Department of Religious Studies
Associate Faculty
Flavia Hall
503.534.4021
soconnell@marylhurst.edu

Education

D.Min., San Francisco Theological Seminary
M.Div., San Francisco Theological Seminary
MA in Religious Education, Loyola Marymount University
BA in Theatre Arts, Loyola Marymount University

Classes Taught

Windows for Understanding the Treasures of Scripture*
Advanced Exegesis: Studies in Apocalyptic Literature*
Women in the Pauline Communities*                                                    Woman: A Journey Through the Old Testament Scriptures *            Woman: A Journey Through the New Testament Scriptures*
Jesus And Women: A Liberating Vision*
Be Stewards of Creation - Cosmology and Worldview*
The Gospel of Matthew
The Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of John
Epistles: Letters in the Christian Communities
Church History: Early Communities to 787 C.E.
Church History: 1650 A.D. (C.E.) to Modern World
Jesus: Bar Nasa, Son of Mary, Son of God*
Strength For The Journey: Eucharistic Theology*
Birthing Holy Fire: Marian Theology and Spirituality*
Mary Of Magdala: Disciple, Apostle To The Apostles*
Spiritual Direction: Through the Arts of Theatre*
Religion and Theatre*
Religion, Rite, Liturgy and Theatre: Entering the Presence*
Performance as Proclamation: Arts of Theatre-Tools for Transformation*
Old Ways, New Visions: Celtic Spirituality*
Personal Spiritual Direction, Formation and Mission Integration*
Interfaith Theological Frames for Pastoral & Spiritual Care*
Scriptural Frames for Pastoral and Spiritual Care*
Issues in Spiritual and Pastoral Care*
Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Pastoral /Spiritual Care*
Professional Advancement*
Graduate Writing
Enduring Questions: Religion and Philosophy

*developed course for Marylhurst University

About

Dr. Sheila O'Connell-Roussell's expertise is in pastoral theology, scripture studies and hermeneutics. She has long studied sacred literature and its social context as a means of healing religious alienation between people and entering the reality of God's love. Eucharistic and Marian spirituality are at the heart of her personal spiritual practice and artistic expression. She has worked in the parish, conducted a private practice in spiritual direction and pastoral counseling, taught in elementary, secondary and university classrooms, as well as professional work in music and theatre. 

Dr. O'Connell-Roussell has served as faculty at Marylhurst since 1993 and worked in the formation of the Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Care, MA in Applied Theology and Master of Divinity programs with Dr. Cecilia Ranger, SNJM and Dr. Jerry O. Roussell, Jr. She also serves on the University Ministry committee and thesis committee for graduate religious studies. She received the mandatum as a professor of the Catholic theological disciplines, awarded by Archbishop John Vlazny.

Professional Activities
Independent doctoral dissertation committee member, Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, Palo Alto                                                 Independent doctoral dissertation committee member, San Francisco Theological Seminary                                                                                 Third Order Dominican Tertiary (1977-present)

Publications

Birthing Holy Fire: Mary, Mother of the Word Made Flesh.                      Essential Bible Dictionary St. Mary's Press .                                                                                                       Lectionary Based Gospel Dramas for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. St. Mary's Press.                                                      

Lectionary Based Gospel Dramas for Lent and the Easter Triduum, with Terri Vorndran Nichols. Saint Mary's Press.

Contributor, Understanding the Bible. Saint Mary's Press.                                          

Contributor, College Study Bible. Saint Mary's Press.                             

Contributor, Vibrant Worship with Youth. Saint Mary's Press.

Playwright, lyricist and vocals for the musical plays Back to Eden and Herstory: The Mother's Tale. Spirit Records

Lyricist and Vocals~ Roger Nichols and A Circle of Friends. Be Gentle With My Heart. Toys Factory Records, Japan.

Awards

Excellence in Academic Service & Teaching, Marylhurst University (2009)