Keynote Speaker: Dr. C. Vanessa White

Assistant Professor of Spirituality and Ministry
Director of the Augustus Tolton Pastoral Ministry Program
M.T.S., D.Min. Catholic Theological Union

Throughout her ministry and study, C. Vanessa White has had a passionate interest in spirituality and ministry formation. As a formation and retreat minister, catechist, lay missionary director, pastoral minister, and educator, she has been intent on journeying with those who are seeking a greater understanding of God's will in their lives. She has over twenty-five years of experience in ministry and spiritual formation with lay and religious communities.

A professed Secular Franciscan with the Sacred Heart Province, she is currently the Convener for the Black Catholic Theological Symposium (BCTS), an interdisciplinary theological association of Black Roman Catholic scholars. She has professional memberships in the Society for the Study of Christian Spirituality, Catholic Theological Society of America, The American Academy of Religion, The National Consortium of Black Women in Ministry, and the National Association of Lay Ministry. She is consultant/advisor for the newly formed USCCB Subcommittee on Certification for Ecclesial Ministry and Service, which approves the standards for ministry for associations certifying Lay Ecclesial Ministers. She is also currently on the Board of Trustees of Divine Word College.

She was appointed by his Eminence Cardinal Francis George to the newly formed Tolton Guild which promotes the cause of canonization of Fr. Augustus Tolton through educational and spiritual events and forums. As a member of the Tolton Guild she works closely with Bishop Joseph Perry, postulator for the cause, to provide pilgrimage experiences for the faithful to sites important to the life and ministry of Fr. Augustus Tolton.

Her publications include the co-edited book Songs of the Heart and Meditations of the Soul – a book of prayers published by St. Anthony Messenger Press (with Cecilia Moore and Paul Marshall, SM) and Liturgy and Justice (contributing author –“Liturgy as Liberating Force) published by Liturgical Press. She is also a regular contributing author for the daily prayer/worship aid, GIVE US THIS DAY, published by Liturgical Press. She has articles and book reviews various publications including the National Religious Vocation Conference journal, Horizons, New Theology Review, St. Anthony Messenger Press, Horizons, The Journal of the College Theological Society and U.S. Catholic Magazine. She was invited to contribute to the CNN series, Black in America. Her essay on Black Catholics, “Authentically Black and Truly Catholic,” can be viewed on CNN.com.

Vanessa White’s CV and information can be found at http://www.ctu.edu/academics/c-vanessa-white and other info at http://www.ctu.edu/story/article/dr-c-vanessa-white-named-consultant-usccb-subcommittee