Message from the new Together program liaison, Sister Ellen Dauwer, SC
Happy Fall!
The trees are beginning to change color, and the daylight decreases a bit each day. It tells us that the colorful season of autumn is upon us. While it connotes completion and the end of this year’s life cycle, there is also newness as we begin a new academic year. For me this conjures up childhood memories of new shoes, a new uniform (perhaps), and fresh notebooks and school supplies.
The Together community is a returning group this year, so no need for new student orientation. All know the ropes by this point! But last year’s group of four is now three so there is a bit of newness as dynamics shift as the community reforms.
And there are some new faces at CTU and with the Together program. In addition to new students, there is a new president, Fr. Enzo Del Brocco, CP, who was just installed last week. I look forward to connecting with him at some point in the semester. To read his opening message and learn about him, click here: ctu.edu/meet-the-president/
And I am happy to serve as the new coordinator of the Together program this year. By way of introduction, for those who might not know me, I am Ellen Dauwer, SC (a Sister of Charity of Saint Elizabeth.) My community is based in Convent Station, New Jersey, but I live in Chicago, a few blocks from CTU. Currently my ministry involves governance work for a few health systems, a university (and seminary), and an organization that serves religious life. I also do work in the area of sponsorship for the Catholic Health Association. Most recently I served as executive director of the Religious Formation Conference, serving two terms and finishing in December 2022. I actually wrote the grant for the initial funding for the Together program, so it is a full circle to return to formation ministry on a part-time basis with RFC and Together.
Many thanks to Chrissy Zaker who coordinated Together for the past two years. She will continue to serve as the academic advisor for the participants. We are most grateful for the foundation that she built on and shaped that leads to the current time.
On September 11, Chrissy and I both met with the community for prayer, sharing, and planning for the new academic year. After our work we enjoyed a delicious dinner out at a nearby Thai restaurant. I look forward to the upcoming dates that we set for the semester. Our first gathering will focus on the topic of intercongregational community. The following one will consist of an experience of visio divina.
View/download Fall 2025 Together newsletter (PDF)
For more information about the Together program, visit together-formation.com.