Dr. Kathleen Dolphin, PBVM, has been the Director of the Center since 2001. She is a member of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a religious congregation of women dedicated to works of education, hospitality, and advocacy for the poor, especially women and children.
Sr. Kathleen also teaches in the Religious Studies Department at Saint Mary's. Her area of research is the integration of theology and spirituality. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Chicago Divinity School and also holds three master's degrees.
Sr. Kathleen has lectured both locally, nationally, and internationally on various topics related to theology, spirituality, ethics, and ecclesiological issues.
The Center for Spirituality (CFS) is the place where the mission of Saint Mary's College can be advanced with particular attention to spirituality considered as both academic discipline and way of life. Founded in 1984, CFS was the first center of its kind established in the United States.
An emphasis on the multi-faceted nature of spirituality includes attending to the social dimensions of spirituality. Incorporating the voices of persons who are poor, oppressed or otherwise marginalized by society is a key component of the Center's mission. Thus, CFS works closely with other units of the College, co-sponsoring various programs and emphasizing that authentic spirituality culminates in work on behalf of justice and peace.
Further, CFS is in a unique position to address the broader issues of how faith and reason interact. For example, scholars from here and abroad convene in various formats to engage the community in discussion of critical issues related to spirituality. Other projects, such as the Catholic Common Ground Initiative, invite the college community to discuss issues of concern as they arise. CFS is a reminder to the Saint Mary's College community and others that the life of the mind and the life of the spirit are intimately connected and mutually enriching.
The Center is a unit in Saint Mary's Division for Mission and works closely with many other units and departments of the College community, addressing contemporary issues of mutual concern. As one of the three Centers of Distinction at Saint Mary's College, CFS partners with the Center for Academic Innovation and the Center for Women's Intercultural Leadership on various projects.
Director: Kathleen Dolphin, PBVM, kdolphin@saintmarys.edu
Associate Director: Michelle Egan, mlegan@saintmarys.edu
Administrative Assistant: Kathy Guthrie, kguthrie@saintmarys.edu
