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Marywood director draws from center's history to form a fresh vision

Sue Torgersen, CSJ

Sue Torgersen, Sister of St. Joseph (CSJ), assumed the director position at Marywood Spirituality Center on Aug. 14. Since arriving at Marywood, Sister Sue has been steeped in the operational requirements of the center. Infrastructure issues such as hiring new staff, updating the telecommunications systems and considering the future of Lost Brook (the only cabin that is not winterized) have been Sister Sue’s primary focus.

She reminds herself that it is equally important to be steeped in the surrounding beauty. Speaking of the need to think beyond her ‘to-do’ list, she recalls walking from her car to the office citing a list of daily goals when she realized, “Oh yeah–I’m in a beautiful place.” Recognizing that the director’s focus could influence how others relate to the center, she says, “It is not hard to cultivate a love for the beauty, but it is challenging to cultivate taking time for the love of this beauty. It takes discipline and determination to keep the pressures of work from obscuring my ability to appreciate the beauty of a place as wonderful as Marywood.”

At the same time, Sister Sue is building relationships with Marywood staff and beginning to consider the future. A goal that recently emerged from a staff meeting was to set aside time with outside facilitation to “develop a new vision for the new times in which we find ourselves.” She explains, “We really do need to take a long look at what we dream for Marywood as an embodiment of FSPA mission, and how we will work together to accomplish our dreams.

In addition to her administrative role, Sister Sue feels she needs to cultivate relationships within the center and the community at large. As a beginning, she has joined the Superior Diocese Vocations Committee. Eventually she hopes to provide vocation theme retreats for young people in the diocese and looks forward to developing other new programs.

Prior to accepting the Marywood position, Sister Sue served as director of faith formation at a Waconia, Minn., parish. From 1994 to 2003 she served as associate vocation director and director of clergy continuing education for the Diocese of New Ulm, and in 2004 as its director of youth ministry. Since 1967 she has served in vocations ministry and youth ministry at dioceses in Illinois and Wyoming, and has also taught elementary school children.

Sister Sue supports the spirit of collaboration that has developed between Marywood and the Superior Diocese. She says, “Marywood and the diocese have the same desire to assist and support the faith growth of the people we serve.”

Sister Sue entered her CSJ congregation, located in La Grange, Ill., in 1962. Her education includes a bachelor’s degree in economics and sociology with master’s degrees in outdoor teacher education and pastoral studies. She also holds a certificate of advanced studies in youth ministry.

Outdoor activities figure prominently in her personal life. She says that in a good year she rides 1500 to 2000 miles on her bike. She also enjoys cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Spending time with friends also ranks high on her list of interests, as do sewing and knitting.

As the first director of Marywood who is not a member of the FSPA Sister Sue looks forward to working “in this mutually enriching environment.” She adds, “I want to honor the work of those who have ministered here in the past and the foundation they have given to Marywood. We have much to appreciate and learn from our predecessors as we seek to discover how the Spirit is leading us to develop the future of Marywood.”

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