>> write // graduate theological union currents magazine spring 2013

originally posted:
https://gtu.edu/news-events/currents/spring-2013/escaping-ivory-tower-practical-theological-scholarship


Escaping the Ivory Tower: Practical Theological Scholarship

Before I graduated from the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, I received a call from the principal at Saint Mary’s College High School in Berkeley about a potential position opening in Campus Ministry. Upon setting foot on campus during the lunch period, it was clear that I did not have to go far to encounter a multi-cultural and multi-religious reality. Though the school was grounded in a Lasallian Catholic tradition, the students I met came from all walks of life. I would later learn that our school demographics would represent the overall population diversity that exists in the Bay Area. As such, the proximity of the GTU to my new place of employ was of immense benefit. And, the knowledge that I gained, and the wisdom that my teachers at JST and throughout the GTU shared with me helped me to transition into lay ecclesial ministry from my previous work as a choral music educator.

As a Campus Minister, my work is made more complex as I (along with my colleagues) learn how to properly balance the Catholic identity of the school with the plurality of faith traditions to which the students belong, while maintaining a radical sense of inclusive community and celebrating cultural diversity, both of which are key hallmarks of a Lasallian education. Before launching into my role, I consulted with various people about various strategies designed to best serve the needs of those students entrusted to my care.

Chris Trinidad '10 JST-SCU
Spring 2013


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