Mission & Ministry

Ministry House Teas

During the first semester, 35 faculty members joined Sr. Marguerite O'Beirne and Sr. Pat Hutchison in the Ministry House for a "proper" cup of tea and an hour of relaxed sharing around the theme of peacemaking. In addition to providing an opportunity for faculty to meet and converse across divisions, much "food for thought" was shared. Although many topics surfaced, two themes were common to several of the seven meetings. Faculty members expressed a desire to learn the skills necessary to create a culture and a community in which genuine listening enables respectful dialogue about even potentially divisive or stressful issues. Participants shared hopes that by developing such skills and a listening and respectful college climate, the professional community will also be modeling important behaviors for students. The second challenge centered around the dilemma of speaking and acting appropriately in relation to the war in Iraq and other situations of unrest in the world. Both Catholic and Franciscan leaders (e.g. Pope John Paul II, the U.S. Catholic Conference of Bishops, the Leadership Councils of both Men and Women Religious, the Franciscan Federation, and the leadership of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia) have spoken out strongly in opposition to the war in Iraq. How does an academic community, particularly one which is Catholic in the Franciscan tradition, respond? There are no easy answers. Although the Ministry teas will continue in the spring semester with non-faculty staff, Sr. Marguerite and Sr. Pat will be looking for ways to continue the important dialogue over questions raised in the faculty sessions.

Franciscan Peacemaking in European Art

On Friday evening, October 29, twenty-four Neumann faculty, staff, and students enjoyed a special tour and lecture at the Philadelphia Art Museum. Because participants felt so enriched by the experience, a second evening is planned for the spring semester. Watch for a notice of the date and time! Many thanks to Eileen Flanagan who took the lead in coordinating this event.

Lenten Series: If you want Peace, work for Justice

During Lent 2004, several faculty and staff members joined together each Wednesday for a simple meal and reflections around A Franciscan View of Creation by Sr. Ilia Delio, OSF. Encouraged by the enthusiasm around this Lenten experience, the Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies committee has planned a Lent 2005 Series based on the theme: If you want Peace, work for Justice (Pope Paul V). Each week a different speaker or group will share a presentation on an issue related to peace and justice. The times for the presentations differ each week in the hope that everyone will be able to attend at least one event. Events will take place around a light breakfast (8-9 AM); lunch (12:30-1:30 PM); or afternoon Tea and Coffee Break (3 - 4 PM). These presentations are planned for the enrichment of faculty, staff, and administration. Each speaker is aware (and hopeful) that participants may wish to integrate the presentations into their classes.
Speakers and topics include:
February 16, 2005 at 12:30-1:30 PM - Dr. Connie Korteland on Restorative Justice
February 21, 2005 at 3:00- 4:00 PM - Kirsten Echelmeier and Mike D'Angelo and Students on SOA Watch: What is It? Why have so many People of Faith voiced their opposition?
March 23 at 12:30-1:30 PM - Ronald Chance on Human Trafficking: What can we do about a problem that is right in our backyard?
Dates and times to be announced: Matthew Nespoli and the Water for Waslala Project and Nader Muaddi and the Palestine Encounter Project.

Neumann Reads

Last year's Lenten book sharing was so well received that we hope to sponsor book sharings during the spring semester. The NIFS committee will coordinate the sharing with various facilitators if we have at least four interested "readers." Anyone interested in joining a book sharing is invited to contact Sr. Pat Hutchison at 5407 or hutchisp@neumann.edu by January 20, 2005. To date, three books have been suggested for sharing. A short description of each book follows:

Your Money or Your Life: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin. This book ties together last year's theme of Care of Creation and this year's theme of Peacemaking. To learn more about the book, visit www.simpleliving.net The website ties the simplicity movement (and the book) to world peace. In 1992 over 1600 of the world's senior scientists, including a majority of the Nobel laureates in the sciences, signed a "Warning to Humanity." They concluded this historic statement with the words: "A great change in our stewardship of the earth and the life on it is required if vast human misery is to be avoided and our global home on this planet is not to be irretrievably mutilated…The most profound danger to world peace in the coming years will stem not from the irrational acts of states or individuals but from the legitimate demands of the world's dispossessed."

The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to his White Mother by James McBride, composer and professional jazz saxophonist. Since its release in 1996, the book has received several awards, appeared on the New York Times' bestseller list for more than two years, and been selected by several cities for the City Reads project. In addition to the issue of racism, the book deals with themes of faith, culture, gender, ethnicity, diversity, family, vocation, and education.

Daring to Cross the Threshold: Francis of Assisi Encounters Sultan Malek al-Kamil by Kathleen Warren, OSF. This book provides a powerful analysis of the encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malek al-Kamil. According to the author, "September 11, 2001, highlighted the urgent need for greater understanding among religious traditions. Specifically, the lack of acceptance and appreciation between Muslims and Christians was suddenly catapulted into headlines around the world…It is my hope that this book might nurture that mutual respect which fosters peace and justice, for they are God's desire for us, and the gifts that all races and religions seek."

Pendle Hill Peace Network & Social Issues Forum

In October, 2003, Pendle Hill, a Quaker Center for Study and Contemplation, initiated a peace building network. Dr. Mac Given, introduced the NIFS committee to this network; in October committee members met with the newly appointed director, Eleanor Jo (Joey) Rodger. The NIFS committee has invited Joey to Neumann for a brainstorming session focused on the question: How can the academic community contribute to the promotion of peace in a world torn by conflict? The session will be held on Tuesday, January 25, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM. Each committee member is inviting one or two guests. If you wish to be part of this conversation, please call 5407 or e-mail Sr. Pat.

We are also happy to share the following programs which are sponsored by Pendle Hill. For further information, please call John J. Meyer, Director Religion & Social Issues Forum, Pendle Hill at 610-566-4507, ext. 121.

Immigration: What's Fair? - January 20, 2005, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at 101 DuPont Science Center, Swarthmore College

The United States attracts many foreign-born to study and work. Some worry that the influx of immigrants strains local resources and weakens the cultural fabric. Others see immigrants as strengthening our economy and our culture. How do we ration a limited benefit? What works? What's fair? Hear from a student who has lived much of his life here as an illegal immigrant and who has just received permanent resident status, a local orchardist who employs immigrant labor, a labor economist concerned about how illegal immigration affects the domestic labor force and treatment of immigrants themselves, and a long-time immigrant rights activist.

Doing Historical Justice - February 3, 2005, 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. at 101 DuPont Science Center, Swarthmore College

After the Holocaust, the German government compensated survivors. Congress voted reparations for Japanese it interned during World War II. What's fair for a nation or people to do to correct longstanding
injustices? Can we justly compensate descendants of historical injustices - such as genocide, slavery, land seizure and expulsion (Israel, Native American lands)? Reparations, repatriation, affirmative action - What restorative measures are possible, effective and fair?

Franciscans Youth International

Franciscans International (FI) is a non-governmental organization in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations; it is also a common ministry of the entire Franciscan family. In the name of Franciscans worldwide, FI advocates for the poor, peacemaking, and care of creation at the United Nations. Recently, Catherine Bordeau, FI's Advocacy Officer for university outreach, contacted Neumann to explore ways to promote student awareness of compelling global problems. In the months ahead, Neumann College will in dialogue around social justice issues with other AFCU (Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities) institutions. FI will make available to colleges resources to help students become better informed on a variety of global issues. The purpose of the scope of this initiative, as well as valuable resources, may be found at www.franciscansinternational.org/fyi

For prayers and services in the tradition of Saints Francis and Clare, visit http://www.franciscansinternational.org/resources/prayint.php

Building a More Evangelical World

In November, the Order of Friars Minor, Capuchin and Conventual Justice Peace & Integrity of Creation animators from North America gathered at the Capuchin Retreat in Washington, Michigan, with Franciscan scholars Joe Chinnici, OFM and Michael Cusato, OFM. Their task was to dialogue around the issue of economics, to apply Franciscan scholarship to contemporary economic issues, and to draw up a document that in some way summarized these discussions. The reflections from this gathering were summarized in the form of a letter to Franciscans throughout the world. The attached letter has been shared with Franciscan institutions as a way of helping us to apply the Franciscan Intellectual Tradition to our contemporary world.

AFCU Journal

Look for the second issue of the AFCU Journal: A Franciscan Perspective of Higher Education in late January. We hope that this journal will facilitate conversations around the rich heritage we share with so many other Catholic and Franciscan institutions. We invite your comments and hope that many more Neumann personnel will consider contributing an article to the journal!

Building Peace around the Campus

Campus Ministry… Sr. Mindy Welding shared that the Puzzle Pieces/Peaces, with hopes for peace written during the August Welcome Back celebration and during the International Day of Prayer for Peace, were hung outside of Sacred Heart Chapel under pictures of the men and women who have lost their lives in the Iraq War… Student coordinator Andrea Garvey reported that each month students set aside an Hour of Power to reflect on what it means to be a peacemaker and how we can bring peace to one another… Sr. Mindy and Mike D'Angelo visited each INT 101 class (First Year Experience) and introduced the students to the mission of the college and the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis. The classes toured the grounds of the motherhouse with special visits to the Copper Beech tree and the Labyrinth. The tour had such an impact on the students that some faculty members asked Mike to repeat the mission "tour" for them… Mike D'Angelo and Kirsten Echelmeier, together with eight Neumann students, joined more than 16,000 people from across the Americas - including actors Martin Sheen, Susan Sarandon and George Wendt and musician Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls- in Ft. Benning, Georgia, the weekend of November 19-21, to participate in prayer vigils, education, and protest of the US Army School of the Americas (now the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation). Believing that SOA graduates are responsible for some of the worst human rights abuses in Latin America, thousands of all faiths have joined together for more than 20 years in this prayer/protest … Student Catherine Logan coordinated Neumann's first Poverty Awareness Week which raised consciousness of poverty and homelessness and the resultant conflicts and problems which become obstacles to peace in individuals, families, and our society.

Library . . . John Michael Powell reported that the library displayed books on peacemaking in the New Books area for three weeks starting on September 21, the International Day of Prayer for Peace. Former research librarian Donny Smith created a list of books on peacemaking shared in the September NIFS newsletter. The library also purchased peacemaking books requested by various departments.

Division of Business and Information Management . . . On November 18, the division held a peacemaking themed workshop about the social and economic issues surrounding the conflict in Palestine and Israel. Dr. Ardeshir Shamaei organized the workshop. Dr. Mehdi Hojjat spoke about Israel's economic situation, and his advisee and Palestinian-American Nader Muaddi shared his experience in the Palestine Summer Encounter, a program established by the Holy Land Trust to let foreigners see first hand what is happening in the region and then judge for themselves what is the "truth" of the conflict.

Divisions of Continuing Adult and Professional Studies and Nursing and Health Sciences . . . In the spirit of peacemaking and service to others, the divisions collaborated to develop a unique Parish Nurse Program with a Missionary focus. Coordinated by Allison Jones (CAPS) and Sr. Paula Jameson and Dr. Carol Sando (Nursing), the program was offered at Neumann in October and will be repeated (still sponsored by Neumann) at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Center, NJ, in the spring semester. The context of the course, approved by the Greater Lehigh Valley Parish Nurse Coalition, included foreign and domestic missionary applications. Missionary efforts with genocide survivors in Rwanda, Africa, and with members of local church communities in Chester, PA provided a relevant framework for program content and participant discussion. The course concluded with a capstone clinical experience as a missionary Parish Nurse.

Division of Education and Human Services . . . In the first Division meeting, Dr. Eileen Flanagan facilitated a process of reflection on St. Francis's meditation on the Our Father and led a discussion about his theological assumptions about relationships, responsibility, and peacemaking. NIFS committee members Eileen Flanagan and Sr. Suzanne Mayer also shared peace resources available for use within courses… Dr. Joseph Gillespie reported that within the education department, four times during the semester, each faculty member (graduate and undergraduate) has a dialogue within the class around developing peacemakers in schools and making schools places of peace among students, among staff, among teachers and between these groups. The purpose of the dialogue is to raise consciousness and awareness… Dr. Pamela Monaco conducted two evening sharings entitled Pizza, Prayer, and Politics to promote reflection on the issues related to the election in light of social justice. She also invited into her Theology classes Matthew Nespoli, an Augustinian Volunteer, to share the "Water for Waslala" project, a program to raise awareness of global poverty and funds to assist in the construction of potable water systems in Waslala, Nicaragua. Together with her students, Dr. Monaco is planning a future discussion on racism… Dr. Joann Conn shared that the Pastoral Care and Counseling Program used the 12 Peace Prayers (incorporated into the Welcome Back Prayer Service) for the PCC Reflection Evening in September and had an Intermission Session devoted to peacemaking with Dr. Mac Given. (Intermission is a one hour session between classes which brings students together to reflect on issues related to counseling and spiritual direction)… To generate a spirit of consistent focus on the Franciscan theme and Jesus' own constant greeting, Dr. Conn has developed a pattern of quiet prayer at the start of each class. The greeting "Shalom," to which students answer "Shalom," indicates the end of this quiet prayer period… In the Introductory Spiritual Direction course, Dr. Eileen Flanagan invited students to write about their experience of "Spiritual Direction as a peacemaking Activity." Interpreting this spiritual practice as a peacemaking event enables students to realize and appreciate more explicitly the contemplative and prophetic dimensions of spiritual direction ministry.

Division of Arts and Sciences . . . The INT 101 (First Year Experience) classes chose as a common text Peace Tales by Margaret R. MacDonald… English 101 and 094 faculty incorporated a unit on conflict and peacemaking and used this theme as the topic for the proficiency exams… Patricia Valdata used peacemaking as a topic for student research in English 102 - Research and Writing - and discussed peacemaking issues in CA 210 - Introduction to Communication… As a result of discussions in Dr. Gail Corso's English 101 class, students Theresa White and Emilie Linthicum shared the story of Sadako Sasaki, the young girl who contracted leukemia as a result of the U.S. bombing of Hiroshima, and the legend of the Thousand Cranes. The students taught their class how to make a paper crane and then crafted cranes on their own and strung them on the Christmas Tree in the lobby of Bachmann Main as a symbol of goodwill and peace. As part of their Drama exam in English 220, Dr. Gail Corso asked students to select and analyze a character who acts as a peacemaker… Dr. Randy Klein shared student reflections after an outside experiential learning experience related to peacemaking and involving the Copper Beech Tree and the Labyrinth. One student wrote: "I felt that at that very moment when the entire class had reached the center of the peace path [Labyrinth], we had all received what was the whole entire purpose of this path, peace." Another student reflected: "Before I went out to the Copper Beech Tree and the Labyrinth I felt hatred towards the person I had the conflict with. I thought that this tree adventure was going to be pointless and boring, however, at the end of the class I had a much different look at the whole outdoor experience. I didn't realize how much a tree could give me so much understanding and reasoning of a conflict I had with a very good friend." Dr. Klein generously shared the materials he developed to facilitate the Copper Beech and Labyrinth experience …In response to numerous requests, a copy of the reflection on the Copper Beech tree written by Sr. Jeanette Clare is attached. Although written for the Sisters of St. Francis, the reflection has applications for all who have come to appreciate the peace and beauty of the tree…Following presentations on St. Francis, students in Sr. Elaine Martin's INT 202 (Diversity) class wrote reflection papers on practical applications of Francis's values in their lives. One student commented: "One piece (of the course) that was very influential was when we discussed St. Francis and his peacemaking ways. St. Francis helped me to see that I must be accepting of everyone who is different because we will (then) lead more peaceful lives."… Robert McMonagle hosted a Pizza & Politics discussion prior to the election. Approximately 70 students debated the key issues until nearly midnight!... In his Theater Ensemble course, Terry Gleeson produced Joan Holden's play Nickel and Dimed, based on the book by Barbara Ehrenreich. Several professors required attendance at the play which deals with issues of social justice: the disparity between the lives of the affluent few and those whose work in minimum-wage jobs makes this affluence possible. This disparity creates a society unable to be at peace with itself, and for an underclass of working poor so burdened with multiple jobs and responsibilities that inner peace becomes an elusive dream. In producing this play and encouraging students to attend, Terry's hope is that students and the wider community will act forthrightly and with compassion to bring about a more just society. Scott Gleeson Blue prepared an analysis of the "working poor" and an interview with Joan Holden for inclusion in the playbill. (Copies of this booklet may be obtained from the Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies.)

To be continued… in the February issue of the Neumann Institute News…