Staff: Claire Erlenborn
Claire Erlenborn
she/her
Campus Minister for Pastoral Care
Educational Background:
B.A. English & Applied Psychology - Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
M.A. Theology - Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
M.S.W. - Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
Past Work/Service Experience:
My social work internships were very important experiences that helped me determine what I wanted to do for the long term. I interned at Northeastern University’s Office of Prevention and Education, working with students affected by gender-based violence and offering drug and alcohol counseling. I also served as a Case Manager with young adults experiencing homelessness at Bridge Over Troubled Waters in Boston, MA
After undergrad I did a year of service with the Augustinian Volunteers and worked as an Assistant Campus Minister at Villanova Preparatory High School in Ojai, CA
During undergrad I participated in two immersion experiences over spring break, one to Wheeling, WV and the other to Baton Rouge, LA. I’m still very grateful for the welcome I received from those communities and all they taught me about the justice issues their community was confronting.
Where are you from?
I grew up in the Chicago suburbs and spent 7 years living out in Boston for undergrad and grad school.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to read! Last year I read 52 books, I’m a big fan of the Libby app. Since moving back to Chicago I’ve been rock climbing a lot. I love the social atmosphere and all the puzzles that you have to solve when bouldering. When the weather is nice, I love swimming in Lake Michigan or travelling to a good hiking spot. My partner and I recently got a sourdough starter and are trying our hand at bread baking (wish us luck!)
How does your role at Loyola connect with Community Service & Action?
In my current role as Campus Minister, I work closely with the Retreats program. This year we are launching the first Ignite Justice Retreat. This is a retreat designed for students who are activists, advocates, and allies in the many dimensions of justice work. The retreat aims to gather these student justice workers together for a weekend of community building, reflection, rest, and hope. One of the things I’ve noticed in my own justice work is how easy it is to burn out or lose hope. I’m very excited for this retreat to give students time to rest and to plan how they want to sustain their justice work beyond college. CSA does such a good job connecting students with the greater Chicago community and service opportunities throughout and my hope is that retreats will give students more time to reflect on these experiences and to learn from those involved in other service and justice work.
For a year and a half, I ran Labre, Campus Ministry’s Homeless Outreach Program. One of my favorite parts about Labre is that it is a service opportunity that centers the humanity of each person we encounter and focuses on relationship building rather than helping. Each Labre ends with an hour of reflection where we process the evening and learn about justice issues so that we can better take actions in the future. This is an opportunity I would recommend to anyone at Loyola, especially those involved with CSA.
Why do you support Loyola in its community engagement work?
When I have my social worker hat on, my favorite piece of advice is “we heal in community.” I believe that humanity is meant to be in community, and when we are more connected to those who live and work around us, we are healthier and happier, and the community is healthier and happier. I also think that each of us who lives in a community has a duty to use our gifts to add to the community- we can’t just take and take without thinking about how we can give back.
What is your favorite place on campus?
The spot outside Madonna that echoes when you speak into it.
What advice would you give to a student looking to get involved?
Invite a friend or classmate to come with you! Whether it’s going to the Soup Kitchen, trying out a new club, or going to a DOP event, it’s less scary when you have someone with you and you have an accountability buddy to help you actually show up.