Five representatives of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth joined women religious and ministry leaders from across the United States, representing more than 100 congregations, for “Transforming Grace: Next Steps on the Journey,” a national gathering sponsored by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious.
Representing Nazareth were Sister Juckulin Jesu, Sister Camille Panich, Sister Joetta Venneman, Sister Lisa Polega and Spalding Hurst, SCNA.
LCWR is the association of leaders of Catholic women religious congregations in the United States. The organization works to strengthen collaboration, leadership and response to the needs of the world through prayer, reflection, education and action.
The gathering brought together communicators, justice promoters and elected leaders from congregations across the country to explore how leadership, justice ministry and storytelling can work together in response to the realities facing communities today.
Throughout the week, participants reflected on a shared call:
“We gather because we believe in the power of the resurrection, in the strength of Grace to transform, and in the conviction that together infinitely more is possible. We gather in the confidence that the Spirit dwells here in our midst and in the courage necessary to discern the next step on a path we have not walked.”
The reflection continued with a focus on solidarity and responsibility:
“We gather to do something remarkable on behalf of the communities who have drawn us, in response to the urgency of the most vulnerable, and not for ourselves, but for the generations to follow.”
The event focused on relationship building, shared learning and deep listening. Organizers described the gathering as an opportunity to step away from daily demands and be fully present to one another. Prayer, conversation and reflection shaped the experience throughout the week.
Sessions addressed immigration, moral courage, collaboration and the call of religious life in today’s world. Presenters included Irshad Manji, founder of Moral Courage College, who led participants through conversations and practice sessions focused on moral courage, deep listening and dialogue across differences.
Michelle Sardone, deputy director of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, shared perspectives on immigration realities and accompaniment, while David Spicer, director of policy and engagement for migration issues with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, spoke about migration policy and advocacy efforts connected to the Church’s response to immigrants and refugees.
Irshad Manji invited participants into reflection and conversation centered on moral courage, deep listening and dialogue across differences. This video offers a glimpse into some of the questions and themes explored throughout the gathering.
Additional sessions featured Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, Episcopal bishop of Washington, D.C., and longtime journalist and political commentator E.J. Dionne Jr. Together, the presentations invited participants into deeper reflection on courage, responsibility, collaboration and the role of faith communities in responding to the needs of the world.
Participants also reflected on the LCWR “Response to These Times” statement and the 2025-2029 LCWR Assembly Resolution, which calls religious communities to live compassion, communion and nonviolence while responding to racism, forced migration and the climate crisis.
Throughout the gathering, participants met in mixed groups and role based sessions that encouraged conversation, learning and collaboration across congregations. The gathering emphasized that relationships matter and that shared wisdom and collective action remain essential in religious life and ministry.
For the SCN participants, the experience offered opportunities to strengthen connections with other congregations, share ministry experiences and reflect on how communication, leadership and justice work can continue supporting the mission of building peace and responding to the urgency of the most vulnerable.
“We gather in love.”