Sacred Stories: Recent Episodes

Office of Christian Leadership, Vocation and Retreats

Join the University of Dayton Campus Ministry Office for Christian Leadership, Vocation and Retreats every other week to hear how a life experience of a member of the UD community parallels with a sacred story of their choosing. We hope these episodes will inspire personal reflection that helps our listeners place their own experiences within the sacred story.

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In our final episode of Season 2, John Brun reflects on the Gospel story of Peter walking on the water. Have a great summer!

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In this episode, Spencer Shaiper shares an excerpt from Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" and invites us to consider how we are serving God through our lives.

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In our fifth episode of this season, Miley Azbill reflects upon the lyrics of the bridge of "Reckless Love" and how it inspires her when reflecting on herself as a beloved child of God.

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Morgan Gaerke, class of 2014, shares a bit about her perspective as an alumna, her vocational journey, and how embracing gratitude has had an impact on her spiritual journey - particularly with the influence of the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

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Jessica Peek, Campus Minister for Stuart Hall, shares an excerpt from G.K. Chesterton and how her sacred story relates to this work from the "Prince of Paradox."

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Jin us this week as Izzy Hofmeister shares about her sacred story and journey of faith.

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Join us for this episode as Julia Feder shares a bit about one of her sacred stories.

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In our final episode for the 2020-2021 academic year, the staff of the Office for Christian Leadership Vocation and Retreats discuss episodes from this year's podcast that stand out to them amidst all our great storytellers. Many thanks to all our listeners and blessings to our campus community as we move into the summer session. We look forward to starting back up with Season 2 in the beginning of the fall 2021 semester.

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Senior Jack Dalton shares about how his discernment and next steps beyond UD are influenced by Parker Palmer's work on vocational discernment.

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Anna Kopsick, first-year Theater and Theology double major from Hollywood, CA, shares her journey of finding God's love amidst uncertainty. She utilizes 1 John 4:9-11 to guide her reflection.

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Sammy joins the podcast this week to share a reflection on how she has come to recognize God in what may appear ordinary in the world around us. To hear more about the Vocation in the Arts course that Sammy mentions, keep an eye out on the Stander Symposium guide for a presentation from the junior cohort of Chaminade Scholars.

Looking to get involved? Consider registering for one of our opportunities to "Encounter Holy Week" next week - we have a few options including a asynchronous virtual retreat experience and take home boxes that help you and your roommates experience the Easter Triduum. - tinyurl.com/RegisterUDRetreats

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Rev. Dustin Pickett, Campus Minister for Christian Diversity and Ecumenical Ministry, shares a reading from Tony Morrision and it's inspiration for his faith journey.

If you're looking for some upcoming opportunities, consider registering to receive our virtual guide to the Easter Triduum. Sophomores should also consider registering for our upcoming "Cultivate" retreat, specifically designed for sophomore students. Registrations for both are available at tinyurl.com/RegisterUDRetreats

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In this episode, senior Andrew Killian shares how he relates to the parable of the unmerciful servant.

Want to get involved? Registration for the Rise retreat for first-years is open as well as registration for the Marianist Vowed Religious Discernment Retreat. To register go to tinyurl.com/RegisterUDRetreats.

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Natalie, a junior Sociology major, shares how Mitch Albom's book "Tuesday's with Morrie" has inspired her in her journey of faith.

Check out our upcoming opportunities: - Seniors and fifth-year students are invited to sign-up for the Taking Flight retreat at tinyurl.com/RegisterUDRetreats. - All students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in our upcoming Busy Person's Retreat for this Lenten season. Registration is open at tinyurl.com/RegisterUDRetreats

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Rachel Bell, Campus Ministry Graduate Assistant, guides us in reflection on slowing down and resting utilizing a reading from Richard Rohr.

Upcoming Opportunities to Consider: - Registration for our upcoming Busy Person's Retreat is open at tinyurl.com/RegisterUDRetreats. Sign up to be paired with a spiritual guide who you'll meet with once a week for the season of Lent, these meetings will be for 30 minutes and can be virtual or in person. Participants will also be provided with weekly material to guide their prayer and reflection through the Lenten season. - Registration for our Taking Flight retreat, held Feb 19-21 and designed for undergraduate students in their senior year and older, at tinyurl.com/RegisterUDRetreats. This retreat will be mostly virtual, possibly with some in-person components, to include student talks, prayers, and guided meditations. Some components can be done individually and off screen to minimize screen time and use time effectively.

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Dr. Kelly Johnson shares how the influence of a few inspirational writers has influenced her faith and sacred journey.

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In our final episode of 2020, Dr. Eric Spina, University President, shares how Pope Francis' description of mercy has impacted his role on our campus. We wish all our listeners a happy holiday season and look forward to more episodes in the 2021 Spring semester!

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In Episode 9 of Sacred Stories, Dr. Neomi DeAnda, Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies, shares how an excerpt from Eddie Vega's "Tacos, Tinsels, and Tamales" helps her reflect upon her experience of Christmas this year.

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In this episode of Sacred Stories, Huthayfa Usman, a Junior majoring in Criminal Studies and serving as President of the Muslim Student Association shares a passage from the Quran and discusses how our callings are often tested in our pursuit of living faith-filled lives.

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In this episode, senior music education major Maggie Feder shares how Matthew 5:33 serves as inspiration for her dedication to her relationship with Jesus.

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Elena Niese shares how Joan of Arc is someone who inspires her to aspire for sainthood amidst an imperfect life.

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In this episode, Andrew Buchanan shares how his call to guide others to Christ is similar to the call of Moses.

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In this episode of Sacred Stories, Gabriel Gaiusbayode '21, who is a Mechanical Engineering Major with Africana Studies minor and President of BATU, shares an excerpt from Dr. Joy DeGruy and how this sacred text connects with his faith journey.

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In this episode Lillian Hynfield, Campus Ministry Graduate Assistant, shares how an image from Mary's Visitation to Elizabeth reflected the consolation of God's presence with her as she transitioned to Graduate Studies at UD.

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This week we are joined by Corinne Woodruff, Campus Ministry Graduate Assistant. Spend some time in reflection as Corinne shares about how her journey of faith parallels with the story of the Prophet Elijah.

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Scott Paeplow, Campus Minister for Liturgical Music shares the parallels of the Emmaus Story from the Gospel of Luke with his sacred experience hiking in Ireland.