Called beyond the Corporate World: Why Rev. Catherine Duncan (’10) Chose Chaplaincy
An ordained UCC minister, integrative spiritual consultant, author, and public speaker, Rev. Catherine Duncan found her calling through pivotal life-and-death struggles. Her cancer diagnosis around age 10, she recalls, “threw our family upside down.” It was a frightening and lonely experience; though she felt her parents’ love, they said little about her condition. “I felt like I was on a tightrope between life and death. And out of nowhere, I just started to pray.” Catherine adds, “Not long after, this profound feeling of peace, some presence, flooded my body. I knew I was going to live, and knew I wasn’t alone.” Looking back, Catherine notes that she found faith through that early trauma, but it didn’t instantly translate into a spiritual career. Instead, the youngest of six followed her father and siblings—many of whom were attorneys and executives—into a corporate career. After college, she found an “incredible job” with Time Magazine. It was a position Catherine loved, but she admits, “my heart was feeling restless.” A CHANGE OF HEART During a corporate trip in her mid-thirties, Catherine survived another near-death experience while whitewater rafting. A month after the harrowing episode, she began listening closely and asking herself, “Where is God calling me?” Her faith gave her the courage to walk away from her corporate career, much to everyone’s surprise. “My husband,” she confides, “was really supportive.” After more praying, journaling, and consulting work, Catherine’s girlfriend suggested she might want to study theology. The same friend mentioned a program at St. Catherine University in St. Paul. When she received the material about St. Catherine’s theology and spiritual direction programs, Catherine recalls, “My body started physically shaking…I knew this was the right path.” At St. Catherine’s, she earned a Master’s in Theology and became certified as a spiritual director. Catherine then worked with City House co-founders Tim Allen and alum Rev. Jim Dodge† (’79) to support people on the margins. “I was doing in-depth spiritual direction with the unhoused and in homeless shelters,” Catherine explains, “and I loved it.” LEANING INTO THE NEXT CHAPTER In the early 2000s, another significant life event opened the doors to the next chapter of Catherine’s life. Her mother-in-law was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, and Catherine was invited to accompany her through the final days. “She had this glow about her,” Catherine shares, “as she surrendered and let go. It was so beautiful. It was life-changing to witness someone so fully.” Catherine’s proclivity to work with people one-on-one, her burgeoning interest in chaplaincy, and a desire to become ordained in the UCC made her seek out a seminary. This time, she chose United. Catherine credits Rev. Dr. Clyde Steckel,† Professor Emeritus of Theology (1970–1995), for creating a customized degree program that didn’t negate her previous master’s degree. Steckel also supported Catherine through her ordination. “You can see how important Clyde was on my path,” she observes. She remembers other professors with gratitude as well. Dean Richard Weis† and Rev. Dr. Jann Cather Weaver (Associate Professor Emerita of Worship and Theology and the Arts), she notes, were exemplars of faith, grace, and empowerment. Dr. Sharon Tan’s ethics course coincidentally enabled Catherine to serve more effectively as the ethics lead for Hennepin County Medical Center during her time at United. United, Catherine asserts, “brought all of my education together in affirming I’m on the right path, and deepened my understanding of the United Church of Christ and my next steps.” She continues, “I can’t think of anything but positive things to say about every class, professor, and my experience. I just felt supported.” Fundamentally, she also believes that United’s emphasis on openness, inclusivity, CPE, and ecumenical understanding is key to effective chaplaincy. Now, as the author of Everyday Awakening: Five Practices for Living Fully, Feeling Deeply, and Coming into Your Heart and Soul (2023), Catherine is using what she’s learned to support others. She has been interviewed on television and in print, hosts a podcast, and offers her valuable integrative spiritual consulting services. It’s a calling she accepts with gratitude. ______________ † Deceased