BUILDING A CARING COMMUNITY

Growing up, I always knew to respect my great aunt Sr. Deotilla who was a Franciscan Sister from Dubuque, Iowa. My young thoughts of her were of how athletic she was and how she liked to pray the rosary. I have been blessed with some of her prayer books and reflections of her commitment to God and the Franciscan way of life. My older self sees her vision through her writings and her dedication to the Holy Trinity. Sr. Deotilla was a devoted individual who put others before herself and believed in the power of prayer.

As I work at Briar Cliff University, I reflect on the Franciscan Value of “Building a Caring Community”. This Value has been dear to my heart from the very beginning of my social work career at Briar Cliff. A sign of a caring community is when each person feels valued and respected.

Because of this Value, I try to be someone who values all life, and provides dignified care and leadership. I was told by a wise person to pray for the people who challenge you. This is what we ask every time we pray the Our Father. This aspect of building a caring community is believed to offer calmness and helps us to be forgiving as Christ taught.

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be Thy name;
Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom,
and the power,

and the glory are Yours;
now and forever. Amen.

Melanie Berte-Hickey LMSW, CSW, MPS

Associate Professor of Social Work & Director of Mission and Catholic Integration

Briar Cliff University

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