PCC Newsletter

Neumann University

October, 2014

SD Student: Life-Long Learner 2

Faculty Feats Recounted 3

Introducing Dr. Sophia Park 4

Meet the New Ph.D. Cohort 5

CLE Focuses on Mindfulness 5

Alpha Omega Nu: What’s New 6

PC Grads in the News 7

Homecoming is COMING 8

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

"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 life-

altering. These moments are often doorways or an invitation into a more

adult relationship with the God we encountered in our childhood or con-

tinue 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.

Sachin Karnik, from the Delaware Center for Gambling Problems, states that many people do not realize they have a gambling problem. "Many individ-uals who have a serious gambling prob-lem 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.

“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 Neu-

mann’s campus for the Homecoming lecture

on October 18, to speak on “Engaging the

Whole Person: Appreciating Individuality in

Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Direction.”

Page 2

Why does a woman who already has an established ministry and busi-

ness in spiritual direction begin anew? This year Anita Wood entered the certifi-

cate in Spiritual Direction Supervision in Neumann’s pastoral counseling pro-

gram. She shares with the readers what has called her to take a further aca-

demic journey.

Being a life-long learner has repeatedly opened my life’s path to unex-

pected 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 aca-

demic 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 call-

ing, 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 Spirituali-

ty 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

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 direc-

tors, both beginning and experienced, in their own process of becoming the most au-

thentic, free, contemplatively present and evocative companions they can be in the ser-

vice of their directees.

And voila! Neumann’s Certificate of Advanced Study in Spiritual Direction mar-

velously fit the bill! I had long admired the spiritual directors I had met who had gradu-

ated 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 spir-

itual traditions (Benedictine, Franciscan, Ignatian, Carmelite, Salesian, and Reform.) The extended practicum experi-

ence outside of class allows for an expansive development frequent small-group reflection on real-world experi-

ence. Plus, there is a decided bonus in having a strong sense of support and camaraderie with faculty and class-

mates 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.

And voila!

Neumann’s

Certificate of

Advanced Study

in Spiritual

Direction

marvelously fit

the bill!

Page 3

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 Di-

rection Supervision for a study conducted by Maria Tattu Bowen of the Graduate Theological Union of San Francis-

co. 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 Trini-

tarian 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 di-

rectee’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 intergenera-

tional trauma among the Lakota, Sioux and Cheyenne people. On October 2-3, Dr. Houck attended a two-day work-

shop on Healing the Land, Healing the Generations in Virginia. For two days, participants will examine the psycho-

spiritual 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 sev-

eral 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 Resilien-

cy 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 re-

treat 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 expan-

sion 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.

My home is wherever God leads me —

Mantra of Pastoral Counseling’s New Faculty Member

Page 4

From Korea to Vi-

etnam, from Australia to Eng-

land, from Venezuela to the

U.S.A. Dr. Sophia Park, Pasto-

ral Counseling’s newest facul-

ty 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 unflappa-

ble. 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. pro-

grams and the marriage and family course in the Mas-

ter’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 intercultur-

al 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 re-

thinking their experience as living ‘in-both’ and ‘in-

beyond’ 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 per-

sons. Sophia feels that pastoral counselors can become

the “cultural space” when they journey with the coun-

selees into their world to find reconnections to im-

portant relationships, previously disconnected, including

with their God.

Page 5

Mark your calendars —

Offerings in Lecture Series, Gathering Evening Invite

The 2014 cohort of the Ph.D. in Pasto-

ral Counseling Program brings a wealth of

clinical, pastoral, educational and research

experience. Because these students live in

New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Del-

aware, attending classes every third Fri-

Saturday 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 Counsel-

ing trains candidates to become skilled lead-

ers 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 Fo-

raker, Warren Mays and Peg Mahoney. Absent from the group was Jill Sieverts.

Pastoral Counseling Begins Second Cohort for Ph.D. with 15 Students

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 doc-toral dissertation.

Dr. Jim Houck will launch into the complex world that invites collaboration among clients, counselors, therapists and medi-

cal prescribers as he introduces his listeners to the wonders of the psychoneuroleptic drugs and the brain chemistry and socio-

cultural 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 coun-

selors-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. Di-

rected 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

Page 6

With a new academic year comes a new group of officers for the Neumann honor soci-

ety, Alpha Omega Nu. This year’s group of President Jackie Corsini, President-elect Susan Ko-

gon, and Secretary-Treasurer Heidi Allen met with the Chapter Faculty Advisors, Suzanne May-

er. 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 Octo-

ber.

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.

Alpha Omega Nu —

Opens Year by Inviting New Members, Various Projects

In a small redbrick church in Northeast Philadel-

phia'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 Or-

ganized 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.

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

Page 7

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 minis-

try 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 coun-

seling, 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 Phila-

delphia. “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 In September Franciscan Newsletter

The Reverend Denise Statham, a Spring 2010 gradu-ate 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.

Kevin Laughlin, who will graduate in December, Michael Ziegler and Collen Finzel, May ‘14 graduates , take shel-ter 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.

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 Counsel-

ing was begun, gas had risen to $1.30/gallon. With the celebration, which began with this Fall semes-

ter, of the University’s 50 years of welcoming students into classes, the PC program continues a tradi-

tion 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 counse-

lors 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 psychoana-

lytic issues to the rostrum. The morning will begin with breakfast at 8:30 followed by Nancy’s presenta-

tion 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 2009: Mary Katherine Hilkert

Homecoming 2010: The Making of the Saint of 9/11,

Father Mychal Judge

Rev. Francis Gunn, Brian Carroll, M. Div., LCSW

Homecoming 2011: Brother Mickey O’Neill McGrath,

OSF: Artist, Author, Lecturer

Homecoming 2012: Care of Self: More than a Good

Idea…An Ehtical Mandate, Dr. Rick Parsons

Homecoming 2013: Panel on Spirituality of Advoca-

cy: Challenges and Rewards of the Spiritual Journey

Homecoming 2014: Engaging The Whole Person:

Appreciating Individuality in Pastoral Counseling and

Spiritual Direction, Dr. Nancy McWilliams

Homecoming 2002: Integrating Psychology and Spir-

ituality, Dr. Robert Wicks

Homecoming 2003: Creating the Space for Our Client

to Breathe, Dr. Wally Fletcher

Homecoming 2004: How Anxiety Constricts our Abil-

ity to Trust and Be Present, Dr. Phillip Bennett

Homecoming 2005: How to Maximize Wellness and

the Sense of Being Alive, Bernadette Kinniry, rsm

Homecoming 2006: Why Theory Matters

Rev. Dr. Pamela Cooper-White

Homecoming 2007: Spirituality in Organizations

Dr. Janet Ruffing