Penn Newman Center 

PENN NEWMAN CENTER

Catholic Campus Ministry at the University of
Pennsylvania Since 1893

Penn Newman Center - Home PagePenn Newman Center - History/MissionPenn Newman Center - ActivitiesPenn Newman Center - StaffPenn Newman Center - PeopleAlumniPenn Newman Center - GrottoPenn Newman Center - VocationsPenn Newman Center - Support Us
Activities
     
Spiritual Spiritual Accompaniment
    
Spiritual mentoring/spiritual direction
 

 

Mass Times

 
       

Spiritual mentoring is an opportunity to meet one-on-one with a professional minister to speak about your life, and your spiritual mentor is there to listen, to offer insight, and to help you discern where and how God is at work in your life.

Below is a list of spiritual mentors who are willing to meet with Penn students (graduate or undergraduate) and some background information about them. Spiritual mentors who are certified in spiritual direction are often called spiritual directors. Some of those listed here have received certification, others have not, but all are professional, trained ministers who have made themselves available to walk with you on your spiritual journey.

Typically a formal spiritual mentoring relationship involves meeting with your mentor about once every 4-6 weeks for 45-90 minutes, though the exact frequency and duration will be determined by your mentor's preferences and your own availability. Note that some mentors are able to meet on campus and others are not; please consult the information accompanying each mentor's name.

To set up a meeting with a spiritual mentor, you may contact Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein -- jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575 -- or in some cases (see information on each mentor below), you may contact the mentor directly. Jeff is also available to offer a consultation to help discern which mentor may be the best fit for you. After the initial meeting is set up, all subsequent meetings will be set directly with your mentor.

We will be adding new names to this list as new mentors become available to us!

 

 

MALE SPIRITUAL MENTORS/DIRECTORS

Bidigner
Rev. Bruce Bidinger, SJ

Rev. Bruce Bidinger, SJ
Society of Jesus (The Jesuits)

As a Jesuit priest for 22 years, I have worked in various fields of education, spiritual direction and pastoral care. I have been a chemistry and biology teacher in several Jesuit High Schools, as well as a Principal and President. I have been a Vice President for Mission and Ministry at a Jesuit University and the Director of Campus Ministry too.

I currently direct the advising center for the business school at Saint Joseph's University, work in a parish (St. Denis) each weekend and serve as the men's basketball chaplain, at Saint Joe's as well.

I am an experienced spiritual director, doing on-going direction, as well as the Annotation 19 Retreat, the 18th Annotation Retreat as well as giving weekend retreats to groups.

I enjoy working with individuals in direction and look forward to be of some service to the students at Penn. To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

Fr. Sean Dempsey

Rev. Sean Dempsey, SJ
Society of Jesus (The Jesuits)

I'm a Jesuit of the California Province, and was ordained in 2008. I'm currently a doctoral student at Penn in the History Department. Before coming to Philadelphia, I spent time studying in St. Louis and Berkeley, California, and taught for two years at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. I'm also a trained spiritual director, and I look forward to continuing that ministry here at Penn.

I am available to meet at the Penn Newman Center. To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).


 

Kevin DePrinzio
Rev. Kevin DePrinzio, OSA

Rev. Kevin DePrinzio, OSA
Augustinian Friars

I am an Augustinian Friar currently serving as vocation director for the Villanova province and as a campus minister at Villanova University. Upon graduation from St. Joseph's University in 1998, I entered my community. Thus far I have been a part of ministry in both the high school and college setting, so I am very familiar with young adult faith development, and have experience in accompanying both women and men in their spiritual journey.

I am available to meet at the Penn Newman Center or in my office on the campus of Villanova University. If you'd like you can contact me directly (kevin.deprinzio@villanova.edu; 610-519-7548) or through Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

Fr. Phil
Rev. Phil Florio, SJ

Rev. Phil Florio, SJ
Society of Jesus (The Jesuits)
Chaplain-Director of the Penn Newman Center

I am formally trained in the art of Spiritual Direction with a focus on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of my religious order.  I have been a Spiritual Director for 12 years and currently serve as an adjunct Spiritual Director for men preparing for the priesthood at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.  I am open to working with any young man discerning a vocation to the priesthood or religious life. To set up a meeting with me, please contact me at pflorio@newman.upenn.edu or 215-898-7575.

 

 

Edward Hofmann
Brother Edward Hofmann, FSC

Brother Edward Hofmann, FSC
Brothers of the Christian Schools (aka Christian Brothers)

For the past 41 years or so I have been a member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, a Roman Catholic religious order which conducts educational agencies according to the pedagogical philosophy of St. John Baptiste deLaSalle, Universal Patron of All Educators. Professionally I am educated as a world language teacher with secondary degrees in pastoral theology and library science.

I tend to use a Biblical and hagiographic (lives of heroic Christians, saints) approach which is adapted to the expressed goal(s) of the young men who request such (I do have some limited experience with accompanying young women). My practice is to set a time line for the establishment of objectives and the realization of goals, generally speaking this means a three – four month relationship with 45 minute face-to-face sessions about every three weeks or so. After the completion of the agreed upon series of visits there is a break of several weeks and some subsequent evaluation and decision to continue or redirect. There is no cost for the service; however, usually I suggest that a donation be made to a charity of my choice.

Regarding availability, I certainly am willing to do what I can to meet the needs as they arise; any student who cares to contact me may do so and we will take it from there (i.e. scheduling, responsibilities, goals). To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

Rev. Dan Joyce, SJ
Society of Jesus (The Jesuits)

I am a Jesuit priest and Senior Resident Fellow in the University of Pennsylvania's Program for Research on Religion and Urban Society. I have trained and worked as a spiritual director specializing in The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola. I have an office on campus in Leadership Hall: 3814 Walnut Street. If you'd like you can contact me directly or through Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575). My e-mail is danjoyce@sas.upenn.edu or djoyce@sju.edu; phone: 610-733-9651.


 

Brother Bud Knight
Brother Bud Knight, FSC

Brother Bud Knight, FSC
Brothers of the Christian Schools (aka Christian Brothers)

A De La Salle Christian Brother, I have mentored young adults for over 35 years in the U.S. and in Africa. My ministries have included teaching, group and individually directed retreats, spiritual direction and formation of candidates to our religious community. My present ministry is with young adults (20s-30s) at a spiritual center in Manayunk (visit: www.thebrothersplace.org )

I would prefer to meet folks here at the Christian Brothers Spirituality Center in Manayunk but arrangements can be made to meet at Penn Newman.  You may either contact me directly (cbsctr@gmail.com, 215-508-0861) or through Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

Michael Magree
Michael Magree, SJ

Mr. Michael Magree, SJ
Society of Jesus (The Jesuits)

I am originally from Columbus, Ohio, and I have been a Jesuit since 2002. I still have about four years remaining in the process of training and formation for the priesthood. I currently work at St. Joseph's Prep in North Philadelphia, where I teach religion, direct the school choir, and moderate student council.

I have experience mentoring both men and women, and am especially trained in the spirituality of St. Ignatius Loyola. His spirituality is adaptable to people in many different situations, but is perhaps best suited for those who wish to grow in their personal love for Jesus and in their ability to seek God in all things.

I am unable to meet at the Penn Newman Center, but you are welcome to meet me at the Arrupe House in North Philadelphia: 1226 N. 18th St.  We are four blocks from the Girard stop on the Broad Street subway line. You may contact me through Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575). I am available for afternoon meetings on weekdays or weekends.

 

 

 vÏ\\main\server\Joyce\mydocuments\My Pictures\Printed Black White Cropped Pictue of Holy Child 032107.CorelProject filescal Settings\Application Data\Corel Photo Album\6\thmnails;C:\Program Files\Corel\Corel Photo Album 6\WebLayout;C:\i386
Rev. Steven J. Marinucci

Rev. Steven J. Marinucci
Pastor – St. Agatha-St. James since July, 2001

I was ordained a priest in 1974. Previous to this assignment, I was a formation director at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary for 10 years, assisting in the spiritual training of young men for priesthood.

In addition to my Master's of Divinity degree from St. Charles Seminary, I have a Master's degree in Formative and Developmental Spirituality from Creighton University. Over my 8 years here at St. AJ, I have directed and mentored and served as a confessor for many students – both grads and undergrads, male and female. I am available for meetings at the Penn Newman Center. To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

 

 

 

FEMALE SPIRITUAL MENTORS/DIRECTORS

Sr. Mary Beth Antonelli, OSF
Sisters of St. Francis

I am presently the vocation director for the Sisters of St. Francis, ministering with young adults in their journey of faith. I have ministered in the health care field for the past 23 years as a Registered Nurse in various health care ministries, primarily in pediatrics.  I am grateful for this ministry as it has allowed me to experience God's Presence in the midst of the reality of every day life.

I would be happy to come to the Newman Center to meet with students.  To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).


Sr. Kathy Claflin
Sr. Kathy Claflin, SSJ

Sr. Kathy Claflin, SSJ
Sisters of Saint Joseph

I am a Sister of Saint Joseph of Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. I am currently the Vocation Director for my community. Previously, I taught for many years throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. I also have been a Pastoral Associate in two different parishes, one in Manayunk and the other in Delaware County. While in education, I ministered in the summer to the people in Appalachia, KY; migrant farm workers in Gettysburg, PA; and highs school girls in Youth Services.

I am available to meet at the Penn Newman Center or in my office on the Chestnut Hill College Campus. To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

Should you be interested, it would be my privilege to companion you through prayerful discovery of how God is guiding and leading you in the ordinary events of your life. Because I have been enriched personally by spiritual direction throughout my Religious Life, it is my joy to share the gift I have received with others.

 

Ana Dura
Sr. Ana Dura, CSR

Sr. Ana Dura, CSR
Sisters of the Holy Redeemer

I am a Sister of the Holy Redeemer and have been in Religious life for 8 years.  Although my degree is in Occupational Therapy, I now combine that with the ministry of Mission Integration within Holy Redeemer Health System, and also serve as Co-Director of Redeemer Associate and Vocation ministries.  Religious life has offered me the personal experience of spiritual direction, directed retreats, psycho therapy, discernment, basic theology and artistic expression.

I am willing to make visits to the Newman center. I have some flexibility in my schedule. To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

Sr. Florence
Sr. Florence Enechukwu, MSHR

Sr. Florence Enechukwu, MSHR
Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary

As a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, my present ministry is full-time vocation director, director of the Associates of Missionary Sisters of the Holy Rosary, development ministry and mission education. I have lived in an international missionary community for the past 26 years and have had the opportunity to work with a variety of groups, especially with youth.

I began my religious missionary ministry as a chemistry teacher in a secondary school (high school equivalent) in Nigeria. I then went on to attend a Youth Ministry program in Ireland, after which I returned to Nigeria to work full-time in vocation ministry and as an assistant director for Catholic youth activities in the diocese.  In 1994, I came to the U.S. to engage in fund raising and mission education activities and then went on to earn an MBA at the University of Detroit Mercy. In 2002, I went back to Nigeria to work as an administrator of a retreat and conference center.  There I organized workshops and directed retreats for various groups, with a special focus on youth groups and also organized a social justice coalition for the religious of the diocese.  In 2008, I returned to the U.S. to take up my present ministry. 

I bring to my ministry a deep commitment to gospel values, religious life and love of Jesus.  I would be honored to accompany students and others in their life journey. I would be happy to meet with you at the Newman Center or to welcome you to my convent in Bryn Mawr. I can be reached by phone at 610-520-1974.  To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Campus Minister, Jeff Klein at jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu or 215-898-7575.

 

Sr. Marian Frantz, IHM
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

I am a certified spiritual director serving at St. Pius X Spiritual Life Center in Blackwood, NJ. I have mentored high school and college students as well as young and mature adults, both male and female. I also do programming in prayer and discernment, and give retreats, both directed and guided.

Unfortunately I am not able to travel to the Penn Newman Center because of my responsibilities with the Spiritual Life Center, but would be willing to meet students at Spiritual Life Center. To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

Maryellen Glackin
Mrs. Maryellen Glackin

Mrs. Maryellen Glackin
Sisters of the Holy Redeemer

My “work” has always been in some type of ministry.  I firmly believe that God puts us into situations in our lives to stretch us and to help us grow.   It is up to us to take the time to observe the patterns and to discern meaning from our life and what God’s intentions are for our happiness. 

My background includes vocation ministry with the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer, ministering to families and individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, high school education, counseling and pastoral care. I received my B.A. in Psychology and Religion from La Salle and my M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Chestnut Hill.   I have recently begun working with Post-grad volunteers in the Redeemer Ministry Corps Program (RMC).

My husband Joe and I met in college and were married in 1980.  We have four young adult children, one of whom is a student at Penn.  As a lifelong Philadelphia resident, I am proud to live in a city that boasts not only an Ivy League school, but also the first Newman Center!

I am willing to travel to Penn to meet with students during the week.  Students are welcome to escape the city and meet with me at the Provincialate of the Sisters of the Holy Redeemer in Huntingdon Valley (I’ll be happy to pick you up from the R3 train, Meadowbrook station).  Arrangements can also be made for an overnight private retreat at the Provincialate. To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

francis joseph
Sr. Francis Joseph at the Newman Center

Sr. Francis Joseph, RA
Religious of the Assumption

A native Philadelphian, I have been a Religious for 54 years, and reside in my Convent in University City. I am a Religious of the Assumption, whose foundress St. Marie Eugenie was recently canonized. I have been on the staff of the Faith-Justice Institute at St. Joseph's University for the last 30 years after returning from my tenure as a Foreign Missioner in Japan, the Philippines, France and the Vatican.  I am also the Peace Pilgrim at St. Francis de Sales School in University City where I teach the children to become Ambassadors of Peace.  

I am available to meet on Tuesday mornings at the Newman Center between 9:00 am and 11:00 am. You may either contact me directly (fjoseph@mailhost.sju.edu) or through Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

Sr. Judith Kreipe

Sr. Judith Kreipe, IHM
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

I am a Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  I am an educator whose passion is trying to listen and respond to God’s ongoing desire for relationship with us through creation, other people and events and my own experiences. I am Assistant Director for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  I thoroughly enjoy this ministry as well as my ministry in spiritual direction. I became certified as a spiritual director in 1999 when I completed the five year program at Chestnut Hill College.

I live in West Philadelphia and see people in the convent at 4904 Chestnut.  I have also seen people at 222 N. 17th Street 8th fl. in my office. Please contact Jeff Klein at jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu or 215-898-7575 if you would like to explore the possibility of our entering into a spiritual direction relationship.   God bless you! 

 

Sr. Mary Ann McIntyre
Sr. Mary Ann McIntyre, MSBT

Sr. Mary Ann McIntyre, MSBT
Missionary Servants of the Most Blessed Trinity


I am a Missionary Servant of the Most Blessed Trinity, a religious community of Sisters and part of a larger family in the Church, called the Missionary Cenacle Family -- comprised of Priests and Brothers (Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity), a lay apostolate group (Missionary Cenacle Apostolate) and Blessed Trinity Missionary Secular Institute (Blessed Trinity Institute). I have been a sister for 30 years engaged in missionary works in the United States. Our mission is to encourage persons to become aware of God’s presence and call to be apostles in the providence of their everyday lives. This means the Spirit of God will use each of us where we are at a given time in profound ways. Spiritual direction is about listening and responding to God’s presence and invitations in our lives in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. My background is in clinical counseling and spiritual direction. I completed an internship in Spiritual Direction at Mercy Center in Burlingame, California. I have directed many students on the Busy Person’s Retreats at Univ. of Penn and the experience is a powerful example of how God is always waiting for us and inviting us into a deeper relationship.

I could be available on campus at Penn Newman on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You may contact me directly (215-459-4322, maryannmsbt@yahoo.com)or through Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

Sr. Patricia Mengel
Sr. Patricia Mengel

Sr. Patricia Mengel, IHM
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

I am a member of the Sisters of IHM since 1982.  I describe myself as a teacher, primarily, having 29 years of experience in Catholic education and Administration.  With a background and MA in Counseling Psychology, I minister to Congregational needs through the Community Pastoral Liaison services, companioning Sisters seeking wholeness. Recently completing a second MA in Holistic Spirituality with a Certificate in Spiritual Direction, I am also privileged to offer a variety of educational, spiritual, and mentoring services in the following areas:  spiritual direction, retreats, and educational workshops.  I teach as an adjunct in the Accelerated Program of Chestnut Hill College in the areas of religious studies and psychology.

I will try to make myself available for meetings at Penn Newman. You may either contact me directly (Pmengel1128@aol.com, 484-744-2305 cell) or through Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

Sr. Rose Mulligan

Sr. Rose Mulligan, IHM
Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

As an IHM Sister these past 22 years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with the youth and young adults in many parishes and colleges. I am an educator and chemist by profession having taught 7th - 8th grade for ten years, chemistry at Drexel as a TA and then full-time at Immaculata University.  Currently I serve as assistant vocation director for the IHM Sisters and have the privilege of working with young adults in providing retreats and days of reflection. 

I would be able to come to Penn to meet with any student(s). To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

Sagrario
Sr. Sagrario with abandoned children in El Salvador.

Sr. Sagrario Núñez, ACJ
Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

I am Sr. Sagrario Núñez, a Handmaid of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Born in Spain, I have lived in Italy, Japan, El Salvador and now in the United States. My first language is Spanish. My professional training includes a licenciature and master’s degree in theology, a master’s degree in education and a B.S. in psychology. I am a certified spiritual director and also certified to give the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. I have been a campus minister for five years at Florida International University. For many years I have accompanied students on international volunteer service experiences. My present ministry is directress of novices in our community.

It would be my privilege to accompany any Penn students in their journey of faith, particularly women who are discerning a possible call to religious life. I can be available to meet with students at Penn Newman Center. You can contact me directly at sagrario1@juno.com or 267-627-5292 or through Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

Szczepanowski
Ms. Christine Szczepanowski

Ms. Christine Szczepanowski

I am a laywoman who grew up in an extended family that was mostly Catholic but whose parents were nonbelievers.  As a result, I have a good understanding of the challenges of claiming one’s own faith.  I earned my certificate in spiritual direction, and will soon earn my M.A. in Christian Spirituality, from the Christian Spirituality Program at Creighton University and have been a parishioner of the Jesuit parish of Old St. Joseph’s (OSJ) for over 25 years.  At OSJ, in addition to providing spiritual direction, I am an RCIA leader, teach CCD, and coordinate the centering prayer group, among other roles.  I am experienced in giving monthly direction as well as the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius to a wide range of people, including young people.  I also informally mentored students while working as an assistant in Penn’s Sociology Department for 17 years.  My philosophy in all I do is to let the Spirit lead as I help people come to hear the voice of God within themselves and discover their authentic selves.

I live in Center City, where I also grew up, am married, and have an adult daughter, son, and stepdaughter. My husband is an artist and art conservator.   I took early retirement from Penn in order to follow my call to spiritual direction so my time is fairly flexible.  I can come to the Newman Center, and I also meet people at Old St. Joe’s in Society Hill.  I can be reached directly at 267-250-3049 or christinesz52@gmail.com or through Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

 

Sr. Carmen Torres
Sr. Carmen Torres, SHCJ

Sr. Carmen Torres, SHCJ
Society of the Holy Child Jesus

I am a Sister in the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. Presently, I am Director for Vocations in the SHCJ American Province. Prior to this role I served as Director of the Catholic Institute for Evangelization in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia where I also taught Faith Formation courses for Hispanic Adults and Young Adults. I also served as Director of Catechesis for Hispanics in the Archdiocese. I have a Master's of Education in Religious Education and a Post-Master's Certificate in Formative Spirituality, both from Boston College. I am also currently in the Spiritual Direction Training program at the Jesuit Center for Spiritual Growth, Wernersville, PA.

One of my favorite quotes comes from Henri Nouwen: “My deepest vocation is to be a witness to the glimpses of God I have been allowed to catch.”

I live near Center City and would be glad to meet at the Newman Center or at my office. Please feel free to contact me directly at 610-626-1400 x304 or ctorres@shcj.org, or through Penn Newman Campus Minister Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

 

 

 
     
3720 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-7575
 

Designed and Hosted by Alonso Consulting, Inc.