Historic Appointment of First Lay Woman As Dean of Theology
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St Patrick’s College Maynooth Summer 2021 Issue no. 11 “Being appointed has really brought home to me the privilege and responsibility of opening up space for others, just as women who struggled to have their voices heard and gifts recognised, have paved a way for me.” Dr Rogers, originally from South Africa, Historic appointment undertook her graduate studies at the University of Stellenbosch and came to Ireland in 2007 to teach in Mary of first lay woman Immaculate College before joining the Faculty of Theology at Saint Patrick’s College in 2014. as Dean of Theology College President, Rev Prof Michael Mullaney said that while Dr Rogers he appointment of Dr Jessie The reaction of Tamra Hull Fromm, an appointment is significant, it should Rogers, as the first woman Associate Lecturer At Maryvale Institute not be considered surprising. “In T and lay Dean of the Faculty of In Michigan, USA was commonplace: order for the Church to be itself, it Theology in the 226 year history of the “Excellent news! Delighted to see that cannot do so without the specific Pontifical University at Maynooth has Maynooth recognizes and values the contributions of laity, women and been widely welcomed by colleagues, ” ‘feminine genius’ in academia. men, who by vocation are an friends and other stakeholders across Closer to home, Hannah Evans, a integral part of it. The appointment Ireland, Europe and the US. Special Education Teacher in Mullingar, of Dr Rogers is a reflection of her More than 5,000 people have shared County Westmeath said: “Here’s hoping contribution to scholarly leadership in congratulatory messages relating to that this is the first of many female scripture studies and faith formation Jessie’s new position, via social media appointments into managerial roles in Ireland and beyond. Her’s was a platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook within the Irish church and the formation natural and welcome appointment,” and Twitter. of future clergy and lay vocations.” he concluded. An Education to Value Unexpected fruits of COVID hibernation ach year, the seasons follow one another. Winter, a time of no observable change is followed by the burst of new life in Spring. When a seed E germinates beneath the surface, there is a lengthy period with nothing to show. This past year of lockdowns has felt like one long hibernation. At St Patrick’s College, our community of students - from all parts of Ireland and four other continents - has continued to gather online for courses and seminars. There have been many obstacles - ranging from somewhat stilted communication through screens and microphones, to the lack of impromptu discussions that normally happen in the corridors of Pugin, where so many ideas What a beautiful originate and develop. Yet despite these and other obstacles, academic life has flourished. This is due in place to study part to the excellent online services of the College, but also a result of the slower pace of life - with no commutes and reduced social activity - which has allowed “I remember vividly walking study and research for many, to become more reflective and meditative. through St. Joseph’s Square at St. Patrick’s College for the first Despite the pervasive presence of technology, human wisdom is finding its voice time - with its long walkway, and creatively shaping minds and thought. Many seeds have germinated during beautiful trees, and majestic successive lockdowns, and a bountiful harvest may be expected. buildings - I could hardly imagine It will be great to meet each other again, to experience a more scenic place to study in. anew the varied and lively non-verbal communication I knew that I wanted to study that makes working and learning together so enjoyable. Theology because of my Catholic There will be much for staff and students to share and faith and desire to learn more the multiple voices will form new melodies, contrastive about God. After hearing from harmonies and perhaps even symphonies? friends who studied Theology in St. Patrick’s College, I knew Dr Luke Macnamara OSB that this was the place where I Lecturer in Theology & Sacred Scripture wanted to do my degree. When lectures began last September, my decision was reaffirmed as I attended in-person classes and met lecturers and staff who were passionate about theology, zealous for teaching, and full of care for us students. Then tighter restrictions were introduced in the middle of my first semester, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the learning dynamic changed radically as all my classes moved online. However, the support from staff and faculty there’s still time to finalise CAO during this time never lessened. Sunny weather choices up until 1 July. Knowing that I am surrounded For those students considering an virtually by the support of the means exams faculty, staff and other students, are getting close Arts degree, St. Patrick’s College, constantly reaffirms my decision Maynooth has developed a bespoke to study here. The first smell of freshly cut grass Information Hub for our BATh Joint always signifies that the Leaving Arts degree with MU. I’m looking forward to returning Cert exams are not too far away. to Maynooth in September - And for this year’s LC students, it’s If you know any Leaving Cert when I can roam about the been a rollercoaster ride - their two- students that might benefit from College campus, mingle again year senior cycle has been beset by small classes and individual with other students and staff in months out of school, on-off-on again attention, who would like to study in St. Joseph’s Square, confident in exams, predicted grades and finally a our friendly, historic campus, why the knowledge that St. Patrick’s combination of both. not point them towards: https:// College is the place for me.” So it’s totally understandable if some maynoothcollege.ie/bath-cao-info- Grace Masterson frustrated students haven’t submitted hub. All the info is online so students 1st Year BATh their university applications, but can access it 24/7. 2 “The unexamined life is not worth living”- Socrates On 29 April, a team of renowned international philosophers from institutions as diverse as Notre Dame, Rome and Minnesota, gave presentations on the topic: The Future of Christian Metaphysics, at a virtual conference organised by SPCM’s Faculty of Philosophy. What ensued was an afternoon of intense philosophical debate and discussion attended by over 130 scholars Supporting a diversity of from around the globe. Together the participants considered the many dimensions that metaphysics callings and giftedness - as practiced within the Christian tradition - may take. ne of the seeds that In other words, we will listen carefully has germinated in the before we act. Indeed, one of the O Pontifical University during Centre’s first research projects the COVID-19 lockdowns is the is designed to map the current Maynooth Centre for Mission and ecclesial landscape in Ireland Ministries. The name has been through in-depth conversations with carefully chosen. Through the stakeholders. We want to know what Centre, the Faculty of Theology will is happening that can be celebrated very intentionally pursue our goal of and from which others can learn, supporting the participation of the as well as finding out more about Irish Church in the Missio Dei for the what needs to be supported 21st Century. and developed in the parishes throughout the country. The gathering served as a prelude to The Centre will seek to support and an on-campus conference entitled develop a wide diversity of callings The information gathered and The Future of Christian Thinking, which and giftedness among the people perspectives gained will enable the is planned for 27-30 April 2022. With a of God. The work of the Centre Centre for Mission and Ministries to roster of significant keynote speakers, is a three-legged stool: practical effectively resource dioceses as they the forthcoming conference will not theology, integrated formation meet the needs of their respective only be considering metaphysics, but and interdisciplinary research. This communities in the years ahead. encompasses some of our existing also ethics, political philosophy, and Dr Jessie Rogers programmes and partnerships other important subjects. Dean of the alongside new initiatives: Catholic The hosting of these conferences Faculty of education, pastoral theology, and practicing philosophy within Theology healthcare chaplaincy, pastoral the sapiential tradition, ensures liturgy, couples counselling, that St Patrick’s College stands diaconate studies, safeguarding, out internationally, as a centre for spirituality, and youth work. serious and ongoing philosophical engagement. We are aiming for an ethos that Dr Gaven Kerr is transformative, co-responsible, Lecturer in Philosophy contextual, responsive and inclusive. Dr Andrew Meszaros edits new book The Center is Jesus Christ Himself is a collection of essays which anchor theological reflection in Jesus Christ. These diverse essays share a unified focal point, but engage with a variety of theological subdisciplines, areas and periods. Given the different combinations of sub-disciplines, areas, and periods, theology is susceptible to fragmentation when it is not held together by some principle of unity. A theology in which the person of Jesus Christ serves as that principle of unity is a Christocentric theology. Together, the essays illustrate not only what Christocentric theology looks like, but also what the consequences are when Christ is dislodged from the center, whether by a conspicuous silence on, or by a relativization of, his unique salvific mission. The Center is Jesus Christ Himself: Essays on Revelation, Salvation, and Evangelization in Honor of Robert P. Imbelli is available from https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0813234107 3 Pictured left to right are Michael Collins, Noreen Shankey, Tomas Surlis & Sean Farrell.