Update from Alyse Viggiano - Seeing Pink

I am seeing pink. Beginning in January, I launched a coffee shop on campus, which we decided to name The Flamingo (hence the pink). The purpose of the coffee shop isn’t only to serve good coffee, but to provide a space for students to engage with each other outside the classroom. This intentional space is vital in order to build relationships with students on and off campus as well as staff and faculty. The location, the coffee, the baked goods, and the intention to develop a space that is open to all has effected the campus in a positive way.

This venture took a village, but I have to especially thank the Entrepreneurship Committee at St. John the Divine in Houston, Texas. It was through their scholarship that we were able to purchase espresso equipment and coffee. Not only was I awarded monetarily, but also with a trip to visit the parish to meet the committee. It was a packed, practical, and informative visit. I had the opportunity to learn from the life experiences of the committee members, as well as the opportunity to preach during their contemporary worship service.

This semester was a continuation of many courses from the fall semester, but I have particularly enjoyed and learned a lot from my field education site, Christ Church in Georgetown. Every Sunday I serve in the parish doing a range of activities. I have worked with the youth as substitute Sunday school teacher, preached, and observed different styles of services. I have a lay committee, which gives me constructive criticism in regards to reading, sermons, and pastoral care. My supervisor The Rev. Kristen Hawley is a phenomenal and strong leader. Over the course of the year we have had discussions on anything from development of leadership skills to the best place to get hummus in Georgetown. I am so blessed to have her as resource during my time at VTS and as a mentor for life.

School is coming to a close, but the learning doesn’t stop for the summer. I will be in a clinical pastoral education program in Washington DC. The program is a hands on experience of hospital chaplaincy paired with classroom time to learn theory and best practices.

St. Paul’s is always on my heart and in my prayers. Thank you for the support, guidance, and prayers as I continue through school and through the next steps in the process of ordination to the priesthood.