Nevin George: Seeing God in All Things

Have you ever started over in a new place and experienced feelings of isolation or uncertainty? How did you move forward? Muriel Wang, a Yale College graduate from the Class of 2020, shares her compelling story of relying on her Catholic faith amidst the skyscrapers of New York City and the rigors of a high-stress career. Abruptly cut off from her community at Yale due to the pandemic, Muriel found herself alone in NYC and struggling. Yet, she knew where to turn: her Catholic faith. 

 Muriel beautifully invites us into her story that traverses Singapore, New Hampshire, New Haven, and NYC. Finding a Catholic community at Saint Thomas More was a highlight for Muriel when she came to Yale and a stark contrast from her high school faith experience. Experiences like spending Spring Break on a silent retreat at Taizé in France continue to impact her, especially in the fast-paced environment in which she works. The encouragement and model of faith witnesses, like her mom, Fr. Bob Beloin, and peers at STM, strengthened her foundation of faith in college. And, when her time at Yale ended and her next chapter began in New York City, Muriel had a foundation to rely on to steady her amidst total upheaval. 

 All listeners, but especially our recent graduates, will resonate with Muriel's story of trying to do it all on her own and coming face-to-face with her own limitations. Only through struggle did she recognize that she needed God, a faith community, and the sacraments to anchor herself in the often-turbulent transition from college to post-graduate life. Her story is a shining beacon of hope that God is with us always, whether we're in college, graduate school, or a small studio apartment in a lonely city. Muriel's perseverance in cultivating Catholic community is a reminder to all that we need each other for this journey. So, tune in to celebrate another alumni story of faith and resilience.

Show Notes:
 
Mentioned in the episode: Taizé Ecumenical Community

What Muriel is reading: The Patron Saint of Liars (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1992) by Ann Patchett

Join our hosts, Assistant Chaplain Grace Klise, Mary Margaret Schroeder '24, and Zach Moynihan '25, as they share more about their own lives, relationships with one another, and faith journeys on this special bonus episode. Although you've heard them on the mics with our guests, tune in to learn more about the people who are bringing Finding God on Park Street to life. Hear more about their academic interests, paths to Yale, and behind-the-scenes podcast insights in this lively, dynamic conversation. 

Although inviting members of the Saint Thomas More community into the studio is always enjoyable, an episode getting to know the show's hosts won’t disappoint.  You'll get a taste of the joy of our students and the infectious energy present within STM's Golden Center as both staff and students, alike, seek to grow in faith and love together. 

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Dr. Kristopher Kahle, a neurosurgeon and neurodevelopmental researcher with a background that's as rich in faith as it is in academia, joins us to share a remarkable narrative that bridges faith and science. Raised on a Wisconsin farm in a Lutheran family and later shaped by his Jesuit teachers, Dr. Kahle's life story is a testament to the profound ways in which spirituality can coexist with, and enhance, a scientific career. With each patient he encounters and every complex mystery of the brain he unravels, his Catholic faith remains a grounding force, imbuing his work with compassion and purpose.

 As a father and husband, Dr. Kahle's insights extend beyond the operating room or laboratory. Parenthood, he eloquently describes, is a profound journey where the lessons of faith and love are passed on within the 'domestic church' of the home. His personal experiences reveal how the vulnerabilities and strengths encountered in professional settings can shape the more significant work that takes place in the home and family. This conversation is a touching reminder of the enduring influence of family, the sanctity of raising children, and the importance of prayer and reflection as we navigate both the everyday and the extraordinary aspects of life.

Finally, Dr. Kahle speaks to the resilience of the human spirit that inspires him. From the hopeful eyes of the young patients he serves to the pages of theological and literary works he turns to for wisdom, his reflections encourage us to seek out moments of grace and introspection in our own lives because God meets us there. Tune in to this conversation to be reminded of the fact that integrating our faith with every part of our lives leads to true flourishing and ultimate joy.

Show notes: 

Mentioned in the episode: the Jesuits, Michelangelo’s Pietà

What Dr. Kahle is reading: Moby Dick (Harper & Brothers, 1851) by Herman Melville

Jesus of Nazareth: Holy Week: From the Entrance Into Jerusalem To The Resurrection (Ignatius Press, 2011) by Pope Benedict XVI

Sacra Pagina: The Gospel of Matthew (Liturgical Press, 1991) by Daniel J. Harrington, S.J.

Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (Word on Fire Classics, 2022) by St. Thérèse of Lisieux

In this episode, Sr. Mary Ellen Burns, ASCJ, takes host, Grace Klise, and student co-host, Mary Margaret Schroeder '24, on her journey through the sacred and legal. An alumna of Yale Law School (YLS) and a sister of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sr. Mary Ellen begins with her early days noticing the lives of religious sisters around her and the ways in which her vocational call continues to reverberate in her heart. In her own life in a religious community and in the lives of the many people she works with at Apostle Immigrant Services (AIS), Sr. Mary Ellen stands as a living witness of a life of justice, mercy, and love grounded in the Gospel message. 

With her trademark wit and insightful candor, Sr. Mary Ellen reflects on her experiences as a YLS student, navigating the world of Yale in full habit. Despite the occasional challenges, those years were intellectually invigorating, providing her with a wealth of life lessons that she now draws upon as a lawyer and advocate. Today, as the Executive Director of Apostles Immigrant Services, she remains dedicated to championing the most vulnerable in New Haven. From pivoting to food support during the pandemic (and still going strong!) to the inspiring and resilient recent immigrants to Connecticut, Sr. Mary Ellen provides us with a glimpse into the mission-oriented work that keeps her days full. 

Tune in to be reminded of the truth that when we're grounded in prayer and focused on seeing Christ in those around us, our lives will never be devoid of purpose. 

Show Notes:
Mentioned in the episode: Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Apostle Immigrant Services, Haven’s Harvest

What Sr. Mary Ellen is reading: The Last Monk of Tibhirine: A True Story of Martyrdom, Faith, and Survival (Paraclete Press, 2013)by Freddy Derwahl, A Theology of Migration: The Bodies of Refugees and the Body of Christ (Orbis Books, 2022) by Daniel G. Groody, and New York: The Novel (Doubleday, 2009) by Edward Rutherfurd.

Here, at Saint Thomas More, we love our priests. And when one of those priests is carrying a backpack and going to classes and pulling all-nighters to finish a paper, we love them even more! 

Fr. Pat Reidy, a priest from the Congregation of Holy Cross, has spent a lot of time around Yale and Saint Thomas More the last five years. Before he moved away from New Haven to return to the University of Notre Dame this past summer, we spent time with him reflecting on his life as a priest and law student/now lawyer. Fr. Pat’s “call within a call” to study law as a professed religious has not been without its challenges, some of which he describes in this conversation. 

Have you ever considered how a love for language, literature, and music could be a gateway to spiritual growth? Join host, Grace Klise, and student co-host, Mary Margaret Schroeder ’24, as they talk with Katie Painter, a bright scholar from Yale’s Class of 2023 who is now studying theology at Oxford University. During Katie’s time at Yale she graced the halls of STM and the sidewalks of campus with her peaceful and inquisitive mind that helped launch her on an unimaginable spiritual journey. 
 
 Discover how Katie blended the classics and theology into an enriching tapestry of study during her time at Yale and how her faith grew in unexpected ways through this unique synthesis. She shares more about Jerome, Ambrose, and the connections between the Church today and that of antiquity. Katie shares her experiences of engaging with diverse perspectives and backgrounds, providing a fresh lens through which to view her faith. In a testament to her leadership skills and humanitarian spirit, Katie founded “Service and Solidarity,” an initiative that bridges individuals of various faiths through their shared commitment to service. 

 Finally, Katie candidly articulates the ways in which her desire for God grew while at Yale, especially when churches were closed during COVID. And, she shares more about why she thinks campuses like Yale are fertile grounds for fostering faith among young people. Looking back on Katie’s time at Yale, we celebrate her accomplishments and are inspired by her scholarship and faith.    

Join us as we talk about creation with our guest, Dr. Maureen Long, a trailblazer in the field of observational seismology who calls Yale and Saint Thomas More home. From Peru to the Pacific Northwest to the Appalachian Mountains, Dr. Long's work transcends borders, capturing earthquake waves from around the globe. Listen to her love for plate tectonics as she unravels the mysteries lying deep within our Earth. 
 
But this conversation is not just about exploring the physical layers of Earth; it's also a  dive into the layers of faith and science within her life. Listen as Dr. Long shares how she weaves her faith into her perspective on her scientific research, finding spiritual nourishment amidst the hustle and bustle of academic life at Yale. Dr. Long also shares her personal journey at Yale and how the Saint Thomas More community has been an anchor for her and her family. It's a fascinating blend of science, faith, and personal reflection that you won't want to miss.

At STM, we have the privilege of witnessing students integrate their individual passions, professional pursuits, and enduring faith. By following his heart and trusting in God, today’s guest has masterfully woven together his interests in healthcare, business, and ministry. 

Meet Jack Barsody, a remarkable individual who graduated in May 2023 with dual degrees from Yale Divinity School, focusing on ethics, and the School of Public Health, specializing in healthcare management. Before heading out from New Haven to begin a new chapter working in Catholic healthcare in Spokane, WA, Jack generously took time to reflect on what led him to where he is now. Join host Grace Klise and her student co-host Mary Margaret Schroeder ‘24 as they discover how Jack stumbled upon this unique career trajectory and the exciting detours he encountered along the way. From bartending to powerlifting, and even time living in a monastery, Jack's stories are captivating and inspiring. 

When we see images of displaced refugees around the world, we rarely think about the processes and people involved in the successful resettlement of those refugees. The hurdles of enrolling children in school, securing housing and jobs, getting them up to date on their immunizations, and securing the legal protections they need to stay in their new home...today's guest, Kathleen Cooney, knows all about these efforts as she has spearheaded Saint Thomas More's Refugee Resettlement Initiative with Assistant Chaplain, Allan Esteron, who also joins the podcast today as a co-host. 

When violence erupted in Syria in 2015, the STM community responded with generosity, asking themselves, "How does the Gospel compel us to act?" Kathleen and Allan learned from the efforts of welcoming that first family to New Haven to prepare themselves and the community to welcome a second family, this one from Afghanistan, in 2021. There have been challenges, plenty of them. Yet, the refugees' resilience, determination, and faith have made the Gospel come alive for Kathleen and Allan. In addition, the astounding generosity of the STM and greater Yale/New Haven communities has reminded Kathleen and Allan that Christ is present in our midst. 

As the STM community gears up to welcome a third family this Fall, the pair talks about the steps they are undertaking, from gathering volunteers and selecting interpreters to finding affordable housing. They are committed to his mission because they are committed to people, especially those most in need. And, they want you to get involved, too. Tune in to hear of the myriad of ways in which you can give of your time or talents to welcome another family to our community.

What happens when a bubbly and brilliant scientist lets her faith and passion for justice animate her life? Join host, Grace Klise, and student co-host, Mary Margaret Schroeder ’24, as they chat with the incredible April Pruitt, a Ph.D. student in neuroscience who is making waves in autism genetics research.

April takes us on a riveting journey from her science-loving childhood in Louisiana to conducting groundbreaking research at Yale where she proudly wears her STM shirt in the lab and marvels at the divine mysteries of brain development. For April, there is no conflict between science and faith. Tune in to hear why. Finally, April brings us with her to the US southern border, where she spent a transformative week in March 2022 as part of STM’s Alternative Spring Break trips. Hear more about the impact that trip continues to have on her. 

This episode is a testament of the integration of faith, science, and community, and there’s no one better than April Pruitt to elaborate on this integration. Be prepared for this conversation to move your mind and heart.