Dr. Katherine Gardner Presents First in Women’s “Dorm Talk” Series for 2016-17

Last Wednesday evening the women of St. Bernard Hall came together for a talk led by a tutor at the College, Dr. Katherine Gardner. The gathering marked the first in this year’s “Dorm Talk Series,” organized by the College’s resident assistant, Sarah Dufresne (’14).

In her informal presentation Dr. Gardner, who for 19 months discerned a religious vocation with the Dominican Sisters of the Congregation of Saint Cecilia, discussed the process of discerning God’s will in one’s life. The road that God places before us can sometimes have unexpected twists and turns, Dr. Gardner warned, but these surprises often lead the way to unforeseen blessings.

“The intention behind the Dorm Talk Series is to provide a venue for the girls on campus to delve into the spiritual life as it pertains to women in particular, to encourage and nurture growth of the heart and mind, and to foster sisterly community outside of the classroom,” says Miss Dufresne. The Dorm Talk Series features female tutors, tutors’ wives, and other women in the Thomas Aquinas community.

“The men of the College are blessed to have priests living in their residence halls, which lends itself to all kinds of meaningful discussions,” says Miss Dufresne. “So I thought and prayed about how we could do more to form the hearts of the girls here, and this came to me. Being in the presence of female tutors and staff is an encouragement to the girls, as they have an opportunity to be around good and holy women.”

The informal talks, which usually take place at 7:00 p.m. on weeknights, consist of refreshments, a 45-minute presentation, and a question-and-answer session that has, on occasion, run well into the night. “I think there is something to be said for having the speakers come and enter into the residence hall, which is the girls’ home away from home,” says Miss Dufresne. “We make use of the common room, and we gather around the fireplace, our home and hearth. It’s different, more intimate than a coffee-shop talk or a Commons lecture.”