Vanessa White
Augustus Tolton Pastoral Ministry Program Director
Catholic Theological Union
http://www.ctu.edu/WhatWeDo/toltonprogram.htm
- How were you called to your current ministry/service?
I had been the director of high school retreat program at the LaSalle Manor Retreat Center in Plano, IL for three years. Though I loved the ministry and working with youth on retreats, I began having a sense of restlessness. Because I had experienced this before, I felt God was calling me to make a move. I was asked to apply for the position of director of the Augustus Tolton Pastoral Ministry Program - which provides theological scholarships for graduate education and spiritual/ministerial formation for African American lay men and wormen called to ministry in the Archdiocese of Chicago. I did apply and truly believe God led me to this ministry. - Who inspires you?
Music inspires me also reading a good book, going to the movies, conversation with others. I love to knit, and so when I finish a project, I am inspired. I am inspired when I take walks in nature. - What are the biggest obstacles to peace?
The biggest obstacles to peace are the unwillingness for persons of different views/environments/cultures to sit down and try communicating and learning from one another also in the developing of loving relationships. I also believe the belief that you are absolutely right and that there cannot differing ways to looking at the same situation, can be an obstacle to peace. Many times if we would just try to realize that because we are different does not mean that the "other" is bad, or evil can be the first step in developing peace. - What is the biggest challenge your organization faces?
The biggest challenge my organization faces is the racism that is still evident in our society and even in our churches. Racism can take many forms, whether it is personal, institutional or internalized. There is still a view that those African Americans preparing for ministry and studying at CTU can only work in the African American community. This is not true, they are being prepared to minister in the Catholic Church in a variety of different environments. - Describe for us a typical day.
I don't have a typical day. Each day is different which makes it not only enriching but also can make it very challenging.. Today I met with a perspective Tolton Scholar who is discerning a call to ministry in the Church. We sat together for almost two hours while she shared with me her story and I tried to help her discern where God is leading her. Then I had meetings with our Student Services committee that tries to be attentive to the needs of students here at Catholic Theological Union. Then I met with the director of one of the other lay formation programs at CTU to finalize the retreat we are co-sponsoring for our lay students at CTU. Later t his evening I meet with persons who are planning our annual fundraiser "HARAMBEE" (which means let's come together). Then tonight I go to the home of one of the religious orders to participate in the annual mass in remembrance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I am good friends with one of the seminarians who will be preaching at the mass. - How do you get the news?
I must admit that I would rather read the news or listen to NPR than look at news on the television. I feel we are bombarded with news 24/7 and usually it has been more tabloidy than of news worthiness. So I find that I would rather read the newspaper or listen to the radio. - What are your favorite websites and why?
I am still such a neophyte regarding the web. I find that I go on GOOGLE just for information at times. - How do you nurture your faith life?
Prayer is the number one. I also go on annual solitude retreat. I am somewhat extroverted and there are times I just need to be quiet and take the time to listen to what God wishes me to know. Then reading books about my faith. Attending mass and other prayers, Fellowship with others in my parish and community. I also love taking walks, because communing with nature is great. - What advice would you give the next generation of church and civic leaders?
Belief in yourself and your ability to make a difference in the world and in the church. Have hope. Continue to dream. - Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn't know.
I am an avid fantasy nut. I loved the Lord of the Rings trilogy and have the extended DVD collection. I really see a lot of theological themes in the books and movies. - Last good book you read?
Its hard to say, I have been trying to finish my doctorate, so it seems all the books I am reading are theological books on discernment, spirituality, etc. I have begun reading The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For by Rick Warren which seems like its going to be good. - Last good movie you saw?
The Fellowship of the Ring It is the first sequel (trilogy) that lived up to its promise. I also recently saw Calendar Girls which was quite good. - What were you like in High School?
It is hard for many people to believe, but I was very quiet, unsure of myself. I was a very studious person. Getting good grades was important to me. By the time I reached High School, we had moved a lot and I found it harder and harder to make friends. I then tended to rely more on books. I also tended to volunteer a lot. I volunteered in the hospital and also in my parish, I was a lector. - If you were a teenage Peacebuilder you would…
I would probably tend to volunteer to work on justice issues. Maybe join a group at school that was involved in justice. I didn't even realize as a teenager, that that was possibility. - What is your favorite comfort food?
Either chocalate or cheese/caramel popcorn. I love it!! I am also a sucker for pizza. - Share a favorite quote that inspires you.
If you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keep life moving, you lose that courage to be, that quality that helps you to go on in spite of all.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Another quote that I have on my computer is:
DO the thing you think you cannot do.
Eleanor Roosevelt
