I recently had the privilege of celebrating with the newest members of the Mercy Associates, a group of lay faithful leaders who formally partner with the mission, spirituality, and charism of the Sisters of Mercy. For those who don't know this beautiful order of women religious, here is a description of the Sisters of Mercy: … Continue reading The Work of Mercy Begins Within: A Tribute to the Sisters of Mercy and Mercy Associates
Tag: faith
When Belonging Becomes a Barrier
“You only are free when you realize you belong no place — you belong every place — no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great.” — Maya Angelou This level of belonging takes deep work. The world is constantly telling us where we do and don’t belong. Social media pulls us … Continue reading When Belonging Becomes a Barrier
Unity Begins With Me
“We have to suffer as much from the Church as for it.” — Flannery O’Connor What do you think of when you think of the Church? What expectations do you have? What assumptions do you make? How would you define its purpose? For many, the Church brings to mind hurt, judgment, fear, and anxiety. The … Continue reading Unity Begins With Me
When Comfort Is No Longer the Call
This one is personal, and complex. Please note that everything expressed in this post is my perspective as a person and not a representation of the views of anyone else within the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Now that I am a few months into my role as Director of Leadership Formation, I have had the privilege … Continue reading When Comfort Is No Longer the Call
The Work of Moving Forward Together: From Change and Grief to Connection, Alignment, and Mission
“They are not problems to be fixed, but mysteries to be honored and revered.” This quote about people continues to resound in my head from Eugene Peterson’s The Pastor: A Memoir. Throughout my years coaching leaders and supporting organizations through change, I have encountered so many people who wanted me to “come in and fix … Continue reading The Work of Moving Forward Together: From Change and Grief to Connection, Alignment, and Mission
Together We Flourish
I've been thinking a lot lately about the Church as we experience our Journey in Faith together in the Archdiocese Dubuque, and as I step more fully into my role as Director of Leadership Formation. Not the Church as a building. Not the Church as an institution. Not even the Church as the collection of … Continue reading Together We Flourish
Whose Image Am I Reflecting?
"It feels like I have shed the things that have allowed me to become more fully who I am." This is what I shared with my coach recently as we reflected on the many transitions of the past year. I transitioned the business I founded to my partner. I stepped into an opportunity that feels … Continue reading Whose Image Am I Reflecting?
The Freedom of Not Knowing
Here I am, finding my feet again. Sometimes I wonder: Is it me that no longer fits in the world I've created? Or has the world changed so much that I no longer feel at home in it? Either way, I've found myself struggling to know where I fit or where I belong. This isn't … Continue reading The Freedom of Not Knowing
There Is Only We
Their smiles. The dancing. The sweaty, dirt-covered high fives. Praying together. The hugs. This is what I will remember most from our recent trip to the Dominican Republic to visit our twin parish. We called it a mission trip, but those words just don't feel quite right.Mission implies something to accomplish. What we experienced was … Continue reading There Is Only We
And She’s Off to the Next Adventure: A Letter To Our Dear Elisabeth
Elisabeth, We are blessed to have had you as part of our family these past few months. It wasn't always easy or comfortable, but that's how we know it was deep, meaningful, and true. It was love...it is love. You said it best in the note you left us: "Being deeply loved by someone gives … Continue reading And She’s Off to the Next Adventure: A Letter To Our Dear Elisabeth
