Giving Voice Annual Appeal 2020
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you with my right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Dear Sisters and Friends of Giving Voice,
“We need to see the light of hope and to be men and women who bring hope to others,” Pope Francis has proclaimed. Amid a time of uncertainty, and unprecedented challenges, the Sisters of Giving Voice offer you hope: we hope this letter finds you healthy in body and spirit, and we hope you are feeling courage and love.
Across the United States, Catholic Sisters have responded to spiritual and material needs exposed by COVID-19, serving as chaplains, care givers, teachers, nurses and in countless other ministries. Sisters have stood beside immigrants, advocated for Black lives, and have done countless other acts of public service and justice. In each act of service and witness, Sisters bring hope to the world.
More than ever, the network of younger Roman Catholic Sisters that Giving Voice has cultivated over more than 20 years has given Sisters respite to be with their peers across congregations, fostering prayer, community, and much-needed friendship.
This summer, one friendship which began at Giving Voice’s 2019 National Gathering blossomed into the creation of a new home for Sisters working along the U.S./Mexico border. Sister Christa Parra, IBVM, (pictured on the left) and Sister Romina Sapinoso S.C. (pictured on the right) opened their inter-congregational, inter-cultural home, “Magnificat House” in El Paso, Texas in the summer of 2020. Both Sisters minister in the U.S. and Mexico, in educational ministries, and shelters with asylum seekers crossing the border.
“The diversity and creativity that Giving Voice provides has enabled us to dream up a house such as this, that provides a witness of community and collaboration in the mission of God here in the El Paso/Juarez border, at the margins where women’s religious presence is much-needed.” – Sister Romina Sapinoso, S.C.
“To have a space and a network of young women religious who are committed to this life, who love this life, excited to be in this vocation, it’s such a joy. I have a lot of really great friends in Giving Voice and it’s been such a great space of support through the joys and struggles of religious life.” – Sister Christa Parra, IBVM
We are so grateful that Giving Voice fosters connections that help Sisters live into the future of religious life.
