St. Norbert Times

Issue date: 3/9/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Lauren Lathers [Click to enlarge]

Sr. Sally Ann Brickner is leaving her role as director of the Peace and Justice Center after being elected to serve as the first vice president of her religious community, the Sisters of St. Francis of the Holy Cross.

Brickner will remain on the faculty of St. Norbert College, teaching one class each semester.

"I am humbled to be chosen as part of the leadership team," said Brickner, who has previously served her community in leadership roles.

"Our community leadership serves the sisters within the community as facilitators of their life and ministry, primarily by meeting with them, especially if they are in ill health, and by supporting them in their ministry in schools, hospitals, and parishes," Brickner explained.

At the all-community chapter meeting in June, the community will decide what direction it wishes to take in its ministry and work.

Brickner hopes that the community decides to take a greater measure of concern about environmental issues and environmental sustainability.

"We are Fransiscan sisters, and St. Francis had a great love of nature," said Brickner.

While Brickner is enthusiastic about her new opportunity, she said, "I will miss working here [at the Peace and Justice Center]."

She hopes she can continue to "stay aware and connected" by partnering with the PJC while teaching.

"My best experience has been working with our interns and with Patti Cole [administrative assistant of the PJC] and with our wonderful advisory committee to provide different kinds of programming to raise consciousness within the college community on Catholic social teaching," said Brickner.

Brickner added that seeing students take initiative, such as the 75 students in attendance at the most recent Pizza with a Purpose event on February 26, is "inspirational" and that working with students has been "very, very energizing."

"It has been a great joy to partner with different groups on campus, such as the Women's Center, the Rainbow Alliance, and the Multicultural Student Association," Brickner said.

The search for a new director has already begun.

"Fr. Jay [Fostner, vice president for Mission and Heritage] has prepared a position description and the search committee is in place," said Brickner.

The announcement will go out to various organizations nationwide, including the Peace and Justice Studies Association.

Brickner believes that the new director should be "very committed to the gospel and to the teachings and long tradition in social justice ministry of the Roman Catholic Church, gifted with an ability to inspire young people."

She added that whoever is offered the position "needs energy to be able to do the work."

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