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Amy Cooprider, MA ‘26

Master of Arts, Theology & Pastoral Ministries

Before the GPPM: Amy's Story

For as long as she can remember, Amy Cooprider has been captivated by theology. Even as she leads a research team in her aerospace engineering career, her passion for theological study never dimmed. Now, as a student in 91¿ì»îÁÖ’s Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries (GPPM), Amy is immersing herself in a new kind of formation—one that enriches her spiritual life and infuses fresh perspective into her work and leadership.

Amy’s journey to the GPPM began through the Diocese of San Jose’s program for advanced lay leader formation, a unique opportunity designed to ensure that active parishioners receive comprehensive theological and pastoral education. It was through her engagement with the Diocese that she discovered SCU, located just ten minutes from her home.

Currently, Amy has three classes left in her program, and while she remains uncertain about where this path will ultimately lead her, she is open to the movement of the Spirit. Rather than planning every step ahead, she is embracing a posture of receptivity: “I’m leaving myself open to molding and calling.”

Her studies have already profoundly reshaped her perspective. She reflects on how the coursework has “rewickered” the way she thinks about leadership, particularly in her professional environment.  

“I want to make sure my employees thrive,” she shares, emphasizing how this pastoral lens has become central to her approach at work.

Amy prides herself on being a lifelong learner–someone who delights in reading, writing, and deep theological inquiry. Fascinated by church hierarchy and priesthood, she was deeply influenced by The Deryni series—a fictional world where magic intertwines with liturgy and the supernatural. Yet, beyond her intellectual curiosity, she recognized that her spiritual and pastoral understanding needed further growth. “I’ve always known there’s more to this world than what we can physically see,” she says. “I’ve experienced God’s presence, and I needed to know more—not just intellectually, but to better understand how to serve.”

“The Spirit pulled me in this direction,” she reflects, acknowledging how the program has shaped her in unexpected and meaningful ways.

A Transformative Pilgrimage to Rome

When Amy was selected for the trip to Rome as a student of the GPPM, she had very high hopes for what she would encounter; the experience exceeded her expectations. She describes the trip as a profound spiritual journey, where she fully embraced the idea of letting the Spirit lead her. “Waking up and thinking, okay, this is what we have today, allowed me to be fully present. It was so fruitful and truly a pilgrimage.”

One of the most powerful moments of the trip was attending an intimate Mass—just 18 people—in the personal quarters of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Celebrating the Eucharist in such a sacred space on their first full day in Rome set the tone for an awe-inspiring journey. “It was incredible,” she recalls, noting how deeply the experience impacted her.

Another highlight was an unexpected audience with members of the Vatican Synod. “They took the time to speak to all 150 of us off the cuff—it was amazing,” she says. The generosity and wisdom shared by the leaders left a lasting impression.

When asked whether such a deeply immersive experience was exhausting, Amy’s response was immediate: “I have so much energy because I know the Holy Spirit is at work.” She recounts encounters with inspiring figures such as Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville, Texas, whose dedication to immigration justice moved her deeply. Likewise, Sister Leticia Salazar, who plays a pivotal role in diocesan leadership, embodied the strength and commitment Amy has come to admire in pastoral ministry.

Above all, Amy was struck by the undeniable presence of the Holy Spirit in every person she met. “The most amazing thing was seeing the Spirit at work in all these people,” she reflects. “Everyone was impacted deeply by listening and participating.”

As Amy continues her journey through the GPPM, she remains open to where the Spirit may lead her next. For Amy, regardless of which avenue she decides to serve through, one thing is clear:

Her formation at SCU is not just an academic pursuit, but a transformative path that is shaping her life, work, and ministry in profound ways.