Neumann University
PCC Newsletter
As the staccato rhythm of the Kenyan drum echoed through the Schmidt Room of the Living and Learning Center I on Tuesday evening, May 12, members of the Anniversary graduating class gathered to celebrate with prayer, socialization and gratitude. The majority of the 15 pastoral counseling and seven spiritual formation/direction students gathered, many with spouses, other family and special friends and mentors. [The names of those completing their degree or certificate programs appear on page 8.]
A core part of the program, arranged by a committee of graduating students, centered on the ritual. As each person heard his/her name called, he/she walked to the front, dropped a small object, some token chosen by the person him/herself into a large bowl, and spoke of the meaning of the object in terms of his/her time working toward this day. Tokens included such diverse items as a sculpture of twin giraffes carved in Kenya, representing community formed in the years of study; a small figure of Ganesha, the elephant god of the Hindus, the god of every person, each of whose features comes together to speak of strengths needed; a feather from a Native American fire dance, a rite of passage engaged by one of those coming forward; a small china bell representing the call to serve and heal. The list continued as those coming to the front thanked the multitude of persons who had supported and encouraged them over the semesters. A very inspiring moment came with the song
for reflection. Written I N S ID E T H IS IS S U E : by Maura Corsini, Jackie’s daughter who Dyson St. Francis Awardee is working in the theater industry in CA, had Corsini Awarded for Service sent the music to her mom just days before . S. Redemptrix Chimutima RIP As the committee worked on the pro- Lecture Series Announced gram, using ideas such Alpha Omega Nu Elections as shoes, journey, walking on — out came AONu Survey Continued the song. The rest is history. (For song go to May/December Graduates
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Each year the PCC program names a recipient of the St. Francis of Assisi Award, an honor given to a graduate who demonstrates outstanding skills and abilities, not only academically, but in clinical work as well. This year the awardee, Nineka Dyson distinguished herself in a double way. Around the same time as she was awarded the distinguished medal at the Academic Awards ceremony, she also was notified that her submission to the online journal Catalyst was accepted for publication. Nineka’s article, the theological reflection chapter of her seminar paper, compares her growth as a professional and as a person to development within the womb. Nineka reflects on time in PCC: My time at Neumann University has been transformative beyond my initial expectations. As students, we often hear about the personal change we will experience by the end of the Pastoral Counseling program but the level of transformation varies for each student. I must admit that I did not fully understand the concept of transformation by a graduate program. I expected to gain knowledge in pastoral counIt is the work seling to help others but never thought that I would emerge a more integrated person. Prior to beginning the program, I struggled to be my authentic self in we do within the military and corporate culture because knowledge superseded emotional ourselves that connection. At some point, I believe that I lost who I was by not attending to integrates my emotional response in those fields. I found the need for balance unexpectedly while in program through the reflection process and serving others in gh our counseling. This process was the catalyst in my transformation, as it required imperfection me to reconnect all the areas of my life and engage with myself emotionally. into Looking back causes me to face memories of joy and sadness that transsomething formed me into the person I am today, a woman that accepts her flaws as works of art with compassion enough to recognize this beauty in others. Movuseful for the ing through the memories requires me to accept the challenges and rewards of community. the past as they allow me to acknowledge God’s grace in the present. I came to realize that my experiences of hurt, forgiveness and searching for meaning in life provide me the ability to relate to others. Furthermore, embracing these understandings develop resources when empathizing with clients, as clients often see the counselor as a perfect being, which is farthest from the truth. It is the work we do within ourselves that integrates our imperfection into something useful for the community. Living in authenticity helps me appreciate receiving the St. Francis of Assisi Award for Outstand Graduate in PCC with a humble heart. I am grateful for being recognized for my hard work, thankful to God for guiding me daily and my family for understanding the necessity for me to change course in life. As I completed the requirements for the program, my goal was to do my very best. I use this award to honor my family for the sacrifices they made to ensure my success throughout the course of the program, thus the award is not mine alone but a family award for excellence. Though I may not know the path that God will provide for me at this moment, I do know that I will continue to keep the core values (Reverence, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship) of Neumann in mind for all future endeavors.
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President of Alpha Omega Nu
Named Service Award Winner for Work In and Out of Society For the past two years, Jackie Corsini has been serving in a primary position in the graduate honor society Alpha Omega Nu. Last year, 2013-14 she worked as the president-elect, helping to arrange such programs as the benefit to raise awareness and funds toward battling sexual slavery. This past year, as the president of AONu, Jackie helped organize and run the five evenings of “Stressbusters� as she describes below. As a result of her work in this and other outside service projects, Jackie was nominated for the Madonna Cunningham Award, one given for exceptional service. She received it at the annual graduation celebration. Jackie shares on her reception of the award: It is quite an honor to be the 2015 recipient of the Sr Madonna Marie Cunningham service award with so much of my service opportunity coming as a result of being a member of the Alpha Omega Nu honor society. Being on the executive board and working along side of Sr. Suzanne Mayer, our faculty advisor, was truly a wonderful experience. As a member of the board, our focus was finding ways we could serve our community both on and off campus. My very first service experience was spending a Saturday in Philadelphia planting a garden at a home for young unwed mothers and their children, residents of the St. Vincent Homes. While working side by side with my classmates, professors and the residents of the home, we cleared away the weeds and planted flowers. The result was a beautiful garden! It was so gratifying to see the beauty that comes from working together! When we finished we all sat down together and shared a meal, took part in a craft and prayed together. The garden was a reminder to these woman that they are not alone. We also worked alongside Fritz Haas, director of the Wellness Center on a program called "Stressbusters." The PCC graduate students taught the undergraduate students healthy ways to manage their stress with techniques like mindfulness, yoga, and guided imagery. In the Franciscan tradition we looked for ways to reach out to our brothers and sisters in need. This experience has reinforced in me one of Neumann's core values: to embrace service as a life-long commitment.
My professors continually challenged me to take a closer look inside myself to understand who I am as a pastoral counselor and what gifts I bring to this profession.
My time at Neumann has allowed me to develop my skills as clinical counselor, as well as becoming more aware of my own unique gifts. The program fostered an environment that encouraged selfreflection every step of the way. My professors continually challenged me to take a closer look inside myself to understand who I am as a pastoral counselor and what gifts I bring to this profession. My classmates were encouraging and insightful friends for the journey. Their stories of how they were called to this program are as diverse and interesting as the people themselves. — Story continued on next page.
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Rest in Peace, Sr. M. REDEMPTRIX CHIMUTIMA, CPS, who went home to God on February 20, 2015 at Precious Blood Convent in Riruta, Kenya Sister graduated from the Master’s in PCC in 2006. Some called her Trixie; others, Winnie or Winifred but all called her wonderful. Sr. Redemptrix came to Neumann as part of her international education to be trained as a pastoral counselor graduating from the Master’s in PCC in 2006. Following her completion of the degree, Sister became part of the international leadership team in Rome. She went on to direct the Precious Blood Novitiate in Canada which housed candidates from many countries and, following her term in administration, she returned to lead the novices in East Africa. In January 2014, Sister Redemptrix took an active part in her province’s Team Building Workshop and the development of the Strategic Plan, but in March she returned to her provincial house and was diagnosed with several brain tumors. Surrounced by the sisters in her local community, S. Restituta on February 20 listened to them pray Morning Prayer and attended Eucharist, after which she went home to the God she loved so much and served so well.
Jackie Corsini: Story continued on from previous page.
I now begin a new journey looking forward to using the skills acquired from my professors and internship to serve others. As I go forth in my counseling career with a better understanding of how I want to use my training, I hope to help clients to become their best selves by honoring their uniqueness. I look forward to seeing the Divine light inside all those who sit with me. I had received my Bachelor of Science degree from Neumann over 30 years ago. On Saturday May 16 as I stood in front of the Bachman building once again receiving my diploma, I could not help think that this has been God’s plan for me all along. Members of Alpha Omega Nu assemble outside the Frankford St. Vincent Home at outset of planting and restoring project (top photo). Below, then President-elect Jackie Corsini overlooks the mounds of flowers that will become part of the residents’ garden.
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Lecture Series for 2015-16
Offers New Faces, New Topics for Workshops The Lecture Series of classes and workshops open for those interested in acquiring credits or contact hours this year contains some new and interesting areas of research and practice — with a few of the faithful standbys also included. Below are listed the titles, presenters and dates of the offerings. You will note that each listing indicates the level at which the offering can be taken, according to NBCC’s most recent policies. PCC 526A: Learning Integrated Research, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 • 5:00-8:00 p.m. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 • 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. INSTRUCTOR: Sr. Suzanne Mayer, IHM, Ph.D., LPC Can be taken as a workshop or for one credit. PCC 626A: Gender and Sexuality for Effective Practice MONDAY, OCTOBER 5 • 5:00-9:00 p.m., INSTRUCTOR: Stephen R. Treat, D.Min., LMFT Can be taken as a workshop, for .5 credit, or eligible for four NBCC contact hours. PCC 726A: The Dance of Brain, Mind, and Spirit in Pastoral Counseling SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31 • 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., INSTRUCTOR: D. Keith Coleman, D.Min., AAPC Fellow Can be taken as a workshop, for .5 credit, or eligible for seven NBCC contact hours . PCC 784A: Loss and Grief Counseling, SATURDAY, December 5 • 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. INSTRUCTOR: James Houck, Ph.D., LPC, Can be taken as a workshop, for .5 credit, or eligible for eight NBCC contact hours. PCC 626A: Clinical Approaches to Marriage and Family FRIDAY, MARCH 18 • 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., SATURDAY, MARCH 19• 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. INSTRUCTORS: Beth Toler, M.Div, Th.D. LMFT; Sophia Park, M.Div., Th.D., LMFT; Georgette HallPeterson, M.S., LMHC Can be taken as a workshop, for one credit, or eligible for 10 NBCC contact hours. PCC 726A: The Drug Culture as it Impacts Counselors SATURDAY, APRIL 4 • 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., INSTRUCTOR: Stephen Manning, M.D., M.Div. Can be taken as a workshop, for .5 credit, or eligible for eight NBCC contact hours.
For a Franciscan/Merton Scholar and most important to him, Friar,. On October 17, as part of the Neumann University celebration, PCC will host Rev. Dan Horan, osf writer, speaker, blogger [Dating God], Dan will speak on the topic of his soon to be published book, a sequel to his very popular book and blog: The Name of God is Relationship. Dan explains his title: While some philosophers claim that the name of God is “pure being” and some theologians claim that the name of God is “the good,” Dan suggests that the name of God is best understood as “relationship.”
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Election Results
Two Offices Filled, Two Questions Answered The directions on the opening page of Survey Monkey spelled it out clearly: Please list in order of preference (three being highest and one, lowest) the ranking for these individuals to serve on the Executive Committee of Alpha Omega Nu. The person receiving the HIGHEST number will serve as President-elect; the one receiving the next highest, Secretary -Treasurer. After one week for the members of Alpha Omega Nu to enter their votes, balloting closed and the results were final. On the morning of May 15, finishing within a few decimal points of each other, the officers were named. Serving as president –elect for the coming year, and president of the chapter for 2016-17 is Stephanie Fortunato. The combined offices of secretary-treasure will be held by Elizabeth Barr. These two officers will work with Susan Kogon, the new president, in the year ahead. Susan has held the position of president-elect through this past year. The installation of the three officers who form the Executive Committee will take place soon after the start of the Fall semester. Two questions also appeared on the ballot. They and the results of the voting on them appear below. The new Executive Committee will use the results of the first question to inform decisions about service activities and projects during their term.
Enter by ranking the suggestions below what areas of service you would suggest the Executive Committee engage in next year. One is lowest, and three highest.
Suggestions
Least Most Of some Weight imimimed portan portant portance Averce to to me – to me – age – me –
Partnership(s) with an outside non-profit that is 64.29% 35.71% supporting a worthy cause (e.g. anti-trafficking, 9 5 anti-street violence, homelessness, etc.)
0.00% 0 2.64
Work within the University to serve other communities (e.g. undergraduate students with needs such as the evenings to reduce stress, helping autistic students, aiding students with serious mental issues, etc.)
30.77% 4
23.08% 3 2.31
30.77% 4
69.23% 9
38.46% 5
Aiding some international project with an imme0.00% diate need (e.g. Haiti orphans, survivors in Ne- 0 pal, Syrian refugees, etc.)
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Alpha Omega Nu thanks the officers who served so faithfully, generously and well this past year. Pictured above rotating (from right upper to left lower): President Jackie Corsini, Secretary-treasurer Heidi Allen, President-elect Susan Kogon.
The second question asked for names of persons who “might be able to work on making AONu more visible on social media.� The national organization, Chi Sigma Iota, recognizing the importance of use of contemporary means of communication, is emphasizing making the presence of each chapter visible. Two names were entered in response to this question: Rose Adamo and Stephanie Fortunato. While both of these members will be invited to consider organizing a Social Media/Website committee in the coming year, more members will be encouraged to bring their expertise and join. The level of expertise, as noted in the survey, does not have to match that of Bill Gates.
Department of Pastoral Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Spiritual Formation/Direction One Neumann Drive Aston, PA
19014
Spiritual Direction Pastoral Counseling Master’s Degree David Bulindah Jackie Corsini Dana Dariano Nineka Dyson Tyrone Friend Dianne Graham Valerie Latney
Kevin Laughlin Michael Martin Frank Muse Michael Prazak Sharon Downs Thomas Michael Winiarz Kelley Winters
CPCS Ernst Hellriegel
Certificate Robin Ball Diane Casey Eric Frankhouser Barbara Pope Brian Timothy Wagner
CAS, Supervision Anita Wood
Completion of Courses Bruce Byrolly
Such honored guests as pictured above (from first picture on left: Dr. Eileen Flanagan, S. Kathleen McAlpin, Dr. Len DiPaul, assistant dean, Dr,. Rosalie Mirenda, University president, Dr. John Kruse, coordinator of theology, and Dr. Beth Toler, clinical coordinator of PCC) joined the PC and SD celebrants. With their theme of sand and ocean, journey and shoes, the graduates recalled the many turns in the “road in the end taking the path the sun had taken” (as recalled in the words of the poet David Whyte. (Pictures by Diane Tomkinson, osf)