In this issue:

New staff at CHM
CHM,OLPR observe Season of Creation
Conversations in Faith Podcast second edition
Central Community Circle connects neighborhood
Latest issue of Down to Humus newsletter
Upcoming retreats at OLPR

New Staff Join CHM to Support Operations and Wellness

The Congregation of the Humility of Mary welcomed two new staff members in September who will strengthen the support and care offered to the community and assume some oversight currently carried by the CHM leadership team. All canonical responsibilities of the congregation remain with the CHM President and Leadership Team.

Chief Operating Officer

Karen Eden has joined CHM as the Congregation’s first Chief Operating Officer (COO). In this role, she provides direction and oversight of all business operations, including administrative staff, business support, management information systems, day-to-day building operations and Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat. Karen is a strategic and results-driven professional with more than 25 years of experience in higher education. She has proven expertise in relationship building, strategic planning, training and project management. Most recently, Karen served as the Executive Director of Graduate Admissions and Professional Development Center at St. Ambrose University. She holds both an MBA and a Master’s in Organizational Management from St. Ambrose University and a BA in Marketing and Management from Loras College.

Wellness Director

Joann Stribling has joined CHM as Wellness Director. She oversees the provision of compassionate, quality care for sisters by ensuring their physical, emotional and spiritual needs are met, while maintaining compliance with state and federal healthcare regulations. This role encompasses the wellness needs of all sisters across the community. Joann brings significant experience in healthcare and leadership, most recently serving as Director of Nursing at Hillcrest Home in Geneseo, Illinois. She holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona, and a BS in Nursing from Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa.

We are grateful to have Karen and Joann bringing their skills, leadership and compassion to CHM. Their presence helps ensure that the congregation’s mission and daily life continue to be supported with care and professionalism.

Prayer, reflection and Pilgrimage for Season of Creation

From September 1 (World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation) through the Feast of St. Francis on October 4, the Congregation of the Humility of Mary has joined Christians worldwide in the Season of Creation—praying, learning, and acting on behalf of Earth and all who share it. Throughout the season, sisters, staff and associates took time to reflect on the need to care for natural habitat and practice conservation, drawing on Pope Francis’s call in Laudato Si’ to respond to the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor.

Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat also participated in the Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation, part of the global Season of Creation. As a participating site in the Tri-State Network, The Prairie welcomed pilgrims throughout September, offering time and space for prayerful walking and reflection.

CHM's observance will conclude with an interfaith prayer service on Saturday, October 4, at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Mary Monastery Bell Tower, 2200 88th Avenue West, Rock Island, IL. All are welcome to gather in gratitude, lament, and hope as we commit ourselves anew to healing God’s creation and one another.

Please bring a lawn chair; in case of rain, the service will be held indoors. The prayer service is sponsored by Sisters of St. Benedict; Interfaith Creation Care, QC; Peoria Diocesan Council of Catholic Women; and the Congregation of the Humility of Mary.

May this season’s prayer lead to lasting habits of care, and may our love for Earth deepen our love for every neighbor. “For I know the plans I have for you… to give you hope and a future.” (Jer 29:11)

New Conversations in Faith podcast: Methodist & Latter-day Saint voices

The Conversations in Faith podcast, a new collaboration exploring spirituality, justice and human connection across traditions, will release its second episode on October 3. Sponsored by Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, the Congregation of the Humility of Mary, St. Ambrose University and The Catholic Messenger, the series invites listeners into honest, respectful dialogue with leaders from diverse faith backgrounds.

Barb Arland-Fye, former editor of The Catholic Messenger, continues as moderator, guiding conversations with warmth and insight. This month’s discussion features Pastor Robb McCoy of Two Rivers United Methodist Church in Rock Island and Dr. Rich Whitaker, CEO of Vera French Community Mental Health Center and lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Pastor Robb McCoy brings a unique blend of scholarship and humor to his ministry. In addition to serving his congregation, he co-produces and co-hosts the popular Pulpit Fiction podcast, which has reached thousands of clergy and seekers with engaging conversations about scripture. McCoy’s interviews with leading Christian thinkers—including Rob Bell, Richard Rohr and Diana Butler Bass—reflect his commitment to thoughtful, accessible theology. Ordained in 2010, he is also a devoted husband, father of two and active volunteer in Rock Island schools.

Dr. Rich Whitaker has combined his faith and professional expertise in community mental health for more than 30 years. Currently serving as CEO of Vera French Community Mental Health Center, he also holds leadership roles with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and the Iowa Association of Community Providers. Rooted in his Latter-day Saint tradition, Dr. Whitaker is dedicated to family, service and building bridges across communities. He and his wife Miriam are proud parents of four and grandparents as well.

Together, McCoy and Whitaker will discuss how their respective faith traditions address spirituality, service and the common good. Their exchange highlights the rich diversity within Christianity while modeling how dialogue can strengthen interfaith understanding.

Conversations in Faith launched September 5 with an inaugural episode featuring Dr. Lisa Z. Killinger, a Muslim leader and community activist, and Cantor Gail Karp, one of the first women ordained as a Reform Jewish cantor.

New episodes are released monthly and are available on all major podcast platforms.

Circle of Commitment

For more than 50 years, the Congregation of the Humility of Mary has been a steady presence in Davenport’s Central Community neighborhood—teaching, ministering and living alongside residents. That commitment deepened 25 years ago when CHM built the Vine Street apartments and began hosting the monthly Central Community Circle (CCC) meetings.

The CCC was born when the neighborhood was facing serious challenges—crime, drugs and declining property values. Meeting in a circle to ensure every voice is heard, neighbors, nonprofits, city officials and police come together to share updates, raise concerns and collaborate on solutions. Organizers Billie Greenwood, who lives with five CHMs at the Vine Street apartment, and neighbor Brad Creviston keep the group moving forward with agendas, notices, and strong leadership.

The circle is diverse, welcoming both residents and representatives from organizations that serve the area. Regular attendees include representatives from Project Renewal, One-Eighty, Ecumenical Housing Development Group, Humility Homes and Services, CCC Food Pantry, Café on Vine, CHM and the Davenport Police Department. City officials also participate, and guest speakers often include candidates for public office.

CCC’s accomplishments include safer streets, stronger partnerships, and community pride. Next up is a neighborhood cleanup and cookout on September 19—another step in building a healthier, more connected community.

The next issue of The Flame will feature more information about CHM and the CCC.

PICTURED ABOVE: CHM friend Billie Greenwood, center, leads the September CCC meeting.

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 October/November newsletter

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.
Financial aid available--please ask us!

Wednesday, October 1 | 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Mass on The Prairie

Father Brian Miclot

Wednesday, October 8 | 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Finding Hope and Unity in the World

Sr. Kathleen Saddler, OSF

Join us if you are longing for hope and unity in your life and want to learn steps to bring that hope and unity to life.

$40

Tuesday, October 14 | 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Conversations: The Art and the Science

Dan Ebener

There is an art and a science to great conversations. Hone your skills to connect with others on a deeper level.

$40

Tuesday, October 14 | 6:00-7:30 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: From Faith to Action: Preventing Gun Violence Through Advocacy

Nuns Against Gun Violence

Explore how faith compels working for gun violence prevention.

$20

Wednesday, October 15 | 6:00-8:00 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: Come Forth: How the story of Lazarus can offer you new life.

Rev. James Martin, SJ

“Martin dives deep into the Gospel story to reveal how Jesus's greatest miracle can help each of us experience the new life that God promises. Come Forth is a spiritual masterpiece.” — Richard Rohr, OFM, author of The Universal Christ

$20

Thursday, October 16 | 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Master Gardener Retreat - Keep on Planting!!

Andrea Witt, Deb Monroe, Willard Larsen, Bev Christiansen and Loren Andresen

Time spent in the garden this fall will make for a healthier happier garden next spring!

$40

Thursday, October 16 | 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Meditations with Meister Eckhart

Rev. Matthew Fox, PhD.

The 'wayless way' is available to everyone - come find out what Meister Eckhart means by 'the person who has found this way needs no other.'

$20

Wednesday, October 29 | 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

WRITE IT DOWN: The Power of Journaling

Karen Blankenship

It is not as difficult as you might think and the rewards are well worth the investment of time.

$40

Saturday, November 1 | 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Medicine Wheel

Kathleen Collins

How the four directions help balance your life!

$40

Wednesday, November 5 | 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Pause and Refresh - Catching a Breath

Dr. Patricia Shea

Take this time just for you - relax, refresh, and get in touch with yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually.

$40

Thursday, November 6 | 1:00-3:30 p.m.

Lost Nation: The Ioway

Tammy and Kelly Rundle

Location: Clinton Community College, 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton, Iowa.

This forgotten story of American conquest and Native survival will come to light with the award-winning documentary.

Free Will Offering

Saturday, November 8 | 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

The Mystic Way - Community in Nondual Practice.

Dennis Eastin

The Prairie is a safe environment for engaging in a discussion on how mysticism can inform our lives in the second half of life.

$40

Saturday, November 15 | 1:00-4:30 p.m.

Self-Care for Body, Mind and Spirit

Dianne Willging

Experience an afternoon of opportunities designed to create a harmonious balance of body, mind, and spirit.

$25

November 30 and December 6 | 3:00-4:00 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: Waiting in Hope: An Ignatian Advent Retreat in Daily Life

Meg Foreman, Chad Roeber and Ann LaBauve

Would you like to spend time praying intentionally around Advent scriptures? Are you curious about the Spiritual Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola? Opening session- Sun, Nov 30th; Closing session- Sat, Dec 6th. Daily, Monday through Friday, retreatants meet individually with a spiritual director.

$95

Click here to view a complete listing of future retreats

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