Optimism is Cool Again

The Rev. Dr. Joseph G. Wolyniak is the new Episcopal Chaplain at Princeton University. Wolyniak’s call to this position is the result of an extensive nationwide search undertaken by a committee of clergy and laity from the greater Princeton community, including current Princeton University students. Wolyniak comes to the Diocese of New Jersey after serving as Missioner for Discipleship & Theological Education in the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado, where he worked in the Office of Faith Formation in support of campus ministries at several colleges and universities across the state. He completed his Doctorate of Philosophy in Theology from the University of Oxford in June, and was ordained to the priesthood on December 11. In this episode, we speak with Joseph about his plans for The Episcopal Church at Princeton, and cultivating a Christian community and programming at one of the world's greatest universities.

In a year like 2016, how is Advent different? How is it timeless? Five priests discuss the unique challenges and beauty of this year as Advent begins.

It's the eve of Super Tuesday, 2016, and the near-end of the most tumultuous election season in recent memory. How do we address the emotions--positive and negative--that accompany this season? What are our roles as people of God in talking about politics and social issues? And how do we move forward from here?

We all rejoiced this summer as Pokemon Go took over the world for a few weeks, and a unique part of the game's construction brought new faces into our churches. Why did this happen? What's next for phenomena like this? How do we best tap into cultural events to provide open, earnest interaction with these opportunities, as they arise?

When school shootings or other tragedies shock a college campus, what is the role of a faith leader? How do we aid a college community in picking up the pieces and moving forward? Scott was the chaplain at Virginia Tech during the 2007 shootings; his unique perspective, humor, and deep faith are healing and restorative.