What Can We Discover When We Listen Together?

On the second day of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious gathering in Orlando this month, I had the opportunity to take part in small-group conversations with Sisters. Some were in leadership; others were attending as participants. Our conversation focused on synodality – learning to listen deeply to one another and to the movement of the Spirit as we seek a way forward together in fidelity to the Gospel.

The conference featured S. Nathalie Becquart, undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops. I first met S. Nathalie while preparing Hope 2025 in Rome and again last June during the Under 65 Sisters’ Gathering for the Leadership Collaborative, where she spoke about the transformative power of synodality. It was a nice surprise and a privilege to reunite with her at the table again. She has played a significant role in helping us develop and live synodality in our Church. 

The process that day yielded fruits that I am most grateful for. Pausing and holding silence deepened each person’s sharing at the table. As we listened, we noticed threads emerging. We were not listening to respond, but holding one another in a spirit of spacious listening and acceptance. In the sacredness of a synodal dialogue, I felt the transformation happening in each of us. We sensed the Spirit already moving among us and surfacing something new.

S. Nathalie reminded us that the synodal process is not a program but part of our deep identity as Church. Whether in discernment, dialogue, decision-making, or simply asking for guidance or direction, synodality has become an increasingly powerful way by which I have learned to listen and receive guidance in both the small and large communities I move within.

Faith In Action

What does it mean to live your faith in a way that brings hope, seeks justice and cares for our common home? For members of the Sisters of Charity Earth Justice Circle, it means learning, praying and taking action together. Rooted in a commitment to environmental sustainability, the Earth Justice Circle seeks to live out the Sisters of Charity Vision Statement to “choose to live simply in a complex world committed to the healing of our global home.”

Inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, members explore the connection between care for creation, spirituality and justice. Through prayer, reflection, learning and shared experiences, they discover ways to make care for the Earth part of everyday life and ministry.

Together, members have explored the impact of plastics and climate change, visited environmental education sites, celebrated Earth Day, shared reflections on recycling and environmental justice, and participated in prayer and reflection during the Seasons of Creation, Advent and Lent.

The Earth Justice Circle brings together people from several communities who are seeking to live their faith more deeply and care for our common home. It is one of many ways the Sisters of Charity put faith into action—and an opportunity to discover how your own gifts and passions might be part of that mission.

New members are always welcome. Connect with us.

Immersed in Call, United in Mission

As Sisters of Charity, we are called to respond to the needs of all people, especially those who are vulnerable or on the margins. In the following article, S. Georgia Kitt reflects on the ways God’s call to serve can connect us across generations and communities, inviting each of us to consider how we might use our gifts for the good of others. Read More.

Gracious God,

Send your Spirit to all women discerning your call,

guiding them to whatever path you are calling them to.

May those who respond reflect the richness of gifts 
and talents you have given,

and may they be drawn to lives of service and compassion.

Inspire them to lead with love, to bring hope 
where there is despair,

and to witness your mercy through humble, joyful service.

May they experience clarity of call, generosity of heart, 
and the courage to respond in faith.

Guide them to trust in your providence and to 
follow you courageously,

knowing that your plan is always for our good and full of life.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

If you are interested in learning more about life as a Sister of Charity, please contact vocations@srcharitycinti.org.

E-Vōc is the electronic newsletter from the Vocations Team of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati for single women wondering what new thing God is calling forth in their lives. To join the E-Vōc mailing list, contact Erin Reder at erin.reder@srcharitycinti.org. To unsubscribe, click here.