By: Savannah Halle
Betsy Finger, a second-year psychology major, has taken on the role of vice president of Chiara. For those who are unfamiliar with Chiara, it is St. Norbert College’s Catholic women’s group on campus, dedicated to “fostering community and walking with each other towards heaven”, as Finger describes. Also offering a bit of history on the group, she notes that the group is named after “Blessed Chiara Badano”, an Italian woman who died at the young age of eighteen due to bone cancer. Blessed Chiara Badano was known for her redemptive suffering, which is essentially where you offer your suffering to God. She had known about it prior to attending SNC, as she had worked with previous E-Board members at a summer camp, where they spoke of the impact it had on their lives, which is when she knew it was something she wanted to be a part of.
As the current vice president, Finger assists the president in her duties, supports the retention and recruitment of members, and also sustains communications with the past alumni. She argues the largest challenge she faces is planning events, as it comes with the natural worry of making sure to plan things that the members are going to enjoy. The group meets every week from 8:15 to 9:15 on Thursday nights. They start all of their meetings with ice-breakers and a prayer, then typically move into conversations or presentations of faith to grow together as a community! Throughout the semester, this group also participates in different activities that consist of faith, craft, service, and even social events! Most often, for their social events, you will find them collaborating with St. Norbert’s Catholic group for men, Frassati. When they combine, they spend their time playing sand volleyball, bowling, going ice skating, or hosting their Halloween party. For everyone involved, there is value in both the isolated Chiara meetings and their socials. For Chiara, it is an opportunity to foster a sisterhood. During their social events, they are able to grow and create friendships with their brothers in Christ.
Finger states that this group means the absolute world to her, as it has simultaneously deepened her love for both God and for all those around her. She notes that the woman they are named after, Blessed Chiara, was also known for repeatedly saying “I can always love”, which is something that Finger has found herself to live by. Additionally, she has learned that the Christ-centered friendships she has found are some of the “most valuable friendships you can have.” The members support each other and their faith journeys in such a beautiful way, and she adores knowing that she has people she can lean on and equally support right back.
The Honors Program has aided Finger in growing her confidence to be able to get involved and hold the position that she does. She states that between the Honors welcome and taking the Life at SNC class during her first semester, she became comfortable with the idea of getting involved in leadership teams. For anyone looking for a community on campus or to grow their faith, Finger invites any student to consider joining Chiara! Furthermore, they have an event on April 9th from 8:15-9:15 pm, where our very own Dr. Laurie Joyner will be speaking on her faith journey, and all students are encouraged to attend! It will be located on the top floor of the Campus Ministry.
