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December 14, 2022
Dear Mu Epsilon Theta,
For many years, Our Lady of Wisdom (OLOW) Catholic University Parish enjoyed a thriving partnership with Mu Epsilon Theta (MEO), a sorority formed on Catholic principles to unite strong, independent college women by promoting academics, leadership, community service, sisterhood, and moral and spiritual wellbeing.
Over the past several years, Our Lady of Wisdom (OLOW) has seen Mu Epsilon Theta wane from a once thriving and vital ministry of OLOW to a distant and self-reliant one. We have seen this ministry seemingly distance itself from the community and, most importantly, from OLOW’s core foundational principles. In response to this, OLOW placed Mu Epsilon Theta on probation for the ‘22 Fall Semester. When this probationary period was instated, there was an understanding that the active members of MEO would spend the semester working toward fulfilling the expectations for all ministries at OLOW. Additionally, MEO was extended multiple and various invitations to engage with the community throughout the semester.
This past week, Fr. Jared Cooke, Pastor, alongside the Pastoral Team at Our Lady of Wisdom, made a difficult decision regarding MEO. It was apparent that at the conclusion of the semester, Mu Epsilon Theta had worked toward growing their chapter on campus, increasing the spirit of sisterhood within their sorority. While we were proud of the women for their efforts on campus, we were saddened by their decision to remain distant from OLOW. Thus, the decision was made to part ways with MEO to allow them the freedom to build and restructure as an organization without having to fulfill the requirements of the Expectations of Student Ministries at Our Lady of Wisdom. This decision was made with an open-ended invitation for MuEp to initiate a conversation with OLOW about re-partnering down the road, should they desire to once again become active members of the whole community.
Given the long-standing history between Our Lady of Wisdom and Mu Epsilon Theta, may we all recognize the wounds that this situation has caused everyone – past, current and future members of MEO as well as the OLOW Parish family. Still, tradition cannot be the reason for something to remain as it is – our unity is based on our Catholic values founded on the real presence of Christ in our lives.
While Our Lady of Wisdom has decided to no longer partner with Mu Epsilon Theta, the active members (and alumni) of MEO are always welcomed to make OLOW their parish home. Should MEO desire to re-partner with OLOW and her vision in the future, we gladly welcome the opportunity for conversation. For now, let us be praying for one another during this period of change and transition.
May this Advent season and the birth of our Lord bring light to this world and remind us to see Christ in one another.
Blessings,
Our Lady of Wisdom
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