Juana Mendez, SC, ’99 had been a devoted wife and mother when she joined the Sisters of Charity and began taking classes at the Mount. She was simply interested in religious studies and envisioned working in a parish. “I just wanted to help people,” states Sister Juana when reflecting on the choice of religious studies. “Being a Sister of Charity helped make the decision pretty easy.”

           

In 1999, Sister Juana graduated with a bachelor’s degree in religious studies and joined the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, Ky., helping with a Spanish Mass. The popularity of the Mass (and of Sister Juana) grew so quickly with the Hispanic population that the Cristo Rey Parish was established in Northern Kentucky in 2003 with Sister Juana as the pastoral associate.

           

Today Sister Juana organizes Mass, Bible study, ESL classes, and health fairs for the Hispanic population of Northern Kentucky, but spends most of her time as an immigration advocate. Because of Sister Juana’s Hispanic heritage and ministry background, people turn to her for guidance and representation in the legal system.

She firmly believes that her years at the Mount led her to this influential work. She uses theological reflections in her Bible study similar to the reflections taught by John Trokan, D.Min., Professor and department chair, during her undergraduate classes. She frequently references counseling classes taught by Professor Alan deCourcy, D.Min., when her parishioners solicit marriage advice. Sister Juana never could have imagined her career today, but she’ll never forget that it stemmed from her foundation in religious studies.

 

Kurtis Smith ’06 wanted to be a police officer from the time he was a young boy and couldn’t imagine any other career. However, it was a stint as a substitute religion teacher that redirected his focus from protecting his community to teaching his community. 

He earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in criminal justice from the Mount in just three years. Through the master’s in pastoral counseling program, Kurtis found the ability to connect with himself and his peers on a spiritual level.

           

“It made me a better person, teacher and husband. I can answer the question ‘who am I’ and still be conscious of others,” reflects Kurtis. Kurtis became certified to teach religion through the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. He now teaches seventh grade at The Summit Country Day School, Cincinnati, as well as coaches cross country and basketball. Just as the time spent in religious studies allowed him to find his passion, he prays that he, too, can influence the lives of his students.

Not quite ready to say her career has changed,

 

Julie Borgerding ’08 is certain her educational path took a major turn after studying for two years at the University of Cincinnati. As a young girl, Julie sat in the choir area and watched the music director play the piano during Mass – her dream job. However, she entered pre-pharmacy at UC and then spent her freshman and sophomore years struggling to focus on classes while her heart was set on music and ministry.

           

The music program at the Mount originally attracted Julie, but the degree in religious studies convinced her to leave UC and study here. She’ll earn her degree this spring with a minor in music. Her dream job is becoming a reality as she’ll continue to play the piano at St. Vivian’s Church, Cincinnati, and hopefully move into a director of music position in a Catholic church.

           

“I had the career idea first, to be a music director, but the Mount made it happen,” states Julie. She believes that her education deepened her own faith and has heightened her respect of others and other religions. Faith and music is part of her chemistry, and by earning her degree, she is honoring that calling.