You have been called …
… to Winter Convocation 2003, a program of music and personal stories in St. Joseph Memorial Chapel, followed by dinner in Kimball Hall.
“How shall we find meaning in life and in history through our labor?”
Will you answer?
We would consider it a special honor if you, our neighbors and City of Worcester friends, could join us as guests at this Holy Cross event. We invite you to reflect with us on how you find meaning through labor – in home, at your workplace, in your neighborhood or in your spiritual life. Your presence and participation will enhance our program. Perhaps our stories, from alumni and students and staff will help us know each other better.
# Related information:
Biography of keynote speaker Howard J. Gray, S.J.
Howard J. Gray, S.J. is currently the rector of the Jesuit community at John Carroll University, outside Cleveland, Ohio. He also serves as the assistant to Howard J. Gray, S.J.the president for University mission and identity.
Prior to these positions, Fr. Gray has been involved in a number of leadership positions within the Jesuit order. He served at the Weston Jesuit School of Theology in the following capacities: as director of formation (1968-1975), professor of spiritual theology and rector (1976-1982), and dean (1982-1983). From 1982 to 1989, he was the provincial superior of the Jesuit Detroit Province. He was also vice president of the Conference of Major Superiors from 1985 to 1988. In 1989-1990, he served as a consultant to the Jesuit provinces of East Asia in their efforts to coordinate educational, formation and social works. In 1990, he became the director of the USA Tertianship, completing that assignment in 1996. He served as a delegate to the Jesuits last two General Congregations, 33 (1983) and 34 (1995).
In 1996, Fr. Gray was named a Fellow of the Jesuit Institute at Boston College and, from 1997 to 2001, he was the first director of Boston College’s Center for Ignatian Spirituality. During this time he was the project director for BC’s Lilly grant to study the theological implications of vocation, resulting in a $2 million award for a five-year implementation program.
Fr. Gray did his doctoral work at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, specializing in 17th-Century English literature. He has written extensively about spiritual theology, Ignatian spirituality and higher education. He has served on numerous Jesuit college, university and high school boards and received several honorary degrees and other awards.
# Winter Convocation Frequently Asked Questions
Why haven’t I heard of the Winter Convocation before?
The Winter Convocation is a major new College event that is part of the Lilly Endowment grant. The grant seeks to help all at Holy Cross to pause and reflect on the acts and actions which shape a life’s work.
What is the Winter Convocation?
The Winter Convocation is a three and a half hour program of song, personal stories, readings, prayer, discussion and dinner around the question “How shall we find meaning in life and in history through our labor?” This question, which is central to Holy Cross’ Lilly Endowment grant, is also part of the College’s Mission Statement.
Who is invited to the Winter Convocation?
Everyone at Holy Cross is invited: students, staff, faculty, administrators. Invitations have also been sent to area alumni/ae, civic officials in the city of Worcester, and our neighbors on College Hill. The mix of people will provide a unique opportunity for conversation.
Will there be many talks at the Convocation?
Rev. Howard Gray, S.J., a prominent Jesuit currently at John Carroll University in Cleveland, will receive an honorary degree and give a 20 minute presentation on the Convocation question from the perspective of Jesuit spirituality. In addition, shorter reflections will be given by Katie O’Keefe, class of 2003; Mary Cerasuolo, secretary in the philosophy department; and Timothy P. Wickstrom ’80, a lawyer in Worcester. The majority of the Convocation is devoted to stimulating conversation among the participants in a pleasant environment.
If I’m not Catholic, will I feel excluded at the Convocation?
No! The entire Convocation, including the portion in the chapel, is planned as in inclusive College event. Music, prayers and readings will be drawn from a variety of religious and secular sources.
If I’m not a student or faculty member, will I feel out of place at the Convocation?
No. The focus of the Convocation is a topic that is basic to all of us: “How shall we find meaning in life and in history through our labor?” No particular academic background is necessary to understand the talk or reflections or to participate in the conversation.
Do I have to participate in the whole Convocation?
Yes. Because the Convocation is planned as an integrated event, participants are asked to be present for the whole program, beginning at 4:30 PM in the chapel and ending at 8:00 PM in Kimball.
Is there a fee for the Convocation?
No. Thanks to the generous grant from the Lilly Endowment, there is no fee for those who participate in the Convocation.
Is the convocation for me?
If finding meaning in your life’s work is important to you, then the convocation is for you!
# President’s Letter on Winter Convocation
To All Members of the Holy Cross Community:
On January 21, 2003, the College will hold a convocation which will explore the third of the four questions central to our College Mission Statement, “How shall we find meaning in history and in life?”
Two years ago Holy Cross received a generous grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. Our award-winning proposal stated that we would find novel ways to explore the nature of vocations today. This “Winter Convocation” is but one response to our promise. We hope that by looking at how we find meaning in life through our labor, both in our jobs and in our volunteer efforts, we can also find the strong links of community. This year, we will especially be guided by the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. whose work expanded the very nature of our American community.
The Lilly Committee will soon be sending invitations to all students, all employees, all faculty, officials from the City of Worcester and our college neighbors asking you to join in a special program at St. Joseph Memorial Chapel on January 21, beginning at 4:30 p.m. There will be sacred and secular music as well as a series of small talks on what work has meant to an alumnus who has chosen to work in Worcester, to a staff member, and to a student. The Reverend Howard Gray, now on the faculty of John Carroll University and a Jesuit priest who has often lectured on the Jesuit spiritual life, will serve as our keynote speaker. He will address the notion of finding meaning through work.
Those who accept the Lilly invitation will also commit to sharing dinner after the service. There, conversation should continue about what each person has discovered about purpose in their life’s work. Unfortunately, the Lilly banquet will only accommodate 800 people and so I encourage all to return their responses promptly, especially students who will soon be leaving for holidays. If, more than 800 people want to attend the whole evening (approximately 4:30-8:00 p.m.), names will be drawn. I strongly encourage your participation. Additionally, I ask faculty colleagues not only to consider attending but also encourage students, who will just be returning to campus, to begin the Spring Semester participating in this historic event.
Let me close by asking all of you to support this extraordinary undertaking for Holy Cross as it begins the year 2003. I look forward to this celebration of community.
Sincerely yours,
Michael C. McFarland, S.J.
President
