Angela Cronister

On this episode of Always a Raven, host Janelle Menz welcomes Angela Chronister, a Benedictine College alumna, to share her journey of faith, family, loss, and purpose.

Angela reflects on her path to Benedictine — arriving after a year traveling the country in ministry and immediately finding a campus that felt like home. She shares memories of dorm life, the spirit of hospitality that defined her experience, and the community that helped shape her confidence and convictions.

As her life unfolded, Angela navigated unexpected turns — transferring to pursue nursing, becoming engaged as a sophomore, and experiencing the profound loss of her first child while still in college. She speaks candidly about grief, the role of faith in carrying her through unimaginable hardship, and the strength she found in community during life’s most difficult moments.

From thirteen years as an emergency room nurse to homeschooling her children and launching a birth and bereavement doula business, Angela reflects on how Benedictine’s formation prepared her to be “in the world, but not of it” — seeing the dignity in every person and leading with compassion.

Listeners will hear a heartfelt conversation about resilience, vocation, family life, and the lasting impact of a Benedictine education. This episode is perfect for alumni, parents, and anyone inspired by stories of faith woven through every season of life.