Editors: You came into a community that was grieving the loss of a beloved and respected leader. How did this emotional dynamic influence your work this year, if at all?
GS: As many are aware, I knew Father Bob prior to his ordination and had been present at STM numerous times for liturgies and lectures. At the time I was asked to serve as Interim Chaplain, I was aware of his serious illness and that he was entering his final days of earthly life. Fortunately, for the first few weeks I was present at STM, Father Bob was able to greet the Community at the entrance of the Chapel or in the Golden Center during the Sunday Brunch. This gave me a tremendous appreciation of the great respect that the Community and in particular the Staff and the students had for him. Conscious of this, I knew that I had to be attentive to all the Community members as they mourned his passing and give them time to share with me their stories of life with Father Bob at STM. This they did. What was obvious was his deep personal commitment to all who called STM their spiritual home and how they saw Father Bob as a friend, a leader and an exemplary example of priestly life. I was conscious throughout the year of the importance of referencing Father Bob in a homily particularly if the homily pertained to aspects of life at STM that Father Bob had initiated. Invariably someone would say to me afterwards, thank you for keeping his memory alive or I had forgotten about that moment in Fr. Bob’s life. As I prepare to take leave of STM, I know the stories will continue for years to come.
Photograph by Robin J. McShane
Editors: What was it like to work with college-age Catholics?
GS: Working with a community whose mission is to support college and graduate students in their journey of faith has been challenging, exciting and rewarding. Our students are committed deeply to their faith; they would ask probing questions about the Church, doctrine, moral issues and sacred scripture. I have remarked numerous times to friends my own age as to how impressed I am with our students and my conviction that when they move beyond Yale, they will be involved in Church life and take active roles in their communities of faith.
Editors: What were some of the Yale traditions that you learned about during your time at STM?
GS: Growing up in New Haven, I am aware of the major influence that Yale is in the city. However, getting to be on the “inside” of Yale; to witness the tremendous number of events that take place daily on the campus; to have access to the various facilities and to meet so many faculty members who attend STM was new to me. Working with both STM and Yale Religious Ministries gave me a new perspective on the diversity of faith life at Yale. The continued effort to respond to tragic situations both domestically and globally through vigils, prayer services or hands on response were traditions that I never knew existed on the Campus. It was always moving to be a part of these moments.
Tessa Murthy '19
Editors: What was your experience of working in a Chapel that serves both Yale University and the New Haven community?
GS: I was surprised to find that STM is comprised of so many community members who, while not affiliated with the University, worship here and are involved in programs regularly. It was so encouraging to know that those who a part of the STM family have not forgotten that we live and work in a city with many needs—and, that STM can be a significant presence in the life of our citizens, particularly those whose lives are lacking in many of the basic needs that we enjoy daily. In no way does STM exist in a bubble on Park Street, isolated from the real life issues that pass our door each day.
Editors: What will you miss most about STM?
GS: I will cherish this opportunity for the rest of my life. I never imagined that I would be asked to assume this role; nor did I ever anticipate how it would enrich my life. I will miss the rich experience of a community that is dynamic, diverse, well-versed in the life of the Church and concerned deeply in how the Church can be an effective witness to the presence of Christ. I am grateful for our Assistant Chaplains and our dedicated staff who supported me and were always ready to answer questions, give advice and offer help. The vibrant liturgies and the exceptional music, the special events such as Songs for Soup, the outreach ministries (especially our Soup Kitchen, to which I hope to return as a volunteer), the Sunday dinners and living in the heart of a major university, will be missed. I look forward to returning occasionally and I know that under the leadership of Father Ryan that STM will continue to be a vibrant presence of the Catholic Church at Yale and in New Haven. Thank you for welcoming me and I know that you will welcome Fr. Ryan with the same support and encouragement that you all have given to me. Please be assured of a remembrance in my prayers and I ask your prayers for me.
Photograph by Maddie Smith '20
