Formal Plea
Since graduating from Franciscan University of Steubenville in May 2004, where I earned a BA in English with a Concentration in Drama, I’ve been living, and pursuing a career in theatre, in New York City. Last summer I had the opportunity to attend an intensive training session at The Circle in the Square Theatre School, and to say that I learned a lot about myself, and my craft, would be an understatement. From there I was privileged to be a part of the Cathedral of St. Patrick’s choir, and I continue to be involved with various art events and theatrical productions.Coming to the city, I was rather anxious about how my formation and beliefs as a Catholic, and a theatre artist would mingle with such a secular community. My anxieties were relieved when I was introduced to a community of individuals in the area that shared my faith. I began attending regular prayer meetings with members of the Emmanuel Community, and through them found myself with a network of like-minded individuals.
It was through the Emmanuel Community that I ended up spending this past Easter on retreat in Rome, in addition to participating in the funeral Mass for Pope John Paul II. One of my friends from college, who was attending the Emmanuel School of Missions there, invited another friend of ours and me to spend Easter with her. The ESM, which is under the patronage of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, has a one-year program of study, which forms young men and women, from all over the world, to carry out the call by Pope John Paul II, to participate in the “New Evangelization”. Through study and practice of the Faith, focusing on praise, adoration, and evangelization, the students are prepared to return to their home countries with the zeal and formation they need to be stewards of the Faith, in their home, work, and social lives.
While there I had the profound sense that God was calling me to serve Him more deeply, using my talents as an artist to evangelize through theatre. I was able to sing at the Holy Week services, and I made some great contacts for future theatrical endeavors. Through constant prayer, this call to evangelize had even gone so far as to instill in me a passionate desire to develop a school similar to the ESM, in the United States, integrating the Faith discipline with formation as an artist.
After speaking with the leaders of the school, friends, and family I have discerned that it would be very fruitful for me to spend this next year at the ESM, to form myself spiritually, and get first-hand knowledge of how a school of this nature is run. I applied and was accepted for the 2005-2006 program, beginning October 1st.
This is where you come in. I cannot do this without the prayerful and loving support of my friends and family, some of whom I may not see or even speak to for several months. I am also in need of financial assistance. I know it is hard for many of us to survive financially during these times, but if it is at all possible for you to sponsor me in this mission with a donation of some money, I would very much appreciate it.
To attend the Emmanuel School of Missions in Rome, I need finances for tuition, travel, and living expenses. If you are able to help in any way, or if you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me through the information provided above. Information about the Emmanuel School of Missions can be found on their website at: www.esm-rome.com . The Emmanuel Community does accept tax deductible donations for students attending the ESM, and information for that will be updated here, shortly.
Please know that I will be keeping all of you in my prayers while I am there, and we will most certainly be united to Christ though the Eucharist!
Love,
Michelle
posted by Mish @ 16:04
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