New Students, Fall 2003

Medicine and ministry:
Patricia Neale

Patricia Neale was raised in a devout Roman Catholic environment in Baltimore, MD. In college she focused on biomedical engineering, which combined her love of science with the possibility of "helping others." She had developed a heart for service through both church and school. A move to the Midwest and marriage followed. "My husband and I were from different Christian backgrounds, so we sought a common church home that didn’t compromise our beliefs." That turned out to be Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN. She rejoiced seeing children have fun learning about Jesus through a midweek elementary program supported by senior high youth at the church. After her 4-year-old son, Andrew, was born, she felt "an awesome responsibility, not only to take care of him, but also to train him in the faith. Ever since his birth I have felt a much stronger need to be in daily service to God." In her most recent career, Patricia had been a manager and supervisor of more than 40 employees at the Mayo Clinic Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory. "Being an engineer at the Clinic has allowed me to develop critical thinking skills," she says. "Being in a supervisory position has taught me administrative competencies – both of which could be an asset to a church." She also has a passion for social justice and relishes service in shelters, soup kitchens and food pantries. Neale says she felt a "stirring of the Spirit" when she visited LTSP and was impressed with the seminary’s urban concentration, the Urban Theological Institute, an emphasis on chapel attendance and strong feeling of community. "I found in Mt. Airy a diverse, and urban, yet serene atmosphere in which to raise a family. I feel that God is setting straight my path and leading me to partake in the many opportunities that LTSP holds."