There is a place of suffering beyond words that is nearly inaccessible.  In the realm of pain no one else can understand, a steady presence, a hug with our eyes, may be all the comfort we can offer.

            The tremendous gifts of the personal reflections in this issue of Stauros Notebook reach deep into our psyches and our souls.  Shocking and brutal and agonizing, they call out for the deep respect due each one of us, created as imago Dei.

This is the gift, too, that Stauros U.S.A. offers the world.  In all our work Stauros upholds the dignity of human life.  The ministry and mission of Stauros, through the Notebook, eMinistry, Taize Prayer and the Circle of Compassion, and Access to the Land of the Bible, sing out the sacredness of our lives.

Stauros U.S.A. is an exceptional ministry and one that I will miss.  This is my last column as executive director.  I am inspired by the wonderful and unique service that Stauros offers, by you, our readership, our board of directors, and the Passionist community.  Yet I find that as the only full-time staff person, I deeply miss the day-to-day engagement of having colleagues and working as part of a team.  My God-given extroverted nature calls me forth to serve in a new way, and I am therefore resigning as Executive Director of Stauros.

It has been a true privilege to be part of this ministry. Thank you for your phone calls and letters, and for your continued support.  Your kindness has touched my heart again and again.  Connected by the wonderful ministry of Stauros, you offer a glimpse of Easter hope to all you encounter.  May God bless you always, and in all ways.

In the words of St. Paul to the Philippians: “I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

Blessings on your journey

Susan M. Pudelek


"Stauros" is the Greek word for "cross." Central to our mission is remembering the sufferings of Christ as a powerful paradigm for interpreting God’s action in the world. From this foundation, we reach out as an ecumenical, interreligious organization to empower all of us, no matter our faith or nationality, to find meaning, hope, and peace within the mystery of suffering. Stauros addresses both the physical and spiritual needs of those who suffer, working together so that faith is strengthened and hope flourishes.

Executive Director
Susan M. Pudelek
5401 South Cornell
Chicago, IL 60615-5664
Phone: 773/752-5732
Fax: 773/752-5741
E-Mail: stauros@stauros.org
www.stauros.org