A Seed of Desire Blossomed into Beautiful Knowledge
Susan Jorgensen M'90
A deeply caring person, Susan Jorgensen followed her heart to an undergraduate degree in Social Work. Yet it was a master's degree in Pastoral Ministry that brought Susan to full flower ... guiding others to spiritual fulfillment.
Q. How did you come to Saint Joseph College?
A. I was well into adult life with three children when I decided to return to college. Saint Joseph College offered a degree program in the summers. That was part of it. My prayer life led me to pursue the spiritual and I knew that Saint Joseph College was well respected in this area.
Q. How did Saint Joseph College influence you?
A. I can't say enough good things about the Saint Joseph College experience. The studies and support were amazing, and the people were enormously encouraging. My professors mentored me in ways I could not imagine, and all this changed the course of my life.
Q. What's an unexpected result of your schooling?
A. Today, I'm an award-winning published author. And this is truly unexpected. A presentation I made on the Eucharist was so well-received by classmates and faculty that I knew I had something. I have since published several books and was the founding editor of an international journal on spiritual direction; Presence.
Q. What is a Spiritual Director?
A. Spiritual Directors are the best kept secret in spirituality. It's a global ministry that serves people of all faiths and walks of life. Spiritual Directors work one-on-one with people, helping them nurture their relationships with God.
Q. Why do people work with Spiritual Directors?
A. There is nothing in this world not kissed by the Divine. My task is to help people tease out this spirituality in their own lives. Some might like to talk about joys in their lives; others might talk about pain and sorrows. It's a process of self-discovery and an examination of who God is for that person. People find this a source of healing and life enrichment.
"Saint Joseph College changed the course of my life. I entered with a tiny seed of desire to minister to others and I came away truly knowing God."
Q. What was the most satisfying part of your Saint Joseph College experience?
A. Going back to school was a huge investment for me. I trusted Saint Joseph College to give me support and direction, and I received more than I could ever imagine. The divine providence of God has smiled on me in so many ways since.
