Witness & Grace Conversations

2023

March 2: Ukraine: A year at war
Hear more about Catholic sisters' extraordinary efforts to aid refugees in a variety of ways. The sisters will share how they keep their spirituality strong amid such destruction and danger – and how you can help refugees.
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2022

December 14: A contemplative gaze: the Incarnation through evolutionary eyes
We are living in an incredible time as we experience seeing the birth of stars through the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). We are looking back in time and seeing things we never could before. The evolution of our faith in this context is just emerging and is full of questions and wonderings. Join Nancy Sylvester, IHM, to reflect on our faith from this new perspective.
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May 25: Black and White Habits: The Painful, Yet Proud, History of Black Catholic Sisters in the United States
Historian Shannen Dee Williams speaks about her long-awaited book, "Subversive Habits: Black Catholic Nuns in the Long African American Freedom Struggle," showing how the history of Black Catholic sisters is the history of Catholic sisters in the United States and provide a model of strength and faith for the entire church.
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March 31: The Synod and Consecrated Life
The Synod on Synodality was launched in Rome in October 2021 by Pope Francis. This extraordinary two-year process is cause for hope for some and skepticism by others. But what is the Synod, really? How did it come to be, and what are its aims? How will it intersect with the lives of women religious?
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February 9: Sister Experts Talk Homelessness
The issue of homelessness is growing – the economic fallout and continuing health crisis during the ongoing pandemic has caused skyrocketing rents, joblessness, dislocation and other problems, adding to the ranks of those made homeless. Please join Global Sisters Report as we discuss the issues and solutions with two sisters who are dedicated to solving the problem of homelessness.
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2021

December 8: An Advent retreat with Sr. Nancy Sylvester, IHM
Sr. Nancy Sylvester, founder and director of the Institute for Communal Contemplation and Dialogue, will lead us through a one-hour Advent retreat.
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September 29: An Estate Plan for the Earth  
As they live out their commitment to care for creation, women's religious communities have become leaders in local land conservation. To mark this monthlong Season of Creation, EarthBeat and Global Sisters Report hosted a virtual conversation with representatives of two communities that have made different decisions about how to preserve their land for future generations.
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June 29: Migrants, Refugees, and U.S. Sisters
The stories are heartbreaking and the obstacles overwhelming -- but the flow of migrants and refugees seeking to cross the U.S. southern border continues. Catholic sisters are doing what they can to help ease the trauma of those caught in a broken immigration system. Hear insights into the plight of so many -- and what should be done to help ease the situation.
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May 18: Nuns and Nones
Presented by Sr. Annmarie Sanders, IHM, and Brittany Koteles An interfaith and intergenerational movement, Nuns and Nones unites Catholic sisters and spiritually-curious millennials in a mutual exchange of creative contemplation, social justice, and community practices. What began as informal, small-group conversations in late 2016 has flourished into a close-knit and growing movement that engages hundreds of participants across the country in regular, meaningful conversations. 
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April 13: How Catholic Sisters are Helping to Save the Earth -- and You Can Too
Presented by Sr. Sheila Kinsey and Sr. Melinda Roper  
Catholic Sisters have long been involved in efforts to protect the environment, address climate change and care for creation. Sr. Sheila Kinsey brings a global view from her vantage point in Rome on how sisters around the world are effecting positive change. Sr. Melinda Roper shared the grassroots efforts of her teamwork with local communities in the particularly sensitive eco-environment of Darién, Panama. 
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March 2: Spiritual Strength in Turbulent Times
Presented by Sr. Simone Campbell
Sr. Simone shared highlights of her years guiding the "Nuns on the Bus," and her time as director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice. She spoke about how contemplative prayer and community provided spiritual sustenance and kept her grounded through the resurgence of discord and division in our nation.
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February 12: A Conversation on Women Religious - Women Deacons
Presented by Phyllis Zagano and Sr. Colleen Gibson
Phyllis and Sr. Colleen discuss highlights of the recent series of essays in Global Sisters Report focusing on specific questions and topics related to women deacons and women religious -- and their deep interest and passion for this important topic for our church in these times. 
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January 21: Human Trafficking: It’s Closer than You Think
Presented by Sr. Maryann Agnes Mueller and Jennifer Reyes Lay
Human trafficking happens everywhere, including in your zip code. Due to the expansive and often hidden nature of this crime, ending this form of modern-day slavery is everyone's work. Set aside any stereotypes you may hold about human trafficking; the exploitation of the human person takes on many forms, and knows no barriers or socio-economic borders. It is not only possible for ordinary citizens to make a difference in the mission to prevent human trafficking, it is already happening. Citizens who are informed and alert, and know what to do with what they observe, help protect their families, neighborhoods and communities. (Offered by National Catholic Reporter as Part Two of the previous session.)
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January 19: A Conversation on Anti-Human Trafficking
Presented by Sr. Gabriella Bottani and Sr. Jean Schafer
Srs. Gabriella Bottani and Jean Schafer, both leaders among Catholic sisters working against human trafficking, help us understand the multiple ways that trafficking manifests itself around the world and how networking and spirituality buoy the sisters who work to stop this evil.
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2020

November 19: Three Black Catholics Continuing the Journey
Presented by Dr. Ansel Augustine, Msgr. Ray East, ValLimar  
Each a national leader in their own ministry, our guests shared their reflections on how their ministries, entrusted to them by God, continue the journey of Black Catholics in the U.S. Catholic Church. (Offered by National Catholic Reporter as Part Two of the previous session.)
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November 17: Selma Sisters
Presented by Carol Colburn, Sr. Patricia McCann and Therese Stawowy
Our guests shared their experiences in this part of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, how it influenced their lives and ministries, and their insights on the parallels and differences with the ongoing struggle to counter structural racism today. 
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September 3, 2020: Tapping the Power of Contemplation
Presented by Sr. Nancy Sylvester, IHM
Sr. Nancy spoke with us about how contemplative practice can aid us in these challenging times. This conversation was aimed for those who already have a regular contemplative practice and those who wanted to develop one.
Session recording and follow up info