Safe Environment

GOING THE EXTRA MILE may2020

By Christina Spahn, O. Praem. Obl. Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey

In late 2016 I began work as the associate director for St. Norbert College’s New Mexico Master of Theological Studies program, based at the Norbertine Abbey of Santa Maria de la Vid in Albuquerque. I did what I’ve generally done at the beginning of a new job: I reviewed and organized the files. In that process, besides learning a great deal about the program, I also learned much about the New Mexico faculty. And what student course evaluation after student course evaluation told me is that faculty members are superb teachers, men and women who approach their students and subject matter with deep faith, wisdom, respect, and a love for learning that students find contagious.

Since that time, I continue to be impressed by faculty members’ initiative in going the extra mile. Since our theology students come from backgrounds as diverse as engineering, chemistry, and law, many have attended few if any philosophy courses. So, Dr. Frank Yates offered to teach a not-for-credit seminar entitled “Basic Philosophy for Theologians.” For most of our students it’s been many years since they last wrote an academic paper. So, last year Dr. Judith Todd taught an “Academic Footnoting and Citation Workshop.” It was not possible for Fr. Andrew Ciferni, O. Praem., an expert liturgist from Daylesford Abbey in Pennsylvania, to travel to New Mexico this year so, for the first time, he braved the challenges of online teaching to offer “Principles of Liturgy” in January. So that faculty members are easily accessible, every course syllabus lists the instructor’s email address and phone numbers, and students are encouraged to contact professors as needed. They always respond.

Because of the generosity of several donors and especially one Albuquerque family, our students are able to apply for financial aid through the NM Ecumenical Institute for Ministry as well as through the Archdiocesan Office of Formation for Christian Service, and St. Norbert College.

And who are the beneficiaries of faculty dedication, small weekend classes, and needed

financial assistance? Students over the last twenty-two years have included priests, sisters, brothers, deacons, parochial school teachers, pastoral associates, archdiocesan personnel, directors/coordinators of religious education, catechists, parish and congregation lay ministers, hospital chaplains, and many others. All have been ministerially enriched, personally graced, and empowered to go their own extra miles in generous and compassionate service.

For more information about the New Mexico Master of Theological Studies program, please contact christina.spahn@snc.edu or call 505-873- 4399 X229.

The 46 th Southwest Catholic Charismatic Conference – July 24-26, 2020

By Sr. Anthony Birdsall, DLJC, Director, Catholic Charismatic Center in Albuquerque

Depending on the lifting of restrictions due to the COVID-19 situation, the 46 th Southwest Catholic Charismatic Conference will be held July 24 -26, 2020 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 901 University Blvd NE, Albuquerque. The theme for the event is “I will be glad and exalt in you, I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.” Psalm 9:2. This year’s speakers are Msgr. Bennett Voorhies from Our Lady of the Annunciation Church in Albuquerque; Fr. John Trambley, Vocation Director for the Archdiocese of Santa Fe; Deacon Ralph Poyo with New Evangelization Ministries, and Dr. Carol Razza, faculty member and formation advisor at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Florida.

Early bird registration has been extended to July 10 th . Adults: $65, Married Couples: $110. After July 10 th and at the conference site, full registration fees will be in effect. Adults: $70 and Married Couples: $120. Children and youth ages 6-17 are $10 and college students who present a valid student ID at the registration desk are $25.

To register please call the Catholic Charismatic Center at 505.247.0397. Checks should be made out to SWCCC and mailed to: SWCCC, 1412 5 th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102-1334. Registrations are offered for the entire weekend only, one day registrations are not available. If the conference has to be cancelled due to COVID-19, the SWCCC we will refund your registration fee. For those who paid with a debit/credit card a small processing fee may be applied.

To reserve a room at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, please call 505.884.2500 or 1.877.227.6963. Tell the registration person you will be attending the Southwest Catholic Charismatic Conference and give them the block code “SWC” to receive the special room rate.

Please be assured that the SWCCC and the Crowne Plaza Hotel will be working diligently to protect your health.