Reflections from 2019-2020 Novices
In June, our 2019-2020 U.S. Federation novices completed their shared novitiate year. As part of the Novitiate’s closing ritual, the novices give a presentation about their experience. Included are some of the reflections from that ritual, including a video presentation.
Antiracism Action Alert
Now is time for us to act. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet have put together a series of action items that individuals and communities can take part in to act against racism and police brutality. There are two bills currently being considered in Congress: the Justice in Policing Act and the Justice Act. There is merit to portions of each bill, and we hope that Congress will be able to collaborate to bring equal justice to all.
DACA Action Alert
On June 18, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in DACA Recipients’ favor. We joyfully celebrate with all DACA youth who have worked so hard to contribute to this country. Now we turn our attention to Congress for a permanent solution. Let us use our collective voices to advocate with our U.S. Senators asking them to protect and provide a path to citizenship for DACA youth! The U.S. House of Representatives already passed H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, a solution that if the U.S. Senate passed would protect and provide a road to citizenship for immigrant youth, TPS, and DED holders.
U.S. Federation Novices Complete Their Shared Year
“To have come this far, this far, is very far from the beginning, and yet we are still beginning to be who we are.” These words began the ritual for the ending of the novitiate year for Rachel Carey (Rochester), Kristina DeNeve (Carondelet-St. Louis), Trish Doan (Orange), and Leila Sullivan (Springfield).
U.S. Federation’s Statement on Racism and Commitment to Direct Action
The U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph strongly condemns the police-killing of another black man on the streets of our nation. Our hearts are breaking as we mourn with the family and friends of George Floyd, as well as Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, David McAtee, and all the others who have lost loved ones to law enforcement violence. The continued killing of black people; the constant harassment of people of color; and the denial of the rights and dignity of our black American neighbors must end now.
Anti-Racism Work
As we continue to work to dismantle institutional racism, we are all asked to do the deep, ongoing inner work that anti-racism requires of us. This includes listening to, learning from, supporting, and elevating the black voices from within our sisters, partners in mission, and more broadly. Below our a list of anti-racism actions for people to begin taking action.
Anti-Racism
U.S. Federation Launches New Website
The U.S. Federation is proud to announce the launch of their brand-new website. Nearly a year in the making, we are launching the completely re-designed website on May 1, the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker. The re-designed website features a new streamlined look with easy accessibility to the features that users already know and love.
Currents of Hope and Grace in the Canadian Federation
For four days, Sr. Joan Gallagher, Leadership Council co-chair and I attended the Canadian Federation Board Meeting — the Canadian version of the U.S. Federation Leadership Assembly. A year ago at their meeting, an idea emerged to use social media for the purpose of furthering unity among the Federation. A four-part series is the result. We got to see the first interview titled, “Bearing the Beams.”
Catholic Mobilizing Network Celebrates 10 Years
On October 10, 2019 Catholic Mobilizing Network celebrated ten years of advocacy to abolish the death penalty in the United States. The event, which took place on the World Day Against the Death Penalty at the Vatican embassy in Washington D.C., was filled with supporters to honor both the success of the organization and the key figures who have helped shape and lead this movement in the Catholic Church.
