GSR Today - We set up The Life to further the global sisterhood by sharing approaches and solutions in pursuit of a better world. Twenty sisters from around the world share their thoughts and expertise by answering a question posed to the panel each month. What would you like to ask them?

Sr. Marge Clark of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary spent 13 years with Network, lobbying for changes in national policy. Recently retired, she talks to GSR about the changes she's seen and the challenges of hyperpartisan Washington.

At a time in our world when there is so much happening that brings sorrow to our hearts, it is important to pause and to contemplate the everyday incarnations that appear in our lives.

The Life - Liturgy. Togetherness. Soccer. Devotions. Food. Customs. Charitable actions. This month, sisters around the world let us peek into their homes and convents to see how they celebrate Advent or Christmas with customs and celebrations characteristic of their different communities and countries.

"The decoration was natural. The starry night told the tale. Joy to the world!"

Notes from the Field - Cremisan was one of the possible destinations for my mission in the Holy Land, so I was curious to see the work of the Salesian Sisters in the valley of Beit Jala, Bethlehem, in the Palestinian Territories.

"Big is not better than small, and a lot is not better than a few. It's just what God needs. We are enough."

"We have a new generation of young people whose primary existence is tethered to digital devices, particularly smartphones. There is mounting evidence that these devices are radically changing their lives."

The question of whether it is a "Christmas tree" or a "holiday tree" and whether the manger scene can appear in a public space makes a big difference to us Christians. And it makes a big difference to others.

"No matter how neat and tidy the Nativity story has become, mothers know the rawness of it all. Mary had morning sickness and swollen ankles and fatigue. She felt emotion so deep it made her weep. Her water broke, and her body heaved in sweat and pain as she labored like so many women have throughout history. She cried out in anguish and, later, in joy."