Three went to leaders who attended the June 2024 colloquy at College of the Holy Cross, and we are thrilled with that enthusiasm. We also note that a Catalyst Grant essentially pays back an institution’s annual dues, making it a great investment in mission AND fiscal stewardship! This year’s grantees are:
- University of the Incarnate Word: Ana Vallor heads a team of women in STEM fields there in a project called “Sacred Science: St. Hildegard’s Faith & Reading Circle.” Through engaging discussions on selected readings, the circle aims to empower the participants, build supportive networks, and reflect on the legacy of women like St. Hildegard of Bingen, who embodied excellence in both faith and scientific inquiry. This circle is unique because while its participants will all be women scientists its readings will be include a humanistic lens, relying on a core tenet of UIW’s mission that that “faith and reason are mutually illuminating.”
- Rockhurst University: Lynne Bahr, Sarah Hicks and Fr. Stephen Hess, SJ will lead four different groups of faculty in mission-oriented conversations called “Breaking Bread.” The groups will share a meal, conversation, and programming on Catholic faith and intellectual life. In the spirit of Collegium colloquy, the aim is to strengthen personal connections and build community within the context of a shared commitment to the university and its Catholic and Jesuit identity.
- Iona University: Lead Kim Paffenroth will tap Catholic Social Teaching and indigenous wisdom to answer thorny questions in “Embodying Land Justice: Local Roots, Planetary Solidarity.” This conference builds on Collegium’s work by opening a space for students, faculty, and staff of a number of Catholic higher education institutions to creatively grapple with the critical issue of land justice. Participants will consider how resources within the Catholic tradition, such as Catholic Social Teaching, can enter into dialogue with insights beyond the Catholic tradition, such as indigenous wisdom, in informing a collective “clarification of thought” regarding the issue of land justice. Participants will consider concrete ways to embody these clarified commitments in our daily lives, at our universities, and in our communities.
- Congregation of Holy Cross, US Province: As Collegium’s newest member, Dr. Chris Haug will lead Holy Cross Higher Ed Network in connecting the province with Collegium alums in their “Collegium/Saint Croix Charism Reunion Retreat,” the idea for which was formed this summer at one of Collegium’s venerable casual conversations.