Spring 2021 Chaplain Interview Series: Catholic Chaplain Lynn Cooper

Summary

In this Tufts University interview, Catholic Chaplain Lynn Cooper shares her journey from undergraduate to chaplaincy, highlighting her passion for religious studies and community care. She discusses the essence of pastoral care as accompaniment and deep listening, addressing a spectrum of student concerns from personal to spiritual. Cooper also reflects on the impact of COVID-19 on religious practices, emphasizing the need for a reimagined sacramental experience and the power of communal solidarity. Her belief in transformation and hope is palpable, as she envisions the chaplaincy's future growth in depth and diversity.

Takeaways

• 📚 Lynn Cooper, the Catholic chaplain at Tufts University, found her calling in the study of religion and community care during her undergraduate years at Tufts.
• 🔍 After graduating, Lynn explored her passion further by attending divinity school, focusing on the Master of Divinity program to understand both academic and practical aspects of religious work.
• 🌟 Lynn's realization of her vocation occurred during her time at a Lutheran congregation, where she discovered her love for university chaplaincy and working with diverse student populations.
• 🏫 Her return to Tufts as a chaplain was prompted by a desire to work closely with college students, which she considers her true calling.
• 🤔 Pastoral care, as described by Lynn, involves accompaniment, providing a non-judgmental space for listening, and walking alongside individuals as they navigate their spiritual and existential questions.
• 🌐 Lynn addresses a wide range of topics with students, from personal issues like family tensions and discernment to more profound matters such as faith and identity.
• 🏛 The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a reevaluation of religious practices, particularly the sacrament of communion, prompting a reimagining of sacramental life and solidarity within the church.
• 🍵 Lynn's fondest memory as a chaplain involves an interfaith moment, highlighting the significance of shared spaces and the beauty of different religious traditions coexisting.
• 🌱 She firmly believes in transformation and growth, both on a personal level and within the spiritual community, drawing hope from the stories of change she has witnessed.
• ☕ The best tea on campus, according to Lynn, can be found at the Tower Cafe, specifically the black mango iced tea, which holds a nostalgic value for her as a former student.
• 📈 Looking ahead, Lynn envisions the chaplaincy at Tufts growing deeper in its relationships and continuing to transform, with a focus on being a multi-faith team that supports students of all backgrounds.

Q & A

What is Lynn Cooper's role at Tufts University?

Lynn Cooper is the Catholic Chaplain and Chaplaincy Tomb Supervisor at Tufts University.

How did Lynn Cooper become interested in the study of religion?

Lynn Cooper fell in love with the study of religion during her undergraduate years at Tufts University, where it was her first experience of deep community and care within the religion department.

What led Lynn Cooper to pursue a Master of Divinity degree?

After living in Maine for a year post-graduation, Lynn Cooper decided to attend divinity school to pursue a more holistic study of religion that included practical application and work with marginalized communities.

What was Lynn Cooper's experience like during her fieldwork at a Lutheran congregation?

Lynn Cooper found her fieldwork at a Lutheran congregation not as fulfilling as she had hoped, leading her to reach out to Tufts University for a field education student position.

How does Lynn Cooper describe her pastoral care approach?

Lynn Cooper describes pastoral care as accompaniment, providing a non-judgmental space for listening, being a non-anxious presence, and walking with people through their spiritual and existential questions.

What types of issues do students typically bring to Lynn Cooper for pastoral care?

Students bring a wide range of issues to Lynn Cooper, including housemate tensions, discernment about vocation, family issues, experiences of sexual assault, and bias incidents.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected Lynn Cooper's approach to pastoral care?

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a reevaluation of communal practices like the sharing of the Eucharist and has emphasized the need for a sacramental imagination that extends beyond traditional church settings.

What is Lynn Cooper's view on the future of the Eucharist and its reception in the Catholic Church post-COVID?

Lynn Cooper believes that the pandemic has challenged Catholics to stretch their sacramental imagination and recognize the sacred in everyday life, suggesting a potential shift in how the Eucharist is understood and received.

What memorable moment stands out for Lynn Cooper from her time as a chaplain at Tufts?

A memorable moment for Lynn Cooper was when a student shared his experience of visiting the Vatican, and they listened to the call to prayer from the Muslim chaplain, which was a profound example of interfaith community and shared holy space.

What does Lynn Cooper believe in, and how does it influence her work as a chaplain?

Lynn Cooper believes in transformation, which is reflected in her work as a chaplain through her commitment to personal and communal growth, and her approach to pastoral care that supports individuals in their spiritual journeys.

Where does Lynn Cooper see the Tufts University Chaplaincy growing and transforming in the future?

Lynn Cooper hopes to see the Tufts University Chaplaincy deepen its relationships and continue to grow outward while also going deep, with a focus on being part of a multi-faith team and supporting students from diverse religious and philosophical backgrounds.