Marquette Global - Internal Newsletter

CONTENTS

Study Abroad Fair Today!
Dr. Mark Dybul as keynote speaker on Thursday's Mission Week Event
U.S. Department of State on target to send 100,000 Americans to study in China by 2014
Jesuit Commons addresses the importance of thinking critically
Events
Scholarships and Conferences

PROFILE: KATIE COLDWELL

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Even though Katie Coldwell is the youngest missioner to join Maryknoll Lay Missioners, the work she has completed would make it seem she has been living in service for years. From advocating for women at a public forum, pulling a prisoner out of sobs with a quiet prayer and gentle embrace, Coldwell's service work is nothing short of inspiring.

Coldwell graduated from Marquette in 2009. At Marquette, she double majored in Social Welfare & Justice and Theology. During her time as an undergrad, Coldwell formed a wonderful network of friends who have gone on to be a part of and even create nonprofits across the country. “I am incredibly proud to be part of Marquette's Class of 2009, and an outstanding group of leaders, who never cease to inspire me,” said Coldwell. She also participated in Marquette’s Center for Peacemaking as an intern. There she was able to tie together Marquette's Catholic mission with social justice issues. “For me, the Catholic Worker Community became my church: living out gospel values in a very practical, yet profound way,” said Coldwell.

After graduating in 2009, Coldwell put her majors to use and worked as a Case Manager at the Milwaukee Center for Independence which provides day services for cognitively and physically disabled through comprehensive assessment/ planning based on needs. Shortly after, she felt a calling to join the Maryknoll Lay Missioners group. She felt that by living simply in service, she could continue to grow in her spirituality and service work. “We encounter God in every human being, and show dignity and love to all by living a simple communal lifestyle and providing hospitality to those in need,” said Coldwell.

Coldwell joined the Maryknoll Lay Missioners organization in 2010. She works with youth in Sao Paulo, Brazil at the Association Maria Helen Drexel. The organization welcomes children and adolescents at personal and social risk, and aims to protect, promote and guarantee their full rights and their reintegration into family and community. “The more time I spend "in mission" the more I have come to value the little victories in life,” said Coldwell. “In the beginning of my time in Brazil, a defining moment would have been getting through a trip to the grocery store without having to open my dictionary--the simplest tasks became my greatest obstacles, but also my wildest adventures.”

Coldwell enjoys living in Brazil and continues to find her calling through the service work she is completing.

“I am never prepared for the day's challenges, and you know what? I never will be. God, however, is always prepared. And it is these moments when I am paralyzed in fear and forced to rely on God that change me, allow me to grow,” said Coldwell. “For me, everyday is filled with defining moments, as I am given opportunities to trust God and grow into woman God dreams me to be.”