Spirituality Convocation

CSE Spirituality Convocation 2013

As we write this letter in the arctic freeze of January, I am reminded of the image of an iceberg. Typically only one-tenth of its volume is above water, most of it remaining hidden. The underneath portion can be difficult to judge by just looking at what is visible. Often what we see right in front of us is not the full reality – and winter ultimately does become spring! Yet the mystery of our God continually invites us to trust always, and to view our world through new eyes, even when all is not yet visible!

I reflect on this as we prepare for the Annual Spirituality Convocation on April 20, 2013. The gospel reading for the Fourth Sunday of Easter reminds us that the voice of the Shepherd is ever near to us. We need only be still and listen – even in the winter of life – to hear the Shepherd claim us as his own and invite us to participate in God's vision for a world we do not yet see. Whatever that may bring, we rest in the promise that we are never alone, for We Are God’s People. We have God and we have one another. In that presence we can make sense of our world and respond in new ways to the call of the Shepherd.

In our morning keynote, Dr. Robert Wicks will invite us to listen to the power of our own "self whispers" which may give us clues to see more clearly. Lee Nagel will invite us later in the day using his own creative style to transform those whispers to more boldly proclaim the Good News! Surrounding those keynotes are extraordinary choices to nourish and challenge us to live the baptismal call in this season of Easter's new life. The day is rich with great possibilities to live more fully and pass on what we have been given to those who follow.

One extraordinary opportunity is our special pre-convocation event on Friday evening, as we continue to engage the conversation begun in October: Reclaiming and Celebrating Vatican II for a New Generation. We will gather on Friday evening for Vatican II – Inspiration or Expiration? Signs of Great Hope. Please consider being a vital part of this night, for which there is no cost and everything to gain.

We look forward to seeing you in April. Register early – and remember the iceberg! The God of promise and surprise will be with us for sure.

Peace,

Carol Pisani
Director
Center for Ministry and Spirituality

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Academic Programs

CSE's Theology Department offers a wide variety of certificate and bachelor degree programs for adult who are interested in learning more about the Catholic faith.

Student can earn 24 undergraduate theological credits in 24 months, with credits transferable into other programs of study, leading to baccalaureate degrees.

Courses are offered in-class and online, and are taught in both English and in Spanish.