Wading in Troubled Waters with Confidence and Compassion: A Grad Student’s Journey

In her ministry work Erin Kinsella is often called to answer many of the hot-button questions that face the Church and society. She has appeared in the media speaking on behalf of the Church. As a university campus minister, she regularly discusses difficult topics in a frank and loving manner with students.

It can be challenging, but she credits the knowledge she obtained at St. Augustine’s working on her Master of Theological Studies Degree in helping her wade into hot-topic discussions with poise and compassion.

“There’s something very empowering about having a more in-depth knowledge about the faith and the Church that gives you the confidence to even talk about hard things,” she says. “You can wade into very difficult situations because you are able to stand on newly discovered solid ground that you didn’t realize was there before. When people are asking tough questions, those conversations must be authentic. It takes a lot of humility to do that. I’ve had to grow a lot in my humility.”

She says she learned a great deal about leadership, humility and spirituality by way of example from every one of her professors.

 “One of the things that struck me when I first started at St. Augustine’s was the integration of faith and knowledge,” she says. “The leadership from the professors was so grounded in humility and personal. They understand that leadership involves comprehensive formation of the whole human person, and that this needs to be personal. It’s not just about filling brains with knowledge. It’s about caring in a holistic way for people.”

 “The same would apply to my pastoral and spiritual growth,” she continues. “A lot was due to their example. Even in something very simple like opening each class with prayer. I did not have a single class at St. Augustine’s that did not open in prayer.”

 Kinsella is working on her thesis and is set to graduate this fall.

 “All of the classes, because there is such a link between knowledge and growth and relationship with God and pastoral application, had an impact on my profession – my work in campus ministry and wider service in the Church… whether that’s giving talks, being part of a panel, speaking with individuals.”