May 2016

Seventeen younger Sisters, from different Religious Congregations in the USA, gathered on May 6-8 for a weekend retreat in St. Louis, Missouri. This was made possible by the Hilton Foundation grant that Giving Voice received in 2014. Our gathering happened a few days before 900 other women religious met in Rome for the International Union of Superiors General (UISG). We (Giving Voice network), were happy to be represented by Sister Juliet Mousseau, RSCJ, who along with several other younger Sisters, gave voice to the hopes and excitement in the present and future of religious life.

The experience I had in St. Louis Missouri, thanks to Giving Voice was simply fascinating.  When I received the invitation to participate in the Circle process to strengthen our leadership as women religious, I was intrigued, but also a bit daunted, because it was in English, my second language.

Over the past several years Giving Voice has used the PeerSpirit Circle to facilitate many of our gatherings.  We thought it was time to refresh our skills and dive in deeper! A small group gathered at the begin of May to enhance their practice and had a very fruitful experience. Sisters in the Giving Voice Network are invited to  sign up to extend your learning/practice. Read more about The Circle Way.

This time around, the sisters will be driving through the midwest and the northeast, from the Republican Convention to the Democratic Convention with the message that we must "Mend the Gaps" in our society! Too many people are falling further behind because they aren't able to earn a living wage, and far too many people are excluded from the process altogether because their voting rights aren't protected or they are unable apply for citizenship.

Are you a Sister in her 40s?  REGISTER for our 40s Retreat, August 5 – 7, 2016.

Join us for a weekend of prayer, conversation and laughter at the Giving Voice Biennial 40s Retreat in North Lake, Washington (just outside of Seattle). Registration Fees (includes registration, overnight accommodation and meals) are $200.

Giving Voice is very thankful to all the women's congregations that have given donations to us so far during the 2015 year. You can find a list of supporting congregations on our website. Without you the work of Giving Voice would not be possible.