Called and Gifted to Serve in Higher Education. Sister Gerard Wald University of Mary Bismarck, ND

Transcription

1 Called and Gifted to Serve in Higher Education Sister Gerard Wald University of Mary Bismarck, ND

2 We are Gifted to Serve There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; different forms of service but the same Lord who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good... For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, so it is with Christ...

3 Baptismal Call We become part of the Christian community Baptismal Call is to embrace Christ s Mission to serve and celebrate the reign of God To go forth and proclaim the gospel in our lives To transform our own lives

4 Ex Corde Ecclesia From the Heart of the Church Students. With due regard for the principles of religious liberty and freedom of conscience, students in Catholic colleges and universities should have the opportunity to be educated in: the Church s moral and religious principles and social teachings and to participate in the life of faith.

5 Jesus as a true model of Servant Leadership

6 Mission of Jesus Our ministry is to be understood as service, and is the means for accomplishing the mission of Jesus in the church We are called to give leadership as we live our baptismal call to serve

7 Jesus as Servant Leader Ordained and lay ministers follow Jesus example of Servant Leadership: I came not to be served but to serve I was hungry and you gave me to eat I am among you as one who serves Washing of the feet-holy Thursday Liturgy

8 Radical Ministry of Servanthood The servant leader is servant first. There are times when incarnating servant leadership involves radical centering on the needs of others Whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and Whoever wishes to be first among us must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life for the ransom of many. Mark10:42-45

9 Mother Teresa, model of service to the poor

10 Ministry of Justice In Catholic Higher Education We read in the Song of Isaiah that justice is central to the work of the servant: Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights: I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations... We need to reach out to students who have special need Who do we accept and who do we scholarship?

11 Servant-Leadership in Community Servant Leadership a prime force for transformation and is reflective of the differing gifts and skills present in community. It evokes mutual empowerment Identification of Gifts I Corinthians 12:1-11 There are a variety of gifts but the same Spirit and there are a variety of services, but the same Lord There are varieties of activities but is is the same God who activates all of them for everyone What gifts do you bring to your position?

12 Ministry of Compassion To recognize the gifts that each brings to our ministry for the common good We need to draw out the wisdom and capability in others as well as direct action We join with the community and learn how to work together This is the miracle of the loaves and fishes Mark 6:34-44

13 Ministry of Love All ministry starts out because of God s love for us. God so loved the world that we gave us his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. John 3:15 I Corinthians 13:1-13 Love is patient, love is kind, love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude It does insist on its own way, it is not irritable or resentful... Love rejoices in the truth, it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things... Love never ends...

14 Our Call to Justice Dignity of the Human Person All People are created equal All human life, at all stages, from conception through death is sacred Basic dignity of the human person comes from God All discrimination is wrong People take precedence over things and structures Systems are meant to serve people What does dignity of the human person mean to you?

15 Option for the Poor The gospel calls Christians to put the needs of the poor first. Whatever you do to the least of my sisters and brothers that you do unto me. Mt 25 A test of a society s moral understanding is how it treats its poor. How do we treat the poor? Wherever there is structural injustice, Christians are called to oppose it and change it Those with the greatest need require the greatest response When did I take an opposing stand on an issue that affected the poor and facilitated a change?

16 Rights and Responsibilities People have basic rights and responsibilities because of their dignity that reflects the fact that they have been created by God, in God s image People have a right to life and to the basic necessities that provide quality of life: Food, shelter, Health care Education and employment How do I promote the rights and responsibilities of others? Am I accountable for my rights and responsibilities

17 Serving Students In the Classroom In Residence Halls Chapels Laboratories Sports fields and complexes On Stage Other

18 Benedictine ValuesBased on the Rule of St. Benedict Respect for persons and environment Community Hospitality Service Moderation Prayer

19 Hospitality is the gift of one human being to another Inviting the poor, colleagues, coworkers, students, patients, clients, the oppressed, the abused, the marginalized in society This is how we connect to gospel values, gospel living Benedictine hospitality is not simply bed and bath; it is home and family. Hospitality means getting involved in daily acts of hospitality in our homes, workplaces, communities, to bring Christ to all we serve.

20 Respect Is giving the other full attention Respect is reverence for others Gifts Dignity Beliefs Values Social status Economic status Political status Shown by Listening Affirming Supporting Empowering Presence Openness to ideas Fair and just treatment Challenging

21 Respecting the developmental needs of each person Adapt to variety of characters Calling forth each persons gifts for the common good Open to divergent ways of thinking Attend to personal growth needs Embrace the personal gifts of leadership, scholarship, relational skills of each person and Affirm and support them in these gifts Respect means affirming gifts vs. jealousy and competition of gifts

22 Implementing Respect How do I embrace the personal gifts of leadership, scholarship and talent and relational skills of others? How do I adapt to the variety of characters that enter my life on a daily basis How do I affirm and empower others.?

23 Community The Value of Community is Central to Benedictine Life Community is the basis of human relationships Support of one another Bearing each others burdens Sharing our joys, sorrows, illnesses, celebrations, love Benedictines believe in community over the long haul Stability Long Term Relationships Foundation is in scripture. Christ establsihed his mission to last forever. I will be with you always.

24 Community demands that we share our lives Gifts, Time Talent Energy Life events Interdependence Common good: Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country. JFK How do I help build and share commuity? What do I contribute toward the common good? How do I affirm the gifts, talents and experiences of others? Am I there for them

25 MODERATION A blend of harmony, wholeness and balance Finding harmony in who we are and what we do Finding balance in work, prayer, leisure, food, drink, exercise Living a healthy lifestyle Ridding ourselves of addictions Taking time for others Finding time for prayer, relaxation, holy leisure Living a simple lifestyle Respecting the rhythm the nature of things Finding a balance between needs and wants

26 Moderation implies stewardship of gifts What are our essential needs? What in my life is extravagant and takes away from the lives of others? How can I reduce needless desire for food, drink, material goods etc.? How Can I simplify my lifestyle so as to reduce some of my stressors of wanting vs. needing? How can I show care for the earth and its resources?

27 Prayer Conversation with God Prayer for Benedictines is regular and is in common Personal prayer is essential to balance Praying with others is why it is essential to pray with family Worshipping with your church community is essential to the human spirit Belonging to a worshipping was the ideal set out by Jesus and the early disciples

28 Pentecost: Continued Presence of the Holy Spirit in our Ministries Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Mat 28:16-20 I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you The Advocate, the Holy spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. John 14:18-27

29 Called and gifted to Serve in Higher Education: Response questions for panel? Give examples of how you feel called to serve in Catholic higher education? What gifts do you bring to the University of Mary that help you to serve students? When you think of being a servant leader how do you apply this concept in your service to students?