- July 5, 2019 Vocations
We joyfully welcome Sister Kristina DeNeve into the CSJ Community as she was formally accepted into the novitiate with a ceremony on July 3 at the province motherhouse. We congratulate Kristina and pray for her as she grows in her vocation of loving God and neighbor. Sister Kristina will attend the Federation Novitiate in Rochester, New York, from July 31, 2019 until May 31, 2020.
MEET KRISTINA
Where are you from?
Moline, Illinois (part of the Quad Cities)
Where is your current home?
The motherhouse at Carondelet—lucky me!
Where did you attend school?
I received a bachelor's degree in psychology and theology from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa; a master's and doctorate in social psychology from the University of Missouri-Columbia; a certificate in retreat and spiritual direction and a master's in Christian spirituality from Creighton University.
What jobs have you held throughout your career?
I've been a university professor and administrator. I then worked in adult faith formation and evangelization for two different dioceses. As a candidate, I am responsible for my own finances/job so I am continuing to teach online with the College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University. In addition, I am volunteering three days a week at Fontbonne University in campus ministry.
Where is a favorite place you've lived?
I've lived in Illinois; Iowa; Missouri; Waco, Texas; Omaha, Nebraska; Green Bay, Wisconsin; and Oahu, Hawaii. There has been something to love in each place.
What is your favorite movie or book?
The Holy Longing by Fr. Ronald Rolheiser
What is your favorite quote?
Currently, one of my favorite things to say is, “I love growth; it's just change that I hate!”
What brings you to religious life right now?
I really want to grow in holiness, grow to become more the person God created me to be. And, at this age and stage of life, I believe that living as part of a religious community might help me to do that more "effectively" than if I continued living as a single lay woman.
What attracted you to our congregation?
First and foremost, because the CSJs were founded by a Jesuit, and Ignatian spirituality undergirds this congregation. Beyond that, the way that CSJs live out the Gospel in regards to justice and loving God and neighbor without distinction matches my own desires about how I might live as a follower of Jesus.
In your time with us, what has been your greatest delight?
The sisters! I love living at the motherhouse and getting to know all of the sisters better.
What do you think will be your greatest challenge?
I doubt that my biggest challenge will be something I foresee, but it is likely to be something that I thought I had "all figured out" or that otherwise would not be an issue. If I had to guess now, I would say my biggest challenge might be to accept a decision made by others that directly impacts me if I don't feel like I understand and/or agree with the decision. Also, in the short term, I can say that giving up my kitty cat and, especially, my dog to begin candidacy has been tough.
What do you hope for?
I hope to continue to grow closer to God, self and others while I am a candidate and beyond!