When I walked into the large space of younger sisters at the National Gathering my heart felt like singing. I saw friends I hadn’t seen in person since the last National Gathering I attended four years ago. I’m not much of a hugger but I found myself hugging friends left and right. These women understand the weirdness and grace that religious life offers. I am always at ease at these events.
I was not at the Giving Voice National Gathering this year. My own community retreat overlapped with the Gathering by several days and I made the decision to stay with my community. But, in keeping with our retreat director's advice to "do what your heart needs," I also followed the National Gathering on Facebook. Spending a few days, living with both the input and reflections on Benedictine values with my community and (although in a very different way) and witnessing the Boldness and Beauty of Communion among Giving Voice Sisters led me to a broader understanding of both and a deeper desire to live out community/communion in the world.
Twenty years ago this spring, Giving Voice produced our first ever newsletter. Beginning as a 3-times per year printed publication, the Giving Voice editorial team was comprised of Judy Eby, RSM, Jan Hayes, RSM, Kristin Matthes, SND, and Toni Temporiti, CPPS. To memorialize these 20 years, we reached out to Kristin Matthes to learn more about the founding of our beloved organization.
May is a time to honor our mothers, grandmothers, Godmothers and of course the Blessed Mother--Mary, the mother of Jesus. And rightfully so, for it was Mary who was brave enough to respond with her YES, that set this great story in motion. When I reflect on Mary, I think of my grandmother who raised me. My grandmother was the glue that held our family together. With hard work and unceasing prayers, she raised seven children and many grandchildren. Her life’s work was dedicated to raising over 350 foster children in our county.
Join sisters under 50 from across diverse congregations to witness the boldness and beauty of our shared sisterhood!
If your experience in active ministry is anything like my experience in active ministry, then I am willing to bet you receive a lot of emails too. It’s tempting to delete the ones that look unnecessary and word-heavy - like newsletters and electronic bulletins - but sometimes the Holy Spirit just won't let you defer to that little trash can symbol. Yesterday the Holy Spirit got me with an Easter message from Sister Roberta Fulton, SSMN, president of the National Black Sisters’ Conference. The Holy Spirit was like, “You should read this,” and I was like, “Fine.”
“I attended my first Gathering at Iona in 2017. From the moment I registered, there was someone there to welcome me! Video welcomes and personalized emails came in advance of the Gathering. By the time I arrived at Iona, I felt known by name. It was a wonderful way to be welcomed in by a group of strangers."
Want to hear from younger sisters from diverse congregations? Are you looking to reach a wider audience with your own blog? Check out our blogging sisters page on the Giving Voice website, to read up on the lived experiences of sisters as they work within the Church and varied ministries, and to submit your own blog!
The Giving Voice core team held its annual in-person February 15-17 meeting just outside of Seattle, Washington. They provided a beautiful setting for the work of evaluation, long-term planning, and direction setting. One big agenda item this year was strategizing next steps for implementing initiatives with the remaining Hilton grant funds. Leadership development, diversity & inclusion work, communication, and sustainability are top priorities.