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Congratulations Graduates 2008
Congratulations to
our MAPM graduates: Bridget Becker(San Juan Diego, Portland), Lael
Concordia (St. John Fisher, Portland), Brenda Griender (University of
Portland), Tom Welch (St. Philip Neri, Portland) , Rick Williams (St.
John, Port Orford), Marty Larner (St. Joseph, Roseburg), John Rilatt
(Holy Redeemer, Portland)
(Cohort
6, Fall 2007)
MAPM Program Inspires Students
continued....
 For
several students, the degree itself was the initial attraction. Bridget
Becker forthrightly states, “It got me the job!” After working as a
software designer, she made a total career change when she became
Director of Faith Formation at St. Juan Diego in Portland. Brenda
Greiner had completed her B.A. at the University of Portland and aimed
at a master’s as the next step. Since she hadn’t had any formal
religious education since Confirmation, the subject area of theology
held immediate appeal. She had learned about the program because she is
employed at UP, and their financial assistance package was an added
incentive. Lael Concordia had gone through the RCIA and been baptized
Catholic, but after 30-odd years of spiritual search, she wanted more
focus than the nebulous “new age” offerings. Spotting a poster in the
back of St. Michael Church in downtown Portland, she learned about the
MAPM program and jumped right in. All three agree that the high caliber
of the courses has led them to immerse themselves in study, which in
turn has made a huge impact on their approach to life.
Some
students emphasized the breadth of perspective which their studies had
added to their professional lives. Anthony Terndrup administers an
interfaith outreach counseling center in Corvallis which serves the
working poor. As a certified pastoral counselor, he finds that theology
serves as an excellent foundation for the faith-based counseling the a gency
offers. Sister Bichlieu Nguyen feels that a degree gives her additional
confidence in her work as a cultural consultant at OHSU. Tom Welch had
done some studying on his own and with small groups but had reached a
point where he realized there is so much he didn’t know, so “I wanted to
be taught!” Deepening his understanding of scripture and tradition has
brought a spiritual depth to his profession as a medical doctor.
A strong motivator
for all the students is simply the desire for knowledge itself. Teresa
Margraf was at a point where she was ready to commit to the discipline
of study. Her pastor, Father Joe Corpora, CSC, told her, “You’ll love
it!” She has indeed, though she also acknowledges that the courses have
also been a strong adjunct to her work as Holy Redeemer’s Director of
Religious Education. Milissa Bixler had already achieved an academic
M.A. in theology in her Mennonite tradition, but finds the pastoral
focus of the MAPM courses to be a real benefit for her volunteer work at
L’Arche. Kevin Welch had served his parish as catechist, marriage
preparation, and catechist, but wanted the personal knowledge to back up
his ministries. He talked to others at Our Lady of the Lake who had
gone through the program and encouraged him to enroll, and even one
semester has convinced him of the benefit. He is considering the
diaconate, but feels that a desire for study is an excellent first step
in his discernment, rather than simply a requirement for ordination.
MCP Basic & Advanced Certificate
Graduates 2007
Our Basic & Advanced Certificate Graduates (Left to Right): Jo Ann
Critelli, Linda Gross, Terry Christenson, Archbishop, Bari Colombari,
Carol Neary, Terry Knouff, Joan Winchester, Nancy Ellis
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