begun, gas had risen to $1.30/gallon. With the celebration, which began with this Fall semester, of the University’s 50 years of welcoming students into classes, the PC program continues a tradition that was initiated with its twentieth anniversary in 2002. To bring together current students along with graduates of the program, a lecture/breakfast has been planned with noteworthy speakers addressing the group on topics of interest to pastoral counselors and spiritual directors. Beginning with one of the program’s founder, Dr. Robert Wicks, the list of stellar personages appears below for each of the years, This year, Dr. Nancy McWilliams, internationally noted writer, speaker, psychotherapist and consultant, will bring her dynamic perspective on psychoanalytic issues to the rostrum. The morning will begin with breakfast at 8:30 followed by Nancy’s presentation at 9:30 and concluding with an invitation to attend the picnic lunch at 12:00 for information on Nancy’s talk link to http://www.neumann.edu/academics/grad/pastoral/LectureSeries.pdf For information on the Homecoming schedule connect to http://alumni.neumann.edu/s/168/index.aspx?sid=168&pgid=1029&gid=1&cid=2537&ecid=2537&p Homecoming 2002: Integrating Psychology and Spirituality, Dr. Robert Wicks
Homecoming 2009: Mary Katherine Hilkert
Homecoming 2003: Creating the Space for Our Client to Breathe, Dr. Wally Fletcher
Homecoming 2010: The Making of the Saint of 9/11, Father Mychal Judge Rev. Francis Gunn, Brian Carroll, M. Div., LCSW
Homecoming 2004: How Anxiety Constricts our Ability to Trust and Be Present, Dr. Phillip Bennett
Homecoming 2011: Brother Mickey O’Neill McGrath, OSF: Artist, Author, Lecturer
Homecoming 2005: How to Maximize Wellness and the Sense of Being Alive, Bernadette Kinniry, rsm
Homecoming 2012: Care of Self: More than a Good Idea…An Ehtical Mandate, Dr. Rick Parsons
Homecoming 2006: Why Theory Matters Rev. Dr. Pamela Cooper-White
Homecoming 2013: Panel on Spirituality of Advocacy: Challenges and Rewards of the Spiritual Journey
Homecoming 2007: Spirituality in Organizations Dr. Janet Ruffing
Homecoming 2014: Engaging The Whole Person: Appreciating Individuality in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction, Dr. Nancy McWilliams