Q&A Interview with New Companion Maria, California Northern Chapter
Q&A Interview with New Companion Maria, California Northern Chapter
By Nicole Grace, Communications
This summer, I had the opportunity to sit down with Northern California-based Discerner, Maria, during her recent stay at Adelynrood. She stayed with us for 2 weeks as a Volunteer-in-training. It was a true delight to learn about her and check in with her about her experience as a new Discerner and soon-to-be-Companion. We talked family, spirituality, and her passion for walking the way of the cross, along with the women from the SCHC that she has encountered and deepened bonds with. Below is a recap of our time together.
Where are you from? Please share a little about your background.
Family upbringing
I am originally from Central California and grew up with six siblings- three sisters and three brothers. I was raised Roman Catholic. While in high school, I was surprised that my younger brothers were invited to assist with Mass in church, but I was unable to serve as I was a female. I didn’t understand why this was the case. When I spoke with the priest, I felt I was put in my place and not welcome as an acolyte or reader. It was sad to learn it was not an option for me because of my gender.
Education and Early Career
After high school, I attended UC Davis. I started my journey majoring in Math, but my Professor Krum, who oversaw the program, lived up to his namesake and was just “crummy.” He did not offer the support needed. I transferred to the Spanish and Linguistics program, as I thought about being a translator/interpreter. After graduation and graduate work in Translation & Interpretation, I worked as a translator and interpreter at an immigration laws firm in San Francisco.
In 1976, while living in Davis, CA, I learned about the Episcopal Church, as my roommate was Episcopalian. My first time entering the church, I felt welcomed immediately.
Starting a Family
My husband Tim also graduated from UC Davis, with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1981, Tim and I got married at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Davis. I was received into the Episcopal Church a couple of years later by Bishop William Swing. Tim and I have a son, Erik, who now lives in Seattle.
Shifting Professions
In 1983, I decided to shift my professional role and began taking business management courses. I worked with Children’s Home Society in San Francisco before moving to Davis, where I worked at a financial planning firm and earned my Certified Financial Planning certification. When Erik started kindergarten at the Davis Waldorf, I was drawn to the philosophy and decided to attend the 2-year Waldorf School Administration program and became the school administrator. I connected with the mission behind Waldorf education. I appreciated the idea of protecting the spirit of the child, and an education that is geared toward the development of the individual child. I also appreciated the spiritual component to the education that the teachers held the child in. They were not taught a specific religion per se, but they honored the spiritual part of the child.
In 2005, I became Office Manager for Mercy Housing, a national affordable housing organization that was founded 45 years ago by the Sisters of Mercy. The organization develops, owns and manages affordable housing for individuals on fixed income, and low- and no-income individuals and families. I still work at Mercy as the Operations Manager for the three California regional offices.
How did you hear about the Society? What made you want to explore the possibility of becoming a Discerner?
It Started with Coffee
Carolyn Chambers, a Companion, asked me to coffee. Before we met, another Companion, Katherine Graham, while working together on hospitality at St. Martin’s, introduced me at different times to the history and background of the Society. I learned that there were several other women at the church that were also involved with the SCHC. Katherine invited me to a Chapter meeting. I attended the Chapter meeting via zoom. I attended other Zoom meetings and quickly came to appreciate the focus on prayer and companionship.
Time for a Retreat
It wasn’t until the CA Northern Chapter and CA Southern Chapter held a joint retreat in Los Angeles that I had the opportunity to participate in person. Walking into the room for the first time at this retreat was quite the experience; I truly felt welcomed and accepted. It was as if I had known these women before. There was an instant connection. They were kind and loving and terrific the whole weekend. I knew then that these are the women that I want to walk with in my spiritual life.
In May of 2023, I officially became a Discerner.
What are some of the benefits you’re experiencing as a Discerner? What do you like about being a Discerner?
A Connected Community and Regular Prayer
The benefits I have realized are community, connection, and knowing that I am walking the Christian path with like-minded women.
I appreciate the daily Intercession Prayer and know the importance of a daily call to prayer in my life – quiet time, meditative time, inward time. I had lost this prior to discovering the SCHC. Many of the programs at my church community are offered during the day and because I work full- time, it is difficult to participate in those. I love the monthly IP and the Corporate devotions because they focus my prayer time. The habits formed impact my life in a positive way.
Knowing that these women are true companions on the walk means so much. We support and trust one another on our journeys.
I was admitted as a Companion in August.
What would you like to bring to the Society?
I wish to be as supportive to others as they have been to me — in prayer, love of Christ and of his people. Ministry is very important to me. In my church, I have participated in the Vestry, Altar Guild, am a Eucharistic minister and visitor, as well as Hospitality Chair, where I coordinate coffee hour and memorial receptions. I would like to bring some of these skills to the Society. Professionally, I oversee department budgets, supervise administrative staff, work with agency Boards, and support department chairs at the three regional offices. I am a Board member and Treasurer of Episcopal Community Services in the Diocese of Northern California.
Volunteering with the Society would be a ministry for me. I look forward to the possibilities and varied roles.
You are visiting Adelynrood for the second time! We are thrilled you’re here. What were your first impressions? How has your experience been this time as a Volunteer-in-training?
I came to Adelynrood for the first time in September of 2023 for the Spirituality in Knitting program. My Sponsors, Carla Harris and Katherine Graham, thought it would be wonderful for me to come here as a Discerner to experience Adelynrood, and I knew it would be important for me too. I think it is a positive thing for anyone who is a Discerner to visit Adelynrood in the summertime.
I remember walking by the oratory for the first time and just feeling the energy, the prayer that is imbued or infused in these rooms was something else. I felt such a strong connection, it gave me goosebumps, and I teared up. Being in this place is sacred and very joy filled.
Now, I am back as Volunteer-in-Training. I am here for two weeks and am learning much about the various ways that volunteers can contribute to keeping Adelynrood a special place. I may spend more time here next Summer!
What has been your favorite meal from our Chefs so far?
I had a short conversation with Adam, and I said, “Adam, this food is delicious, healthy AND you are spoiling me with dessert!” I am not used to dessert on a daily basis. I really cannot say enough about the meals at Adelynrood. They are all my favorite!
Do you have any advice for newer Discerners or for those who are considering becoming a Discerner?
I feel blessed that Carolyn and Katherine felt called to introduce me to the Companionship. I have met so many Companions, via Zoom and in-person, who have re-energized my prayer life, held me in prayer, uplifted my spirits, and will continue to share in my journey as I strive faithfully to walk the way of the cross. Thank you.
