This Women’s History Month, we are highlighting the work of just a tiny percentage of the women leaders who serve the church and the world through their leadership in Jesuit and Ignatian ministries. These leaders shared a bit about their work and how Ignatian spirituality shapes their lives. They also offered their perspectives on ways the Jesuits can continue to improve how they welcome, empower and support women leaders.
Other Jesuit institutional connections:
What does your job entail?
As parish life director, I handle all aspects of the administrative and pastoral responsibilities usually held by a pastor in a parish.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My pastoral work involving adult formation, spiritual direction and training volunteers for various liturgical ministries.
What is one of the challenges you’re facing right now?
Helping new parishioners understand our Ignatian identity, charism, spirituality and sense of mission.
How does Ignatian spirituality shape your approach to work?
Ignatian principles/practices that are instrumental in the approach to my work include:
How could the Jesuits and the church as a whole foster women’s leadership more effectively?
Formation, formation, formation!
What’s one of your favorite quotes about leadership or the best leadership advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice the Jesuit pastor who saw to my education and formation for my role as parish life director was that my job was to “keep the big picture.” This has helped keep me focused and just in decision-making, especially with so many varied ministries and parish groups. I have to have the big picture of how it all fits together for our vision and mission as parish.
