Thanks for the memories!

It's my last night in Boston. And it is hard to believe I have spent the last two years of my life in New England. I leave this fine city feeling accomplished and ready to tackle the next task: campus ministry at Northwestern University. I recently accepted a position as the Catholic Chaplain for the the law and medical school students on the downtown campus of Northwestern.

I came to complete an M.A. program in pastoral ministry and learn more about integrating my faith, journalism background and ministry skills. My thesis was about social networking and ministry. I learned as much as I could in my two years. That tug to re-enter journalism is no longer present and what now exists is a way to integrate journalism into ministry more fully.

Outside of my studies I embarked on my personal tour of the East Coast which included the historic places on the Freedom Trail, a few jaunts down to New York City, a live taping of 'Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me,' and the final destination was a beach on Cape Cod. The last one is featured in a photo of Provincetown that I pasted into this post.

The friends and community are what I will miss most as I move back to the Midwest. Many whom I shared lunch, theological reflections or academic frustrations with are folks I consider to be my family. They opened their hearts and minds into accepting a path in theology and ministry. And I could just hug them all at the same time.

As I move onto my first ministry job, I am leaving this blog behind. The intent of this space was to share my journalistic and ministerial insights with the world or whoever would find me readable at 2a.m. It kept me company as I wrote my thesis. It helped me find a sounding board for material that was floating around in my head but not necessarily fodder for my theological reflections. It helped friends and family gain insight into my studies. And even my future employers sneaked a few peaks at entries.

I will be starting another blog or Facebook group as a connection to my thesis project which was using Facebook as a ministerial tool. And I will be using media and technology quite a bit in my new position of campus minister.

To all who have read this - thanks for reading. And to those just stopping by, I appreciate the interest.

Back in action

Image of walking trails near Campion Center

Summer vacation as an adult is 10 times more fun than as a kid. Days at the pool seem more fun. Lazy days filled with trips to the baseball field and naps on freshly mowed grass are more sweet. Long rides on the bike seem to be full of much promise. 

This second official week of summer is off to an amazing start. Getting up early with no real plan in hand and then managing to pack in bike trips, errands and playtime has been a joy these past weeks. 

This official vacation was kicked off with a silent retreat at Campion Center in Weston, Mass. that allowed much needed rest and rejuvenation. This is my second visit to the Center and it was more joyful than the first.  And as I wrote in my journal on my last night, I was able to bookend my graduate school experience with retreats. The first was a weekend retreat at San Damiano two weeks before grad school which was titled, 'Awaken to the Sacred.' And this silent retreat really helped me reflect on my own journey in lay ministry, the transition into a new calling and my time at Boston College. 

It is hard to believe I'm moving on with many fond memories and rich experiences. But most of all to borrow a line from Friday Night Lights - 'Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.' That sums about how I am feeling this weekend. 

Reflection from Preaching class on June 14, 2010

I waited to post this because I wanted to get the feedback from my instructor on where changes and edits could have been made. I'll let you read it then I'll comment below.

Clarissa Aljentera

June 14, 2010

                                                            I am found

            Think about the last time you lost something you cherished: a watch, a favorite sweater, or maybe a friend who you hadn’t called in years. When that friend was found phrases like, “I have missed you,’ or  “We have so much to catch up on,” were probably exchanged. Long talks ensued. Tears could have been shed. If you were the person who was found, you may not have realized how much you were missed and how much you are loved.

            Recently, a friend of mine was ‘found.’ His name is James and he is 22-years-old. We had not really lost touch, in fact his story is one of a long pursuit with God. James was baptized, received his first Eucharist and confirmed this April during his senior year of college. It has been a long journey for him that was filled with exploration and questioning of the Catholic church. James had always wanted to become part of the this community we call church. And it was a long discernment for him that included the support of friends and mentors like myself.

            He was involved in service projects at Boston College. He studied theology. And he made acquaintances with Jesuits. This path was very much his journey and something he grew closer to each day. And in late April he was baptized, received his first Communion and confirmed. Each step of the way was a way for God to reveal God’s self to the young man. And when he was anointed with oil and embraced by friends and family, it was another way of God expressing love.  

            Having been a first-hand witness to James being found was moving. It gives me goose bumps to share his story with you today. This image of God that I share with you is one of a lover pursuing someone with a fondness and longing. And when God finds the lost sheep in Luke there is rejoicing. Retelling the story helps me understand God’s love in a very personal way. There is a very comforting image of our God who will run toward us and embrace us

            Imagine for a moment what it is like to be lifted high above God’s shoulders. You can’t believe that God has found you and hoisted you high for all the world to see. It was like God said, I have missed you. We need to catch up.

 But just so you know I delivered it without notes and hit the three-minute mark exactly. I love being concise. No more. No less. That was a struggle in school when professors wanted me to keep writing. After I received comments back from classmates they said it was confusing as to if James was lost or not. And my instructor felt I could eliminated my first graf and reworked some of the sentences. Although I was sans notes that afternoon, I held them in my hands. That kept me from really using my body as a preaching tool.

I am trying to construct my last reflection on 1 John 4 7-10, but I"m struggling. Too much in my head. I'll let you know how it goes. :)

Keepsakes, handwritten notes and Lola

Sometimes the best part about moving are uncovering buried treasures that you completely forgot about. I unearthed a gem just now as I was packing up my desk. It was a handwritten note from my maternal grandmother in 1992.

She writes,

'Dear Clarissa -

How I wish you could finish your study. Congratulation of graduation and receive my blessings and love for you. Include me in your prayers always.

Your loving Lola,
Mary

Receive this little amount.'

There are two great parts to this letter: 1) It was written on my aunt's office stationery. 2) I packed it with me when I moved to Boston two years ago.

The fact it was written on my aunt's stationery illustrates the life of simplicity my grandparents (on both sides) were accustomed to living. And the second piece is that having lost my Lola Mary about 10 years ago this was one way to keep her with me through my studies. Lola means grandmother in Tagalog. If she was with me today, I'd probably say thanks for everything including being that great prayerful presence in my life as a young lady. And she'd be pleased to know I finished a degree in Pastoral Ministry and would not have cared that it was from Boston College. She would just affirmed my decision to pursue ministry as a career.

Anyhow, when I first moved to B.C. I tacked it against the wall near my laptop and sometimes when I wanted to be distracted I would read it fondly. I just unearthed it now from a pile of stuff and it was the best surprise of the day.

Preaching class for the summer

Preparation for my weekday reflection

Not having dropped the student status yet, I am enrolled in a preaching for laypersons course. It's a six-week class that introduces laypersons to the joys and struggles of preaching. Now, it must sound a little batty that I am taking this class immediately after graduation but there is good reason. It was offered in February but then postponed until May and June. And since I"m around and having marked this class as one of my Must Do classes, I figured I would give it a shot.

Having been offered the opportunity to offer reflections during my first year at the STM, I had always wanted to take a preaching course. I hope to use these skills as a campus minister.
The class and the materials are excellent. I am enjoying learning Scripture more and more. The book we are reading, "Preaching Better" by Ken Untener is a fantastic and well-written resource.

But the jewel for the class are most definitely my classmates who are at least 10 to 15 years older than I am. They bring great wisdom and questions about liturgy and preaching that bring a sense of depth to the class that was different than my experience in day-to-day classes during the school year. They also have real-life experience and a combined wisdom for pastoral ministers which is hard to replicate.

I will be reflecting on either the Parable of the Lost Sheep or the Parable of the Lost Coin. I will let you know the outcome.

New found freedom

Completing the degree has been an experience in freedom these past few days. With no real obligations these days, I am trying to explore as much of Boston as possible. After all, Boston and I have not spent proper time together. I mean, I have eaten cannoli's, checked out the Fort Warren and explored the South End but have I really gotten to know the neighborhoods? No. I decided to head into Jamaica Plain and off to the Pond.

Yesterday I went on a public transportation excursion. I was determined to spend quality time in Jamaica Plain and get back to my hobby of walking and people watching. Hopping on the 51 bus I caught a glimpse into Roslindale and Brookline on the way to JP. As we wound through neighborhood streets, commuters hopped off their bus to head home for dinner. One particular scene struck me. A toddler and his grandfather were waiting near the bus stop to greet the boy's mother after work. The boy looked annoyed and frustrated as the bus pulled up to the curb. And perhaps as his grandfather was carrying him and whispering something like, 'Your mom is coming on the bus.' As the backdoor opened up and the boy saw his mother and smiled as she walked toward him. Precious moments like that are fun to watch.

The rest of the evening was fairly mundane. I walked down Centre Street toward a Cuban restaurant then shuffled off to Jamaica Pond as the sun went down. Then I hopped on the T for the 45-minute ride home. It was nice getting away from Brighton and exploring another side of town.

Graduated!

Woo hoo! Graduation was lovely. The entire weekend was lovely. It was truly a celebration yesterday on the lawn of the former Cardinal's Residence. 

I have seen many of my friends update their Facebook status with lines such as, I am a Master! Or I graduated. Its a wonderful feeling to be enjoying right now. 

I am pasting in the Invocation that myself and Ricardo read yesterday. I  wrote it earlier in the week. Originally, it was to be read by our STM Council President, Paige, but she could not be there. And after some re-organizing it ended up being myself and Ricardo. 

The words of wisdom that Sr. Janet Eisner imparted on the graduates and audience were inspiring from the perspective of a leader in education and the church. And Dean Clifford's parting remarks were great as well. 

And lastly, cheering on friends and sharing hugs and well wishes at the end was the best part. Lingering around and saying goodbyes was so touching. 

Loving God

 

We invoke your presence with us this day after Pentecost.

 

Today we celebrate our accomplishments as graduates of the School of Theology and Ministry.

 

We have achieved so much in our time here, yet we have so much more ahead of us. 

 

We give thanks for this journey that began with an idea, a passion, and a sense of wisdom that led us down the road today.

 

During our time here many among us experienced loss, welcomed new life,

or marked a major milestone that brought us deeper into community.                                                                    

We arrive at this final destination fulfilling our goals with the support of the faculty, staff, family, and friends.

 

Much of our journey included transition through the merging of the IREPM and Weston Jesuit as our communities became one.

 

We ask a blessing of Thanksgiving on Richard Clifford S.J. for his time as our inaugural dean.

 

And as we begin our new journeys today, may we always continue to seek wisdom, understanding, and love in whatever path we carve.

 

Hear our prayer.

    

Amen.