July 8, 2015 // Uncategorized

Around the Diocese

Todays Catholic

Boot Camp impassions pro-life young people

NOTRE DAME — St. Joseph County Right to Life (SJCRTL) hosted its second annual Kloska Family Life Defenders Boot Camp on Saturday, June 6, on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. “The camp was a total success thanks to the ever inspiring Mike Spencer and Seth Drayer from Life Training Institute and the 30-plus folks who attended,” stated SJCRTL communications manager, Claire Fyrqvist. “We are so impressed with the leadership and spirit of the high school and college students who chose to spend a sunny Saturday in June with other impassioned pro-life young people.”

With a 101 and 201 offering, Right to Life welcomed both new faces and returning participants to Geddes Hall on Notre Dame’s campus. The 101 course built a foundation for the pro-life position asking the questions, “What are the unborn?” and “What makes a human valuable?”

Mike Spencer used compassionate, logical arguments for the defense of the pre-born child. The 201 course, taught by Seth Drayer, went much deeper into the flawed philosophical framework of a culture that legalizes abortion yet claims to be just. This session was more seminar style with students actively engaging in discussion.

A call to action at the end of the day offered an exciting opportunity to participate in a Justice Ride, when pro-life young people from around the nation take buses together to cities where they can engage people right on the streets with questions like, “What do you think about abortion?” The Life Defenders training equipped participants to be a clear, persuasive voice for the voiceless. Campers were also encouraged to practice what they learned by manning the Right to Life booth at the upcoming 4-H Fair.

Jeanette Burdell, SJCRTL executive director, said, “We’re extremely grateful to the Kloska family for making the event possible with their generous support. We are also grateful to be working with the Life Training Institute, and look forward to partnering with them again next year, and to adding a 301 level.”

Burdell added, “These young people are not only the future leaders of the pro-life movement, but current valuable leaders. With such promising members in our present and our future, we are sure to change hearts and minds in the culture until every member of the human family is valued.”

Children’s music camp offered at Center in Donaldson

DONALDSON — Children ages 7-10 are invited to participate in a new summer music camp held at The Center at Donaldson. Led by Andrew Jennings, the director of liturgy and music at the center, children will have fun while learning about different instruments, music from different cultures, the basics of reading music, how to sing and more. The five-day camp will be held July 20-24, from 3- 5 p.m. The fee is $50 per child — siblings are $30 each.

While the children are in camp, parents are invited to stay for a variety of free activities such as an architectural and visual arts tour of the center, cooking class and sustainability educational session at Earthworks, arts and crafts or guided or self-guided prayer retreats.

For more information or to register, contact Andrew Jennings at 574-935-1723 or [email protected]. The Center at Donaldson is sponsored by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ.

Fall conference to examine papal encyclical

FORT WAYNE  — The University of Saint Francis, with support from Our Sunday Visitor, will host a conference on Oct. 3 to study Pope Francis’ encyclical, which was released on June 18. The conference will be held at the university’s North Campus.

Speakers are currently being secured to discuss the impact of Pope Francis’ teaching on the environment and its importance for a just and fully human social order.

“We anticipate that this conference will give a holistic perspective on the words of Pope Francis,” said Dr. Lance Richey, dean of the University of Saint Francis School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “The conference speakers will trace the connections between care for the environment, concern for the poor and authentic Christian spirituality offered by the encyclical.”

Conference speakers and a detailed agenda will be announced at a later date.

Saint Mary’s College President Carol Ann Mooney to retire in 2016

NOTRE DAME — President Carol Ann Mooney announced June 22 that she plans to retire as Saint Mary’s College’s 11th president. She will have led Saint Mary’s for 12 years as its first lay alumna president and solidified the college’s reputation as a leading liberal arts college. She will leave office when her contract ends on May 31, 2016.

“The board is exceptionally grateful for all that Carol has accomplished during her tenure as president,” said Chair of the Board Mary L. Burke ‘85. “Her most lasting legacy will be the Faith Always, Action Now campaign, the most successful capital campaign in our history, raising $105 million, which will benefit generations of future Saint Mary’s students through scholarships and improved facilities.”

President Mooney set forth her ambitious vision for Saint Mary’s early in her presidency. She wrote in her first strategic plan that her goal was to aggressively move the college forward and she did just that.

Among her many accomplishments are the formation of three new graduate programs that were announced earlier this year. The college’s endowment increased to over $160 million in spite of one of the greatest recessions in the country’s history. She pledged to increase student diversity and the college has increased the student body from historically underrepresented groups from 9 percent to 19 percent. She also saw the establishment of the Belles Against Violence Office (BAVO) to support and educate students on sexual and dating violence.

The physical campus expanded under her leadership with the construction of Spes Unica Hall, and the renovation of Madeleva Hall and Science Hall. In addition, her leadership on many national boards, including her time as chair of the Women’s College Coalition, was done with one purpose, to enhance the college’s national reputation.

In her final academic year, President Mooney will oversee the college’s reaccreditation with the Higher Learning Commission, complete fundraising for the Angela Athletic and Wellness Complex, and obtain approval of a new master plan for the campus. Another priority during her last year as president will be to chair the newly announced Presidential Task Force on Sexual Violence, which will be made up of students, faculty and staff members. The task force will recommend ways to further improve the college’s efforts to prevent sexual assault and misconduct and to assist and support student survivors of sexual assault.

The board has begun the process of succession planning to ensure an orderly and transparent transition of leadership. Academic Search, Inc., a nationally recognized firm, has been hired to assist with the search for the next president. A search committee will be announced after the beginning of the academic year and it will include representatives from the board of trustees, faculty, staff, alumnae and students.

‘Come and See’ discernment retreat to be held

FORT WAYNE — The Vocation Office of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend is hosting a “Come and See” three-day, overnight discernment retreat for high school sophomore age men or older. The retreat will be held at St. Vincent de Paul Parish beginning on July 23 at 3:30 p.m. and concluding on July 25 at 2:30 p.m. Overnight accommodations provided by University of Saint Francis for participants and chaperones. Registration forms are available at the parish office or visit www.discernpriesthood.com. For information call Christine at 260-422-4611. There is no cost to attend.

Knights of Columbus plan state golf tournament

Huntington — The Msgr. Dillon Council No. 1014 announces the 2015 State Golf Tournament July 25 and 26 with two options. A handicapped stroke play tournament divided into two divisions, including a senior flight for golfers 60 and older or foursomes as needed for the Captain’s Choice Tournament, a Florida Scramble format. The courses are Norwood Golf Club, 5961 W. Maple Grove Rd. in Huntington or Etna Acres Golf Club, 9803 W. – 600 S. in Andrews. A special Saturday Mass is planned at 2:30 p.m. at the Council No. 1014 Club. Course play will be announced the week prior to the event. The cost is $120 per player and includes two rounds of golf, cart both days, gift bag, prizes, boxed lunch both days and dinner banquet on Saturday. See council Grand Knights for registration forms and flyers. Additional forms may be obtained by emailing [email protected] or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/KnightsofColumbusCouncil1014.    The Council phone number is 260- 356-0924.

Erin Ryan top 4-H achiever

FORT WAYNE — Erin Ryan will be recognized as one of the 2015 4-H Top Achievers on the Allen County Fairgrounds on July 28 at 8 p.m. Ryan is the daughter of Joe and Gail Ryan of Fort Wayne. She is a 10-year member of the Eel River 4-H Club and a 2015 graduate of Bishop Dwenger High School. Ryan will attend Purdue University.

 Ancilla College offers eight new certificates 

DONALDSON — In an area of new growth, Ancilla College is offering eight one-year certificates in Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Exercise Science, General Studies, Behavioral Science, Logistics, and two certificates in Nursing.

The first of the two certificates in nursing is Administrative Medical Assistant. Ann Fitzgerald, Division of Nursing and Health Sciences Director said, “This certificate is 16-17 credit hours and will prepare the student to complete clerical and record keeping work in a medical or dental office.”

The second nursing department certificate, Clinical Medical Assistant, builds off of the Administrative Medical Assistant program. “This certificate requires a total of 30 credit hours and will prepare the student to work hands on with other health care professionals in a medical office or clinic. Duties might include taking patient vital signs, electronic charting of medical information, performing venipuncture, and other Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA), related lab tests or procedures in the office or clinic setting,” Fitzgerald said.

Financial aid is also available for the certificate programs. To find more information on the certificate programs, visit https://www.ancilla.edu.