PENN NEWMAN CENTER

MALE SPIRITUAL MENTORS/DIRECTORS

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 Assistant Director Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

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 Assistant Director Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

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. To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Assistant Director Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

 

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 Assistant Director 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. Contact me through Penn Newman Assistant Director Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

Tony Luberti

Mr. Tony Luberti

I have a soft spot in my heart for Penn Newman. I was an undergrad and medical student at Penn (a few years back), and Penn Newman and the friends I made there played an important part in the beginnings of my life's Journey. Life for me has had many twists and turns, with mostly good times and some not so good, but faith has been the "glue" that has helped hold things together. Integrating faith and career has been an important focus for me – and I've been privileged to practice pediatrics and teach clinical medicine and informatics to faculty, residents and students — both here in the US at CHOP and with colleagues in Botswana.  I truly receive, every day, much more than I can ever give.

"Companions for the Journey" have also been important.  I have been blessed by many life's companions-- a wonderful family and daughter (now in college), supportive group of friends, insightful colleagues at work, and trusted academic and spiritual mentors--and I hope you have been similarly blessed. 

If you feel that it might be the time to have a "spiritual mentor" accompany you along your Journey, I would be honored to listen with you and look with you for life's "guide posts". Contact me through Penn Newman Assistant Director 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 Assistant Director Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

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 high 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 Assistant Director 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.

 

Sr. Ana Dura, CSR

Sr. Ana Dura, CSR
Sisters of the Holy Redeemer

I am a Sister of the Holy Redeemer and have been a member of my community for over 10 years.  My professional degree is in Occupational Therapy, which I now combine with vocation ministry and several garden/environmental initiatives.  My life and work is literally and figuratively about tilling soil, planting seeds, and watching the gradual work of God as life unfolds.  Religious life has offered me the personal experience of spiritual direction, directed retreats, discernment, the basics of theology, artistic expression and above all the experience of God’s love.  It is a gift to share all that I have been given with others through spiritual mentoring.

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

 

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. To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Assistant Director, Jeff Klein at jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu or 215-898-7575.

 

 

Mrs. Maryellen Glackin

Mrs. Maryellen Glackin
Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart

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 and now the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, 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.   For a while, I was 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 recently graduated from 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 Motherhouse of the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart in Yardley, PA (I’ll be happy to pick you up from the West Trenton train, Yardley station).  To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Assistant Director Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

Sr. Anne Kappler, RSM

Sr. Anne Kappler, RSM
Sisters of Mercy

I am one of the Vocation Ministers for the Sisters of Mercy MidAtlantic Community.  I have the privilege of accompanying young adults as they grow in their relationship with God and seek to discover their path in life and God’s desires for them.

Previously I worked as a Registered Nurse with experiences in oncology, community health and parish nursing.  Through my various health care experiences I have had the opportunity to work in Philadelphia and Camden as well as to travel to South America on a health assessment team.

I would be happy to companion students in their spiritual journey as they desire to grow deeper in their relationship with God.

I would be available to meet with students at the Penn Newman Center or at my office in Merion, Pa.    To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Assistant Director Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu or 215-898-7575).

 

 

Sr. Judith Kreipe, IHM

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, 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. To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Assistant Director Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

Sr. Patricia Mengel, IHM

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 more than 30 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. To set up a meeting, contact Penn Newman Assistant Director Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

Sr. Rose Mulligan, IHM

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 Assistant Director Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

Sr. Sagrario Nunez, ACJ, 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. To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Assistant Director Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

Sr. Joy Payton, ACJ

Sr. Joy Payton, ACJ
Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

I'm a 33-year-old Sister (Handmaid of the Sacred Heart of Jesus) who entered the Catholic Church just after college thanks in large part to my participation in my college Newman Club. I'd love to give back to the Newman movement at its source, the Newman Center at Penn. I live in Wyncote (north of Philly) but can meet you on campus or in a location convenient to you. I've ministered to young adults, done spiritual direction, and led retreats in Spanish and English... I'm happy to help you in either language. My firm belief is that God has a plan for your happiness, and you can learn to read God's signals and follow God's dream for your life. To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Assistant Director Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

Sr. Katharine Pies, CSR

Sr. Katharina Pies, CSR
Sisters of the Holy Redeemer

I am a Sister of the Holy Redeemer who experiences God through creation, music, poetry and journeying with people. As a chaplain at Holy Redeemer Hospital I meet Jesus in love, prayers and human suffering. My desire is to live in the beauty of God’s soul and share this life giving movement of my heart with those I meet.

It would be a privilege to accompany any Penn student in his/her journey of living God’s dream. I would be able to come to the Newman Center or meet at our Motherhouse at Huntingdon Valley. To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Assistant Director Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

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. To set up a meeting with me, please contact Penn Newman Assistant Director Jeff Klein (jeffklein@newman.upenn.edu, 215-898-7575).

 

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