Where is the flute?

Blog by Associate Conni Dubick, OPA
Blog by Associate Conni Dubick, OPA

Women of wisdom, experience, insights, patience and determination-these words only begin to describe the 800+ Leadership Team members attending the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) earlier this month in Houston, TX. As President of the North American Conference of Associates and Religious (NACAR), I was present at the conference, heard the keynote addresses and joined in conversations at our NACAR exhibit table with the Sisters. One of the most repeated messages to us as NACAR representatives was the sincere recognition by the Sisters that the role of Associates is essential, expanding and part of the transformation of ecclesial women and men. Continue reading →

Posted in Associate Blog, News
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“Whom Shall I Send?”

Pat Dual
Blog by Sr. Pat Dual, OP

“Whom Shall I Send? Here I am Lord, send me!” – Isaiah 6:8

I love this “call and response” verse from Isaiah. It is the question and answer at the root of every vocation call (religious or lay) when God is truly part of the discernment process. God is still calling and inviting women and men to consider religious life, but the invitation may go unnoticed in the busyness and noise of today’s society. However, Pope Francis has helped to energize people’s interest in viewing religious life as a viable option for their future. Francis has encouraged young people to pray about God’s call for their life. The Church is, indeed, finding that there are young people responding with a willingness to be “open and sent” in answer to God’s invitation. Continue reading →

Posted in God Calling?
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It’s Always Been this Way…But Maybe Not Now!

Blog by Sr. Pat Thomas, OP
Blog by Sr. Pat Thomas, OP

The thought I had as I read the Gospel for today, August 26, was that we often hide behind laws, traditions, customs and ancient ways in order to justify our decisions and the actions we take. We use the laws to justify our actions when it is in our personal best interest to do so. We are afraid even when we know the truth because sometimes the truth asks us to look at things from a different angle, to step away from what has always made us comfortable. Continue reading →

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Respect As the Foundation of Peace

Blog by Sr. Judy Morris, OP
Blog by Sr. Judy Morris, OP

As I drove to work one day, listening to NPR, I heard a story of how some reporters at ESPN learned they were fired. Their cell phones and computers were deactivated. A rather brutal way of saying, “Your services are no longer needed!” A few years ago five employees of the Diocese of Lexington were informed their jobs were being cut. Two of them received an email. Again, respect for the individuals was not considered. Continue reading →

Posted in Peace & Justice Blog