Spirit E-Newsletter July 2025

In this issue:

Pilgrimage Campaing
Conversations in Faith Podcast
Latest issue of The Flame
Latest issue of Down to Humus newsletter
CHM in pictures
Upcoming retreats at OLPR

Ken Butigan

Ken Butigan is a long-time change-maker who has organized a series of social movements and campaigns for justice and peace focused on resisting war, promoting justice for the unhoused, and advocating the abolition of nuclear weapons. He has led many pilgrimages to Assisi and Rome in the footsteps of Saints Francis and Clare of Assisi. He is a senior consultant with Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service, where he co-founded Campaign Nonviolence, working for a nonviolent culture free from war, poverty, racism, and environmental destruction. He recently retired from DePaul University in Chicago, where for 20 years he taught courses on pilgrimage, peace, justice, and nonviolence. He is also a senior advisor to Pax Christi International’s Catholic Nonviolence Initiative and the Catholic Institute for Nonviolence.

Tri-State Area Catholics Announce Webinar to Celebrate Nationwide Pilgrimage Campaign

The Tri-State Network will host a webinar, “Pilgrimage to Justice: Walking the Path of Nonviolence,” on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 6:30–8:00 PM CST.

The event will feature Dr. Ken Butigan, noted author, educator, and nonviolence leader, who will explore how to utilize pilgrimage - a spiritually transformative journey combining prayer and reflection – to recommit to nonviolence and care for the Earth.

This free webinar is being held as part of Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation, a nationwide initiative calling people to renew their relationship with God, one another, and creation through prayerful action. Local pilgrimages in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois will be introduced during the webinar. Additional information about these local pilgrimages is available here: https://tristatenetworkpilgrimagesofhope.my.canva.site/

These events are part of the global Catholic response to Pope Francis’ call for ecological conversion, as outlined in Laudato Si’, and will take place between September 1 and October 4, during the Season of Creation. The timing is especially meaningful during the Jubilee of Hope, the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’, and the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi’s Canticle of the Creatures. Participants will be encouraged to walk sacred paths in forests, parks, riversides, and urban neighborhoods—places where they can experience God's presence in the natural world and confront the realities of ecological harm. Through this journey, pilgrims will return with a renewed sense of purpose and a deepened commitment to environmental stewardship.

Reflecting on this initiative, Dr. Butigan shares:

“In Laudato Si’, Pope Francis reminds us that the cries of the Earth and the cries of the poor are intertwined. These pilgrimages invite us to return to a right relationship with creation and each other.”

A $15 suggested donation supports future programming.

The event is sponsored by the Tri-State Network, a coalition of women religious in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin who focus on peace, justice, and spirituality, including: Benet House Retreat Center; Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa; Franciscan Peace Center; Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center; Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat Center; Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center; Shalom Spirituality Center; Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and Sisters of St. Francis, Dubuque.

About Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation

Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation is a national initiative calling Catholics to reflect on the sacred relationship between God, humanity, and the Earth. Founded by a broad coalition of Catholic and environmental organizations—including the Catholic Climate Covenant, Laudato Si’ Movement, Leadership Conference of Women Religious, Franciscan Action Network, Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns, and others—it encourages spiritual renewal and concrete action for the planet.

Learn more at: http://Catholicpilgrimsofhope.org

Conversations in Faith Podcast Premieres Sept. 5

with Interfaith Dialogue on Common Values

A new podcast dedicated to exploring the intersections of spirituality, justice, and human connection will launch on September 5. Conversations in Faith, a collaborative effort sponsored by Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, the Congregation of the Humility of Mary, St. Ambrose University, and The Catholic Messenger, brings together people from diverse faith traditions to engage in meaningful dialogue.

Barb Arland-Fye, editor of The Catholic Messenger, moderates the podcast. The first episode features a timely and compelling conversation between two distinguished interfaith leaders: Dr. Lisa Zaynab Killinger, DC, and Cantor Gail Karp.

Dr. Killinger embraced Islam in 1979 during her time at Iowa State University, drawn to the faith through personal study. A chiropractor and educator, she has served in numerous leadership roles in the Quad Cities’ Muslim community. She was the first woman, first non-immigrant, and first revert to serve as president of her local mosque, where she was elected three times. A passionate advocate for peace and understanding, Dr. Killinger has delivered hundreds of presentations on Islam around the world, including lectures in Lebanon and India. She is a founding member of several local interfaith and justice-based organizations and considers her greatest role to be that of mother and grandmother.

Cantor Karp, a member of the Quad Cities’ Jewish community, was among the first women ordained as a cantor in the Reform Jewish tradition. She served Temple Emanuel in Davenport, Iowa for nearly 30 years and has held leadership roles in congregations nationwide. After her son’s diagnosis with autism, Karp became a prominent national advocate for disability rights and inclusion. She has served on multiple editorial boards, task forces, and grant-funded projects focused on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities. Her advocacy is deeply rooted in the Jewish value of tikkun olam—repairing the world.

Together, Dr. Killinger and Cantor Karp reflect on their faith journeys, their shared commitment to justice and community healing, and the power of friendship across religious lines. Their conversation models respectful engagement and offers a hopeful vision for what’s possible when people of different beliefs come together in dialogue.

Listeners can expect Conversations in Faith to continue exploring themes of spiritual growth, cultural understanding, and social transformation in future episodes. Each conversation will spotlight voices that challenge assumptions, build bridges, and encourage listeners to consider how faith can be a force for good in the world.

Conversations in Faith will be available on all major podcast platforms beginning September 5. Tune in for this first inspiring episode and be part of the ongoing journey toward deeper understanding and unity.

The first three scheduled episodes will include:

September 5: Islam & Jewish

October 3: Methodist & The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

November 7: Buddhist & Metropolitan Community Church

Questions for upcoming episodes can be submitted by emailing: conversationquestions@chmiowa.org. Inquiries may be directed to a specific tradition or offered generally for any faith participants to explore.

Have you read our latest

edition of The Flame?

Our most recent issue of The Flame should have been in your mailbox last month. You can also view it right here. The Flame is a publication of the Congregation of the Humility of Mary that is printed three times a year. If you would like to be added to the mailing list, please call us at 563-336-8401.

Click HERE to view the Spring/Summer 2025 issue.

Archives of past issues can be viewed HERE.

Please enjoy this month's issue of Down to Humus newsletter

As a part of the CHM Laudato Si’ Action Plan, the Congregation of the Humility of Mary has launched a monthly newsletter to educate themselves and others about care of the environment.

The newsletter is a place for readers to share their favorite earth-friendly links, innovative ideas and favorite recipes.

If you have ideas to submit to the publication, please click HERE.

Read the June/July newsletter

Recent Community Moments and Memories

ABOVE, LEFT COLUMN, FROM TOP -CHM's Vine Street community, including (back row) Sister Jennifer Hager, Sister Lynn Mousel, Billie Greenwood and Sister Mary Ann Vogel, celebrate Sister Miriam Anstey's 98th birthday. She is the most senior CHM!; Sister Nguyet Cao, LHC (front), Sister Kathleen Henneberry (left) and Sister Johanna Rickl attend a concert in Vander Veer Botanical Park; (left) Monsignor Larry Beeson and Father Guthrie Dolan celebrate (seated, in front) Sister Dorothy Ann Chevalier's 70th Jubilee at a reception featuring CHM cookies at Bishop Drumm Retirement Center (BDRC) following Jubilee mass. RIGHT COLUMN -Staff members and volunteers from BDRC visited the Humility of Mary Center (HMC) and the Kahl Home in July. Pictured, Jennifer Worley (left) enjoys catching up with Sister Lillian Stevens; (from left) Mary Routh, Sister Kathleen Henneberry, Barb Gross, Sister Rae Elwood and Sister Johanna Rickl dine together at HMC during the visit; (front, from left) Sister Marian Smith, Sister Nancy Schwieters and Sister Regina Mary Cratty are served cookies during the Jubilee celebration at BDRC.

Be sure to check out the upcoming retreats at

Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat

2664 14th Avenue - Wheatland, Iowa - 563-374-1092 - theprairieretreat.org

(Click the date for additional information)

For full details and to register find our calendar at www.theprairieretreat.org

To register by email contact: olpretreat@chmiowa.org or call 563-374-1092.
For online retreats, we will send an email with a Zoom link.
Scholarships available.

Wednesday, August 6 | 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Mass on The Prairie

Father Brian Micolt

Thursday, August 7 | 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Redemption Songs

Andy Douglas

How music and a caring community can bring growth and healing to incarcerated people.

$20

Friday, August 8 | 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Writing Your Life: An Introduction to Memoir

Tom Montgomery Fate

An introductory workshop focused on memoir, but would be useful to ANY writer—poets and fiction writers as well.

$40

Saturday, August 9 | 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Integral Spirituality: A Fitting Path

Rev. Jay Williams

This retreat will provide an accessible yet profound introduction to integral spirituality and its practical applications.

$40

August 15-17 | 5:00 p.m.-10:30 a.m.

The Way of the Pilgrim: Learning from Sacred Places

Lori Erickson

Gain an understanding of what makes a place sacred and how encountering holy sites—whether through travel, reflection or reading—can deepen your spiritual journey.

$175

Monday, August 18 | 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

The Book of Revelation – Unpacking a Mystery, Celebrating Victory!

Rev. Robert Mill and Dr. Mark Nimo

Unpack the keys to understanding this most misunderstood book of the Bible.

$40

Wednesday, August 20 | 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Growing and Cooking with Herbs

Deb Monroe

Explore the fascinating world of culinary herbs!

$25

Thursday, August 21 | 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Hildegard of Bingen’s Book of Divine Works with Letters and Songs

Rev. Matthew Fox, PhD.

The Book of Divine Works is a cosmology that reunites religion, science and art. Readers will discover an astonishing symbiosis with contemporary physics in these 800-year-old visions.

$20

August 22-24 | 5:00 p.m.-11:00 a.m.

Ancestral healing for Christian women

Dr. Jen Bessire

Christ is calling and has a plan for you. His work is in your hearts, but the trappings of your family lines are keeping it bound. It is time to set it free.

$175

Monday, August 25 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: Fear and Faith: Hope and Wholeness in a Fractured World

Daniel P. Horan, PhD

Jesus warns his followers to “be not afraid” more often than almost any other saying. Learn how fear functions as the enemy of Christian discipleship.

$20

Tuesday, August 26| 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Sacred Sounds with Janel

Janel Wenndt

Experience deep relaxation and emotional release with the practice of yoga with gongs.

$30

Thursday, August 28 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: Understanding Sustainable Investing and How It Relates to You

Jake Barnett

Better understand the current landscape for sustainable investing and how to ask the 'RIGHT' questions.

$10

Wednesday, September 3 | 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Mass on The Prairie

Father Denny Martin

Wednesday, September 3 | 6:30-8:00 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: Pilgrimage to Justice: Walking the Path of Nonviolence

Dr. Ken Butigan

Join us for a spiritually transformative evening exploring Pilgrimages of Hope for Creation - a journey of prayer, reflection, and commitment to nonviolence and ecological care.

Friday, September 5 | 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Step Into the Divine Design for Your Life

Rachael Looney

Learn practical strategies for living your Divine Design…the path to your highest potential! The key is in your vibrational frequency. Join me to learn the steps for creating a high-vibe life!

$25

Saturday, September 13 | 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

Widen Your Spaces (Change?? Change?? Who, ME?)

Dr. Jim Marchionda

Take a deeper dive into the promise of the scriptures.

$40

Sunday, September 14 | 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: Nature Companionship Retreat - Out Your Front Door

Dr. Jeanette Banashak

Building relationship, reciprocity and eco-justice.

$40

Wednesday, September 17 | 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Ayurvedic Breathwork: Path to Healing and Spiritual Development

Dr. Anuprao Mulakaluri

Learn an individualized approach to cultivating health and Spiritual experiences through Yogic Breathwork practices called Pranayama (Controlling the Vital Force)

$40

Thursday, September 18 |10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Gardening: Always a Great Experiment!

Deb Monroe and Andrea Witt

Sometimes, things go wrong in your garden - but don't panic - this retreat will renew your confidence to experiment with planting!

$40

Thursday, September 18 | 6:00-7:30 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: Whee! We, Wee All the Way Home: A Guide to Sensual, Prophetic Spirituality

Rev. Matthew Fox, PhD.

This is a universal handbook, reminding us that each one of us is a bearer of ecstasy and, therefore, of God.

$20

September 19 -21 | 4:00 p.m.-11:00 a.m.

Nurture and Restore Your Soul

Jenny Chadima

Deepen your faith and intimacy with Christ. Increase your peace, joy and contentment.

$175

Wednesday, September 24 | 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Yeast Baking 101

Deb Monroe

Gain confidence in this versatile, no-fail recipe!

$25

Friday, September 26 | 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Friday only - Fall 2025 Writing Retreat

Jodie Toohey

A full day dedicated to writing, reading, and/or reflecting with like-minded individuals.

$40

Friday, September 26 – Saturday, September 27

Weekend - Fall 2025 Writing Retreat

Jodie Toohey

Two full days dedicated to writing, reading, and/or reflecting with like-minded individuals.

$100

Saturday, September 27 | 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Saturday only - Fall 2025 Writing Retreat

Jodie Toohey

A full day dedicated to writing, reading, and/or reflecting with like-minded individuals.

$40

Tuesday, September 30 | 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

The Way of Grace: The Look of Love

Deacon Jeff Schuetzle

Does your self-image align with what God sees in you? Imagine and discover who you are in the eyes of God.

$30

Click here to view a complete listing of future retreats

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