Collegeville Institute’s 2021-23 Rural Minnesota Fellows Program Wraps Up June 13, 2023 By Collegeville Institute Leave a Comment The Collegeville Institute’s 2021-23 Rural Minnesota Fellows Cohort II had their final gathering on May 22-24, 2023. Back row (L-R): Dean Aponte-Safe, Nathan Wicks, Tony Romaine, Bryan Taffe, Nikoli Falenschek, Andy Berry, Jessie Bazan (staff) Front row (L-R): David Lick, Maggie Berndt-Dreyer, Mindy Czycalla, Heather Culuris, Hans Dahl The Rural Minnesota Fellows Program, funded through a generous grant from the Lily Endowment, Inc., is made up of 11 fellows who are accomplished seminary-educated pastoral leaders, and who are in the early to middle stages of their career. For the past 18 months, the ecumenical group of ministers came together quarterly in Collegeville for times of learning, conversation, and fellowship. Each meeting featured presentations from professionals from other sectors of rural Minnesota society who have a high stake in contributing to the fabric of public life in the state. Topics engaged included: The rural economy Immigration as an opportunity and a challenge Health care and social services in rural Minnesota The environment Dr. Bernard Evans served as the program director. Evans is Professor Emeritus of Theology at the Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary where he occupied the Virgil Michel Ecumenical Chair in Rural Social Ministries. He is the author of Lazarus at the Table: Catholics and Social Justice (2006) and Vote Catholic? Beyond the Political Din (2008). In post-program evaluations, the fellows talked about their experiences. Several fellows talked about the value of gathering regularly as a community of learners. One said, “Hearing from others, as well as seeing our presenters talk about systemic issues, was extremely helpful in my understanding of the program. On the one hand, there’s no issue here I’m going to solve by myself; on the other hand, there’s no issue here on which I can’t have a positive effect, if I understand the research, and use my unique position in ministry to help direct community stakeholders and leaders in positive directions.” Another fellow, commenting on what they learned, said, “Through this program, I was introduced to a deeper understanding of the exact issues facing our rural communities. The presenters gave us an informative toolbox which I bring back to my community.” Like this post? Subscribe to have new posts sent to you by email the same day they are posted.
