In times of uncertainty and heightened fear, people of faith are called not only to respond, but to prepare — to equip themselves with knowledge, skills, and compassion that protect human dignity and strengthen community. For the Congregation of the Humility of Mary, this commitment is rooted in prayer and expressed through presence, education and accompaniment of those most vulnerable.

On January 24, four CHMs joined approximately 100 community members at St. Anthony Catholic Church in downtown Davenport for a community meeting focused on understanding rights during interactions with immigration enforcement. Organized by Iowa State Representative Ken Croken, the gathering was held in response to community concerns following recent immigration enforcement actions and their impact on local families and neighborhoods.

The meeting featured Jessie Fuentes, who offered clear, practical guidance on legal rights and personal safety. Participants learned that they have the right to remain silent, the right to request legal counsel, the right to refuse entry without a signed judicial warrant, and the right to record interactions with law enforcement in public spaces. Knowing these rights can help reduce fear, prevent escalation, and protect dignity during stressful encounters. In addition to legal rights, the meeting addressed safety protocols for a range of settings, including homes, workplaces, schools, and hospitals. Attendees also received information about what to do if someone is detained, emphasizing the importance of preparation, trusted contacts and reliable support resources. The goal was not to heighten anxiety, but to empower the community with knowledge and practical tools.

CHM President Sister Johanna says, “We are committed to being attentive to the needs of those who struggle to speak or advocate for themselves.” Sister Johanna, reflecting on CHM’s charism, emphasizes that caring for those who are marginalized is central to the congregation’s identity. “Our call to humility places us in right relationship with people who are excluded, silenced or harmed by unjust systems,” she says.

Sister Mary Penelope Wink reminds us that prayer is also a part of civic engagement. “Even when you think you cannot do anything about a situation, you can always pray,” she says, adding that prayer shapes our responses, anchors us in hope rather than fear, and sustains in us God's love for justice.

Engaging in nonviolent resistance safely also means knowing limits. CHM encourages supporters to participate only in actions that are clearly nonviolent, well-organized and aligned with their personal capacity and comfort. It is always appropriate to ask: Who is organizing this? What are the expectations? How will safety be maintained? Choosing not to participate in a particular action can itself be an act of wisdom, not withdrawal.

Opportunities to build skills for nonviolent action continue. Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat is sponsoring an upcoming online workshop, Bystander Intervention for Creating Safer Communities, presented by the University of Iowa Violence Prevention Team. This interactive session will be held online on Thursday, February 5, from 6–7:30 p.m.

Designed for those concerned about violence and discrimination, the workshop will help participants recognize warning signs of identity-based harm, including racism, sexism and xenophobia. Through trauma-informed activities, mixed-media presentations and group discussion, participants will learn and practice bystander intervention strategies they can use in real-world situations. The training also explores how personal identity and religious values can inform courageous, nonviolent action. For more information about this online program, visit theprairieretreat.org.

Nonviolent civic engagement begins with formation — learning our rights, deepening our prayer, and preparing ourselves to respond with wisdom and care. CHM’s participation in these efforts reflects a commitment to walk with the marginalized, to act without violence, and to build communities rooted in justice, compassion and hope.

ABOVE PHOTO—L-R, Sister Lynn Mousel, Sister Johanna Rickl, Sister Mary Bea Snyder, CHM friend Billie Greenwood, and Sister Mary Penelope Wink attended a presentation regarding impacts and response to recent immigration activity.

In the rolling timber and tallgrass prairies of Iowa, a quiet battle for ecological balance is waged every winter. While many see the white-tailed deer as a graceful symbol of the Midwest, the reality is one of staggering numbers. Without natural predators like wolves or mountain lions, Iowa’s deer population can surge by up to 40% annually, leading to significant consequences for the land and its residents.

For Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat (OLPR), managing this growth through hunting is vital. Left unchecked, deer densities can exceed 100 per square mile, wiping out habitats for ground-nesting birds and causing millions in crop damage and vehicle collisions.

Though the official deer hunting season runs from October to January, for Mike, one of two veteran hunters permitted to hunt the OLPR grounds, the work never stops. "The hunt starts when the season ends," Mike explains. "Now I'm already thinking about next year...What do you have to scout? What do you have to do for your stand work? New trail cam locations. - Nature's different. It’s not where you think the deer are going to be; it’s where they actually are."

The logistical dance is coordinated by Todd Seifert, OLPR’s Property and Operations Manager. Starting in July, Todd syncs the hunters' schedules with a shared community calendar. This ensures hunters are only onsite when no events are taking place, maintaining The Prairie Retreat’s signature serenity and safety.

Success in deer hunting requires becoming a ghost. Mike emphasizes that a deer’s nose is "a hundred times better than a dog's." To combat this, he follows a ritualistic decontamination process days before stepping foot on the property.

“It’s about washing all your clothes in carbon scent-elimination laundry detergent, and then disinfecting your washer every time... I store my

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.

Be sure to check out the upcoming retreats at

Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat