Vice-President Amy Golm, BVM, Director of Mission and Message Amy Connolly; and Director of Engagement Pat Maddux
Representatives of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Dubuque, Iowa, joined about 250 women religious, justice promoters, and communicators in St. Louis May 4-7 for a national Leadership Conference of Women Religious meeting focused on moral courage, connection, and common ground.
The meeting, “Transforming Grace: Next Steps on the Journey,” brought together congregation leaders, justice promoters, and communications staff. Attending for the congregation were Amy Golm, vice president; Pat Maddux, justice promoter; and Angie Connolly, communicator. Speakers included Episcopal Bishop Marianne Budde, David Spicer of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Michelle Sardone of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), New York Times columnist E.J. Dionne, and educator and author Irshad Manji.
Throughout the meeting, speakers emphasized empathy, deep listening, and the need to stay in relationship across differences. Participants explored how their congregations can carry those practices into ministry and public witness.
Bishop Budde urged participants to stay connected even in disagreement. “I’m very interested in conversing with people who see the world very differently than I do and seeking the higher moral values on which we agree,” she said, noting that people can be at odds and still remain in relationship.
Dionne reflected on the dignity of every person and warned against the harm of negative polarization. He called instead for curiosity, listening, and coalition-building. “Every person on earth has something to teach you,” he said.
Manji offered practical tools for dialogue and trust-building. “Common ground builds trust. Transformation happens in relationships,” she said, encouraging participants to ask questions, listen without trying to win, and create space for deeper understanding.
Between presentations, participants discussed how to carry forward messages of healing, justice, and conciliation within their congregations and communities.
Table conversations among added practical insight as participants reflected on how to live out these themes in their own settings.
Amy shares the gathering highlighted the importance of courageous, values-based leadership, adding that “in a divided time, we need to keep showing up for honest conversation that opens the door to hope.”
Pat reflects the meeting reinforced the connection between dialogue and justice, noting that “finding common ground begins with dignity, deep listening, and a commitment to action.”
Angie notes the gathering showed how communication can help build trust, saying that “thoughtful communication creates space for curiosity, connection, and change.”
Transforming Grace offered encouragement and practical insight as the Sisters of Charity, BVM continue their commitment to justice, dialogue, and the dignity of every person.
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