MU_Magazine_SP12-final - Marian University

“We’re decreasing in number, but we can multiply our hopes and dreams so
much through the university, in many more ways than we could do ourselves.”
- Sr. Norma Rocklage, OSF ’60
the School of Education offers the Catholic School Educator Preparation
Program. Undergraduate music students can earn a degree in pastoral
music ministry, and business majors can specialize in parish/church
business management.
Members of the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg,
Indiana give a blessing at the end of the university’s
annual scholarship dinner.
Many of the students who pursue such programs are San Damiano
Scholars—students who are discerning a call to leadership in faith-based
institutions. The program is open to students who are considering service
to their church through ordained ministry, religious life, lay leadership in
church-sponsored ministries, as well as those who hope to serve their
church in a significant volunteer capacity.
Involvement Strengthens Sisters of St. Francis
Without question, Marian University would not exist without the continued
involvement of the Sisters of St. Francis. But as the university has grown
and changed during the past 75 years, the Sisters of St. Francis have also
continued to evolve.
“Teachers are always taught by their students,” Sr. Jean Marie said. “The
Sisters have benefitted by being connected to the university through
workshops, lectures, and interacting with students.”
Sr. Norma said working with Marian University has helped the order
remain focused on the community rather than its internal affairs, and it
has strengthened the congregation’s ability to network with other civic and
religious organizations. Most important, though, is the fact that working
with Marian University continues to help the Sisters of St. Francis fulfill
their primary mission.
“The mission of the Sisters, like all Franciscans, is to spread the gospel of
Jesus Christ, and to spread it in the sense that we are open to all faiths
and traditions, because we believe we were all created by the same God,”
Sr. Norma said. “I think the university is probably one of the best ways that
we’re able to do this. We’re decreasing in number, but we can multiply our
hopes and dreams so much through the university, in many more ways
than we could do ourselves.”
Ashley Petry is an Indianapolis writer and editor whose work has appeared
in The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Monthly, North, and other local
and regional publications. She can be reached at ashley.petry@yahoo.com.
Marian University Magazine | Spring 2012 9