LTSP

New Students, Fall 2001

To Whom Much is Given, Much is Expected

These words from Judith Sullivan's mother were a frequent reminder of faith throughout Judy's childhood and adolescence. "Both of my parents instilled in me a strong sense of service. The childhood sense of expectation to please God has matured into a deep and joyful desire to follow where God leads me," Judy says. The daughter of a devout Roman Catholic family, Judy was influenced at a private school in her teen years by an inspirational order of Catholic nuns who were social justice advocates. Yet, in her intensely complicated relationship with the church of the time she came to realize "that there was little opportunity for women, lay or religious, to assume leadership roles in the Catholic Church." She subsequently turned to the Episcopal Church. Her interest in public policy led her to assume leadership in an unsuccessful but close political campaign on behalf of U.S. Senate candidate Lynne Yeakel. Then she became Associate Director of Philadelphia Futures, a mentoring program she helped to replicate in 16 cities throughout the U.S. Subsequently, she led Summerbridge, an intensive academic enrichment program which prepares public school students for rigorous college preparatory programs in high school. The experience affirmed her understanding of God's call. "The first time I saw a woman celebrate the Eucharist in the Episcopal Church I was overcome with joy, and I knew instantly and deeply that this is where God was leading me," she says. "Providing the sustaining Bread of Life and Cup of Salvation to the faithful, leading them to worship of our loving God and loving and serving them are the most compelling, humbling aspects of priesthood for me." She said that in her early weeks at LTSP "I have been so excited by the prospect of freely exchanging ideas about theology and by the promise of intellectual rigor in a faithful loving community. I feel particularly blessed that the Seminary is in Philadelphia, my home."