After many years in education and 10 years in vocation ministry, I applied for the position of Vice President for Mission at Rosemont College in 2004. This ministry combines my love for education and for the spirituality of the Society into one enjoyable and challenging endeavor. I direct the office for mission and ministry which oversees the campus ministry staff. This team develops programs in spirituality and prayer, liturgy and worship, sacraments and scripture study, and service and justice education for the college community. Our real challenges in these efforts are to reach the adult learners in the Schools of Graduate and Professional Studies who have evening classes and to minister to those of different faiths.

Sharing Cornelia’s Story
The mission office is specifically responsible for the orientation of all the constituencies of the college regarding its Catholic identity and the SHCJ heritage from Cornelia Connelly. I have the opportunity to direct discussions, sponsor book clubs, and give talks and power point presentations to the various campus groups on Cornelia’s story, the Society of the Holy Child, and their influence on the mission of the college. Each year the community celebrates and studies further a goal of the mission statement of the college. This theme is the basis for two significant mission events every October and April. Near the founding dates of the Society, October 13 and 15, the college celebrates Heritage Day with a special liturgy with SHCJ homilist and a program celebrating the particular aspect of the mission. This past year the Director of the Holy Child Network of Schools gave the presentation developed for Cornelia’s 200th anniversary to the college community.

Around April 18th, the anniversary of Cornelia’s death, the College observes Founders’ Days to honor all the founders of the college, past and present with a community liturgy, an awards luncheon, and a softball game with staff and faculty taking on the students. Each year, a unique assembly is planned with speakers, student presentations, mission discussions by panelists, etc. This year, the students are performing the play: Connelly vs. Connelly in honor of Cornelia's special anniversary.

Infusing the Holy Child Spirit
Rosemont College has recently completed a comprehensive strategic plan in which the mission of the college played a basic role. A mission task force was asked to design a mission effectiveness process and thereby reinvigorate the college with its Catholic identity, its mission, and its SHCJ and Cornelian heritage. Chairing this task force has been challenging and rewarding. More members of the college community are more aware than ever of the mission of the college as flowing from the wellsprings of Cornelia’s spirit and the educational philosophy of the Society.

Each time I present an orientation program for new students, faculty, staff, etc. it is heartening to see the amazing response to Cornelia’s story. These groups then appreciate more the mission of the college based in and flowing from the spirit of the Society. I am privileged to be carrying forward the SHCJ work of education through the mission office at Rosemont where we meet the wants of the age day by day and into the future.

The Mission Statement of Rosemont College
Rosemont College is a community of learners, dedicated to excellence and joy in the pursuit of knowledge. Rosemont College seeks to develop in all members of the community open and critical minds and the ability to make measured moral decisions. Rooted in Catholicism and guided by the educational principles of Cornelia Connelly and by the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, Rosemont College values:

• Trust in and reverence for the dignity of each person
• Diversity in human culture and experience
• Persistence and courage in promoting justice with compassion