Greetings from the new Episcopal Chaplain

Greetings from MIT! I am still getting used to saying that. As a human development and performance studies major, I can honestly say that it is not a phrase I ever expected to utter. And yet, since I arrived in August, this beautiful place has come to feel more and more like “home” for me and my family.

The students have been so welcoming and have approached me with open arms and hearts. For that I am deeply grateful. In spite of my recent arrival, there are a few things I have already figured out about this place and about these inspiring and gifted children of God. Here’s what I know:

• The students of LEM are committed to discerning and participating in God’s mission on this campus, and on this planet. They care deeply for the earth, for the MIT community and for one another.
• These students have a deep sense of the responsibility that comes with their intellectual gifts.
• The students of LEM are not interested in a shallow faith. They dig in to the meat of their faith, even when moving forward with integrity may require that they leave previous ways of thinking or being behind.
• The students of LEM are passionate about their common worship life, repeatedly reaching beyond their liturgical comfort zones, to pray, read, chant, lead paperless music and create liturgies.

That’s what I know. And in light of this knowledge my heart and head are zinging with anticipation for all the joyous adventures that lie ahead.

• I look forward to imagining with them how their gifts will be deployed in the service of God’s dream.
• I look forward to being with them as they come to hear Jesus calling them into an even deeper love for one another and for the earth.
• I look forward to witnessing the Spirit moving in and through them, stirring their heart and bodies for mission.
• I look forward to coming before the Holy with them in worship and study, to being present as God’s love leads and transform them. And I look forward to supporting them with all my might, offering my tools, arms and experiences to them as they take risks in ministry. I look forward to loving them, and to being changed by their love for me and for my family.

The Rev Janie Donohue,
Episcopal Chaplain