Moving through graduate studies in theology, ministry and social work has been a journey. I feel like I am actively refining my elevator pitch when asked, “So how does that work? How do they go together? So what do you want to do, then?” Well, it depends on the day. My coursework encourages critical reflection as I learn about theology, ethics and race, spirituality and sexuality, pastoral counseling, clinical practice skills, and systems of oppression and privilege to name some. I have appreciated the various outlets to process in an interdisciplinary (and vulnerable and uncomfortable) way.
This past Sunday, I was invited to offer a post-communion reflection at the Mass of Healing, a collaboration with Campus Ministry and the Women's Center here at Boston College. This special Mass is offered annually to pray for, uplift, and support survivors of sexual assault and demonstrate solidarity against gender-based violence. I serve as an Advisor on the Sexual Assault Network (SANet) at BC, and this experience preaching was a moment of deep integration of the “both, and” that I navigate every day. Both: hard, messy, nuanced, complex, heavy. And: a concrete practice of discernment. Writing a reflection to an audience of survivors and all who support and love them. Using language that is intentional, trauma-informed and healing-centered. Praying with how to talk about faith in a way that meets people where they are in their unique journey. Cura personalis, or care for the whole person, has taken on much greater depth for me. Both: Reflecting on the identities I hold, and the ways they show up and take up space in different contexts and settings. And: Being gentle with myself. I am sustained by the accompaniment of my community of care from peers, supervisors, my counselor and my spiritual director as I move through.
At my placement, I co-facilitate a Spanish-Speaking Women’s Group using a mutual aid model. We’ve explored topics of wellness, health, womanhood, care-giving, and resource navigation. There is no religious affiliation, yet women have named faith and spirituality as sources of hope and sustenance in their lived experiences. It is in all of the integrated spaces like this that affirm the what? the how? My why.