Jena Thurow-Mountin jlthurow@gmail.

com

Objective
Seeking an educational or ministerial position in which my gifts for creativity, catechesis, and community leadership
can be put to good use in the formation, education, and empowerment of youth and young adults.

Education
Master of Divinity Projected graduation: May 2019
Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary — Collegeville, MN

Clinical Pastoral Education, Unit I August 2018

The Village at Manor Park (VMP) — West Allis, WI

Bachelor of Arts in Theology May 2015

Minors: Psychology & Music
Marquette University — Milwaukee, WI

Work Experience
Program and Research Assistant, Collegeville Institute Communities of Calling Initiative August 2018 – Present
Collegeville, MN
• Contribute to research projects on vocation as well as creation and cultivation of online resources
• Assist with meeting preparation, administration, and hospitality for group retreats
• Develop marketing and social media strategies
• Occasional writing and editing for Bearings magazine

Freelance Writer, Liturgical Training Publications and U.S. Catholic Magazine August 2017 – Present
• Create catechetical resources for parishes, schools, and youth groups
• Contribute reflections on Sunday gospel readings and liturgical practice for Catholic teens
• Write faith-based articles including reviews and spirituality columns for online and print publication

Director of Social Outreach, Saint John’s University Campus Ministry August 2017 – May 2018
Collegeville, MN
• Led educational presentations and formation sessions for undergraduate student campus ministers
• Supervised a team of four undergraduate student workers in social justice initiatives
• Planned and coordinated regular service opportunities for undergraduates
• Provided pastoral care and mentorship to undergraduate students
• Managed budget for Social Outreach department

Graduate Assistant, Youth in Theology & Ministry (YTM) – Saint John’s SOT/Sem August 2016 – May 2017
Collegeville, MN
• Planned and assisted in leading college-aged counselor training sessions
• Created and coordinated Advent & Lenten reflection series, including editing and compiling weekly reflections
• Managed Lilly Youth Theology Network (LYTN) and YTM websites
• Assisted in coordination of LYTN national gatherings for directors and faculty
• Provided administrative support for programs, including: excel spreadsheets/SPSS data, graphic design, email
communication, fundraising efforts, etc.
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Volunteer Experience
Fellow, House of Brigid (Teach Bhríde) – University of Notre Dame August 2015 – April 2016
Wexford, Ireland
• Co-led the parish’s youth catechetical programs for First Holy Communion and Confirmation
• Trained volunteer catechists for weekly Confirmation formation program
• Prepared primary school students for active engagement in the Catholic faith
• Provided music for weekly liturgies at Clonard Parish of the Annunciation

Student Leadership
Student Government President, Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary August 2017 – May 2018
• Oversaw team of ten representatives and two standing committees
• Facilitated monthly meetings concerning the pastoral needs of the graduate student body
• Communicated with Events and Liturgy committees about inclusivity concerns and meeting student needs

Faculty – Student Liaison, Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary August 2017 – May 2018
• Collaborated with faculty to address academic, emotional, and spiritual needs of students
• Reviewed degree requirements and assessed faculty support for student learning

Board of Regents Student Representative, Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary August 2017 – May 2018
• Worked with the Board on long-term planning for graduate school operations
• Served as student ambassador and representative at all meetings

Publications
Contributing Author, The Living Word 2019-2020 (Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 2018).
Guided reflections, questions, and activities for catechetical use with teens for each Sunday Gospel reading.

“To pray, just sing,” published in the July 2018 issue of U.S. Catholic magazine and on U.S. Catholic online.

Contributing Author, God’s Word, Your World! 2017-2018 (Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications, 2017).
Reflections on the Sunday liturgical readings to share with Catholic teens.

Public Presentations & Homilies

“Supporting the Domestic Church: A Healthy and Just Sexual Formation.” Saint John’s Faith & Justice Conference,
April 20, 2018.

“Called to Resist Polarization.” Saint John’s SOT/Seminary Midday Prayer, February 22, 2018.

“Living Lent: Lenten Practices & Social Justice.” Saint John’s University Campus Ministry All-Staff, March 18, 2018.

“Reflection on the World Day of the Poor.” Saint John’s University Student Mass, November 19, 2017.

“Grief and Loss in Emerging Adulthood.” Saint John’s SOT/Seminary Lunchtime Conversations, November 15, 2017.

“Gifts and Charisms for Ministry.” Saint John’s University Campus Ministry All-Staff Meeting, October 8, 2017.

“Sirach and Charlottesville.” Saint John’s SOT/Seminary Midday Prayer, September 7, 2017.

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