Radio

Dare to Love

Dare to Love

First Thursday Monthly: 8 – 8:30 a.m.
WNDZ 750 AM

Dare to Love is a program that cultivates vocation awareness in the Archdiocese of Chicago through discussion of topics related to vocation discernment and promotion. Dare to Love is co-hosted by Sister Lovina Francis Pammit, OSF, Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, and Father Adam MacDonald, SVD, Society of the Divine Word.

Sr. Lovina is a Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart and serves as Coordinator of CAVA.

CAVA (Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association) is a ministry of the Office for Religious (OFR) in the Archdiocese of Chicago. CAVA is an association of Roman Catholic Religious Sisters, Brothers, Priests, Consecrated Laity and others who are active in and supportive of vocation ministry. Members of CAVA belong to or avidly support religious congregations, secular institutes and lay ecclesial movements serving the People of God in the Archdiocese of Chicago. CAVA’s purpose is to nurture a Culture of Vocations within the Catholic Church. Our twofold purpose is to promote general vocation awareness and to invite young men and women to discern a vocation to consecrated life. www.vocationscava.org

Celebrating World Day for Consecrated Life

Thursday, February 1, 2024
Sister Connie Bach, PHJC (Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ) returns to Dare to Love to share more of her vocation story, takeaways from the Leadership Collaborative gathering of women religious under 65 in Chicago that she attended with Sister Lovina, and the importance of making the voiceless count. Father Adam provides a history of World Day of Consecrated Life (WDCL) and his experience of the Synodal process.

Greeting the New Year with a New Hope

Thursday, January 4, 2024
Co-hosts Sr. Lovina and Fr. Adam greet the new year with guest, Sr. Connie Bach, PHJC, sharing their New Year’s resolutions, hopes and wishes as the new year unfolds. Sr. Connie talks about her ministries, vocation story. Interested in the PHJC ministries? Visit Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ https://poorhandmaids.org/ or PHJC Volunteer program https://phjcvolprogram.org/

Advent: A Time to Wait - A Time to Act

Thursday, December 7, 2023
In his first ever opportunity to host "Dare to Love" alone, Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD invites us to reflect upon the meaning of the Advent season and also the "Simbang Gabi" tradition, now celebrated widely throughout the Archdiocese. Fr. Adam's guest is Sr. Maria Brizuela, a Franciscan Sister of the Sacred Heart who shares with us some thoughts and reflections on what Advent means to her, recollections of celebrating Simbang Gabi in her native Philippines, and her unique vocation story as well as some words of encouragement to those who feel God may be calling them to consider religious life. Truly Advent is a season of waiting for the coming of the Lord, but it's also a time to act in responding to God's call!

Gathering in Unity at the HEARTH

Thursday, November 2, 2023
Today’s guest is Ana Paula Panzarini, Director of Evangelization and Faith Formation at Holy Name of Jesus-St Gregory the Great Parish in New York, is a consecrated member of the Focolare Movement. We honor All Souls Day and Remember those who have passed on before us: Fr. Mike Scherschel, Bishop Kevin Birmingham, and Sr. Patricia Crowley, OSB. November 5 to 11 is National Vocations Awareness Week . Ana Paula talks about her community’s founder, Chiara Lubich, and their charism. She also introduces their international all-women band, Genverde founded over 50 years ago, when Chiara handed over a green colored set of drums to a group of “Focolarinas. And they haven’t stopped making music since. Other useful links for you to check out on YouTube: https://youtu.be/TQGfmeYXSrI?si=PrnDpzkitKa99njv https://youtu.be/16gQagcOkSA?si=pAefaAhs8wDoXMei https://youtu.be/Uf4y7af9wxY?si=4Z4pGRQmCpMuH0Ad https://youtu.be/pzFUJNOZv98?si=TYxJOWDTm_uwxXTT

Meet the New Vicar for Religious

Thursday, October 5, 2023
Meet Sister Mary Beth Bromer, CSSF, Felician Sister, the new Vicar for Religious for the Archdiocese of Chicago. Sr. Mary Beth is near and dear to our hearts as someone who served in the past as part of the Advisory Board of the Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association (www.vocationscava.org). Fr. Adam and Sr. Lovina discuss their ministry transitions and roles, community life, and the celebration of the gift of diversity of communities whether in our local mission convents and theologates or in the larger community. To read more about Sr. Mary Beth Bromer, visit: Archdiocese of Chicago Appoints Sister Mary Beth Bromer, CSSF, Vicar for Religious - News Releases - Archdiocese of Chicago (archchicago.org).

Ministry of Presence: A Gift of Love

Thursday, September 7, 2023
In today’s Dare to Love, the first segment presents a video interview with Liz Hughes, Executive Director of Franciscan Misson Service (FMS) who talks about the history and purpose of FMS, their programs, and the people of all ages involved in FMS. The second segment is a tribute to the memory of Fr. Mike Scherschel who served as pastor for St. Hubert’s and St. Matthew until he passed away on August 10. Fr. Mike was a member of the Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association (CAVA) for many years, most of which he served as a CAVA Board member. Sr. Lovina, along with guests Br. John Eustice, CSV, Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD, and Sr. Michele Fisher, CSFN (via a recorded video clip) share some words to honor their friend and colleague on behalf of CAVA.

Feels Like Home: A Single Catholic Woman's Guide to Religious Life in the U.S. - continued

Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Part Two of a conversation that started earlier this month. Susan Flansburg, author of Feels Like Home: A Single Catholic Woman's Guide to Religious Life in the U.S. talks about her new book written for those discerning a vocation as a religious Sister. In this book, Susan provides practical information based on over 20 years of experience working with a religious community and interviewing and consulting with vocation directors and many religious Sisters and nuns. This is a book that vocation ministers, pastors, campus ministers, teachers, and parents must get into the hands of women who are considering the vocation of a religious Sister. Available for purchase on https://Amazon.com.

Feels Like Home: A Single Catholic Woman's Guide to Religious Life in the U.S.

Thursday, August 3, 2023
Susan Flansburg, author of Feels Like Home: A Single Catholic Woman's Guide to Religious Life in the U.S. talks about her new book written for those discerning a vocation as a religious Sister. In this book, Susan provides practical information based on over 20 years of experience working with a religious community and interviewing and consulting with vocation directors and many religious Sisters and nuns. This is a book that vocation ministers, pastors, campus ministers, teachers, and parents must get into the hands of women who are considering the vocation of a religious Sister. Available for purchase on https://Amazon.com.

Vocation Ministry as Gift to the World

Thursday, July 6, 2023
Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD, Divine Word Missionary, looks back with gratitude and learnings through his 12 years of serving in vocation ministry. Recently, he was asked to move back to Chicago to serve as the local superior at the congregation’s Theologate Formation House at Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park. How do discernment, shared wisdom, and servant leadership play important roles in this transition time? Society of the Divine Word/Divine Word Missionaries Website: https://www.divineword.org/. Vocations Website: https://www.svdvocations.org/ Formation House: https://www.svdvocations.org/discernment-formation/steps-formation/theologate-formation CAVA WEBSITE: https://www.vocationscava.org/

Springfield Dominican Sisters 150th Anniversary

Thursday, June 1, 2023
Sister Beth Murphy, O.P., Communicator for the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, IL, talks about her community’s 150th anniversary celebration, their charism, mission, and various ministries. All are invited to join the Sisters in celebrating this event. Visit: https://springfieldop.org/150years/. Check out their podcast at https://flowcastlisten.org/. Young adult women interested in deepening their spiritual lives, visit: https://springfieldop.org/join-us/cor-unum/. Pray the Dominican Blessing with the community at: https://springfieldop.org/dominican-blessing/

Bro. Mark Elder, C.M. – Muralist, Educator, and Cowboy?

Thursday, May 18, 2023
Brother Mark Elder, C.M. defies being put into just one “box.” He is a religious brother of the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians), Art Professor at DePaul University, Muralist, and is known to wear a cowboy hat. He has a funny way (and a serious way too) of explaining why not be a priest? For more about his murals, watch: HERE.. and visit: The Little School Under the "L".. Follow Bro. Mark on Facebook.. Interested in the Vincentian community? Visit https://www.vincentian.org/. or contact Fr. Toshio Sato at [email protected]

Aloha, Brother Allen Pacquing, S.M.!

Thursday, May 4, 2023
Brother Allen Pacquing, S.M. is a Marianist Brother, and currently serves as Academic Advisor, Advising and Career Development at Chaminade University in Honolulu, HI. Bro. Allen joined his community in 2012 and professed perpetual vows in 2020. He talks about his calling as a religious brother and invites those who are curious to discover more about this vocation. He wrote an article about his own vocation story on the Vision Vocation Magazine. Click the link for the article: Brotherhood Is Right For Me. Marianist Website.| Marianist Vocations.

Let’s hear from CSJ Sisters: Pat and Erin!

Thursday, April 6, 2023
Meet Sister Pat Bergen and Sister Erin McDonald, members of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph - Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph (csjoseph.org). Sr. Pat is based in La Grange, IL and is known among several local committees and local groups in Chicago. Check out her lenten reflection here. Sr. Erin is University Minister for Service and Social Justice at the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, MI and co-host of Beyond the Habit, “a podcast moving beyond everyday assumptions of what it means to be Catholic hosted by two Catholic Sisters.”

Meet Sister Dina!

Thursday, March 2, 2023
Today's guest is Sister Dina Bato, S.P. with the Sisters of Providence of St. Mary of the Woods, IN

The Camino Experience

Thursday, February 2, 2023
Brother Arnaldo M. Sanchez, OSM is a member of the Friar Servants of Mary. He talks about his vocation journey as a Religious Brother and his “Camino Frances” pilgrimage following one of the interconnected pilgrimage routes in Spain whose ultimate destination is the tomb of the Apostle James the Greater in Santiago de Compostela, in Galicia. Bro. Arnaldo currently serves as the Corporate Secretary and Province Treasurer, and is also a councilor on the leadership team of their Province in the USA. Website: www.servite.org. If interested in finding out more about the secular members of the Servites, you may contact Bro. Arnaldo at 773-533-0360 Ext. 212. For more information on joining as a vowed member, contact the Vocation Director, Fr. Donald M. Siple, OSM at 773-533-0360 X 210 or email: [email protected].

Vocation Awareness in the Parish

Thursday, January 5, 2023
Our guest, Fr. Mike Scherschel, pastor of St. Hubert Church in Hoffman Estates, IL, talks about how parishes and schools can nurture and support vocations to married, ordained and consecrated life through various events, resources, and programs. In collaboration with CAVA Fr. Mike invited various religious communities to engage with parishioners and also with young people in the same weekend as the parish traditional “Taste of St. Hubert’s” event. Watch the video interview of a young woman whose discernment to religious life has been supported in the parish and has come back to check in as she moves on to the next step in her initial formation with a community that she joined.

Good Morning, Brother John!

Thursday, December 1, 2022
Brother John Eustice, CSV from the Viatorians (Clerics of St. Viator) talks about his vocation journey as being “on the way” discerning to join his community as a religious brother and later discerning a call to priesthood. He reports on the November 12/13 weekend event: “A Taste of St. Hubert’s” at St. Hubert Parish (Fr. Mike Scherschel, pastor) in Hoffman Estates, IL celebrating the diversity of the parish and highlighting vocation awareness as several consecrated religious join in the festivities. Br. John invites all to a “Come and Be” weekend at Maternity BVM parish in Bourbonnais, IL 308 E Marsile St, Bourbonnais, IL 60914 on December 10/11, 2022. He encourages everyone to join in making vocation awareness an important part of young people’s lives. For resources, visit https://www.vocationscava.org/ or https://nrvc.net/. To contact Br. John or his assistant: Tel. 847-894-8537 | Email: [email protected] Or Mr. Dan Masterton [email protected]

Neighborly Love at the Border

Thursday, November 3, 2022
Dare to Love host Sr. Lovina ook some time to talk to Sr. Ruth Agee, OSF & Sr. Debrah Funfsinn, OSF. Both are Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart. They spent their time discussing their ministry at the border.

Let’s Meet Sister Skolastika!

Thursday, October 6, 2022
Fr. Adam McDonald, SVD introduces Sister Skolastika Wea, SSpS, a Missionary Sister Servant of the Holy Spirit (Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters) to co-host Sr. Lovina and to listeners and viewers. Sr. Skolastika is a new member of the Vocations CAVA family. A native of Indonesia, Sr. Skolastika has been in the U.S. since 2014 and professed her perpetual vows in Chicago in 2018. Visit https://www.ssps-usa.org or check out their Facebook page: Facebook Page

A Lay Person’s View on Vocation Ministry for Consecrated Life

Thursday, September 1, 2022
Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD, “frequent flyer” guest for Dare to Love co-hosts with Sr. Lovina on this episode. Our guest, Mr. Len Uhal, is the National Director for Vocation Ministry for the Society of the Divine Word. Together with Fr. Adam, they work together with several others on their team. As a married lay person with children who also had initial formation experience in religious life prior to marriage, Len Uhal provides a valuable perspective on the importance of promoting vocation awareness in the community. For more information, visit: https://www.svdvocations.org/

The Fireplace: Intentional Community and the Arts

Thursday, August 4, 2022
Sister Sharon Dillon, SSJ-TOSF, member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, currently lives in an intentional community in Chicago called, “The Fireplace.” Sr. Sharon talks about her vocation and her faithful living of her vows by being attentive to what is emerging and responding to the signs of the times. Find out more about The Fireplace initiative at The Fireplace Community. Get involved or participate in one of their event offerings. Sharon Dillon is a Sister of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis who currently resides at the Fireplace Community in Chicago, Illinois. Sister Sharon is a respected leader, administrator and retreat facilitator. As a 15-year master special educator and Franciscan spiritual director, Sister Sharon is a self-proclaimed avid reader and is always looking at life with a focus on the integration of theology with her Franciscan spirituality. Sister Sharon served as the former executive director of the Franciscan Federation of the Third Order for the United States. She was both a writer and an integral facilitator in the creation of the “Franciscan Morning and Evening Praise” prayer book. Sister Sharon has lived with an individual who has special needs, served as the President for the My Own Place, INC board of directors, an agency that provides housing for individuals with special needs in the Maryland/Washington D.C. metro area and most recently taught theology at the Academy of the Holy Cross in Kensington, Maryland. Sister Sharon currently lives in The FIREPLACE community and teaches special education in a public middle school setting.

Spiritual Direction and Discernment

Thursday, July 7, 2022
Sister Joyce Diltz, PHJC, a Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ Sister, talks about Spiritual Direction – what it is, what it is not, and who is it for? If you are seeking guidance in your life, this is the topic for you! To find out more about the Poor Handmaids - PHJC website: www.poorhandmaids.org. To contact Sr. Joyce, email [email protected].

Covid, Confirmation, and Commitment

Thursday, June 2, 2022
Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD talks about how vocation efforts during the pandemic including his experience leading a Confirmation Retreat for young people and the gift of witnessing the journey of a priest he has accompanied over the years. Contact information for Fr. Adam: Toll-Free: 800-553-3321 | Cell: 847-644-8320 | Email: [email protected] | Website: www.svdvocations.org | Facebook: www.facebook.com/adamsvd | Twitter: @AMacDonaldSVD

Celebrating Religious Brothers Day and World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Thursday, May 5, 2022
Our guests today are Sister Michele Fisher, CSFN, a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth ( www.NazarethCSFN.org) and Brother Tim Smyth, CFC, a member of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers of the North American Province (www.ercbna.org). Pray the rosary with the CSFNs in Ukraine via Zoom at 1:00 pm central. To join the Sisters for the online Rosary at 9pm (Kiev time), the following ZOOM link can be used: https://us04web.zoom.us/j/4394440126

Getting to Know Sr. Eva Melgar, Scalabrinian Sister

Thursday, April 7, 2022
Sister Mayra Eva Melgar-Lopez, MSCS, originally from Mexico, has been a member of the Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo Scalabrinians for less than six years. Although her family doesn’t practice their Catholic faith and starting out as a self-proclaimed atheist, a Lenten retreat turned things around. A profound experience with the very poor and later some accompaniment with Scalabrinian Sisters led to her joining the community as a member. To learn more about the congregation, visit: Missionary Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo Scalabrinians (scalabriniansisters.org)

Continued Conversation with Sr. Debbie Borneman

Thursday, March 3, 2022
Sister Lovina’s conversation with Sister Debbie Borneman of NRVC continues. God’s call to love and serve is unending. Are there people entering religious communities? Who are they? Vocation ministry is not all about “recruitment” to get people to replace roles or positions. Walking with young people who truly need a “listening ear” and meeting them where they are at is the kind of vocation discernment we offer today, much like Religious meet people at the country borders or in other social justice ministries – to be present where people are in need and where we can be God’s presence to others. Visit www.nrvc.net for statistics about new entrants and for vocation discernment ministry resources.

Let’s Celebrate World Day for Consecrated Life

Thursday, February 3, 2022
Today, our guest, Sister Debbie Borneman, SS.C.M., Director of Mission Integration for the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC), talks about World Day for Consecrated Life (WDCL). WDCL is celebrated on February 2nd on the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (February 5 & 6 in parishes). What gives us hope during this challenging times? What are ways we can celebrate this life of commitment in response to God’s unending call to love? Visit www.nrvc.net for resources and for information about consecrated life and vocation discernment ministry.

A Conversation with a Benedictine Nun

Thursday, January 6, 2022
Sister Belinda Monahan, OSB is a member of the Benedictine Sisters at Saint Scholastica Monastery in Chicago www.osbchicago.org. She also serves as assistant campus minister at the Sheil Catholic Center at Northwestern University in Evanston. Sr. Belinda talks about her journey as an Archaeologist and eventually as a Benedictine nun. Discover with us the gifts of the Benedictine charism. You can get in touch with Sr. Belinda at [email protected]

Maryknoll John Siyumbu’s Vocation Journey

Thursday, December 2, 2021
John Siyumbu, MM (Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers Maryknoll Society) got to know the Maryknoll Missionaries in Kenya, east Africa, and manages to bring about a major change in this community’s policies. This past October, John was ordained a transitional deacon, and will be ordained as a priest next year. He is currently finishing his formation studies at the Catholic Theological Union (CTU) and hopes to graduate in May 2022. Tune in and be inspired by his vocation journey.

Profession of Vows in Consecrated Life

Thursday, November 4, 2021
Sister Joni Luna, S.P., a Sister of Providence of St. Mary of the Woods, IN, describes her journey during a time when success in life began to feel empty, at which time she felt a shift in her values. She talks about how that sense of restlessness led her to respond to the call to religious life. Sr. Joni recounts her preparation time and the moment of professing perpetual vows, and how these experiences continue to deepen her spiritual life. Currently serving as her community’s Vocations Director, Sr. Joni invites others to explore God’s call in their lives. For more information, contact Sr. Joni at [email protected] www.SistersofProvidence.org. Link to article on Sr. Joni’s final Vows (and Sr. Jessica’s First vows) Sr. Joni's final Vows More about Sr. Joni

Weaving Cultures and AHLMA – Emergent Movements in Religious Life

Thursday, October 7, 2021
Sr. Constanza Fernández Cano Salgado, F.Sp.S., Coordinator of Weaving Cultures (Entrelezando Culturas) talks about the importance of intercultural competence today. A new way of assessing intercultural background is being developed to help navigate through formation and social situations for formators, pastoral ministers, and all others who are encountering various cultures, age generations, and even convictions and diverse political stances. Visit www.maccsa.org for more information. Sr. Elizabeth Ann Guerrero, MCDP, Executive Director of AHLMA - Asociación de Hermanas Latinas Misioneras en América talks about this Dynamic group, their history and upcoming activities. For more information visit www.ahlma.org or check out www.facebook.com/HermanasLatinasAHLMA

Running for the Lord: Sr. Stephanie Baliga, F.E.

Thursday, September 2, 2021
Today’s guest is Sister Stephanie Baliga, F.E. from the Franciscans of the Eucharist of Chicago (FranciscansOfTheEucharistOfChicago.com) who talks about how she found this community, her community’s mission, charism, ministries, and updates on their construction/development project. Sr. Stephanie tells the story about how she became the first to establish a world record running on the treadmill and how to support Team OLA (Mission of Our Lady of the Angels) with over 100 runners in the Chicago Marathon on October 10, 2021 (in person!) to raise funds for various ministries and the construction project that serve the community and especially those in need. Will Sr. Lovina take up the challenge and join Team OLA for the 2022 marathon? Tune in on the first Thursdays of the month to find out!

Ministry at the Border in San Diego, CA

Thursday, August 5, 2021
Sister Christina Fuller, OSF (Evanston, IL) and Sister Kim Marie Wolf, OSF (Frankfort, IL), both members of the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart (www.fssh.net) share their experience at an undisclosed facility near the U.S. border in San Diego to “do works of neighborly love.” Prepared to use some of their Spanish language resources, instead they were surprised to meet mostly Brazilians from Central Brazil who spoke Portuguese. In the end, their loving presence without judgment and the value of “familia” crossed the language and cultural barriers to connect with sisters and brothers in Christ.

God’s Call Never Ceases; Ministry with the Navajo Nation

Thursday, July 1, 2021
Today’s guests are Sr. Kathleen Branham, OSF, Vocation Director and Sr. Marlene Kochert, OSF from the Sisters of St. Francis, Oldenburg, IN. Sr. Kathleen tells her vocation story from having a miraculous healing as a child to experiencing homelessness to rising to financial heights and eventually choosing instead what is “home” as a consecrated religious. Meanwhile, in New Mexico, Sr. Marlene feels she is “home” serving as Pastoral Minister at St. Mary Mission and at other missions in the Diocese of Gallup. She has been at Tohatchi for 23 years and wears many hats. Visit St. Mary Mission on Facebook to find out more and how to get involved. To contact Sr. Kathleen, visit Oldenburg Franciscans, email [email protected] or call (513) 504-4276 cell.

Getting to Know Brother Michael Gosch, CSV

Thursday, June 3, 2021
In this interview, we get to know Br. Michael Gosch, CSV, Assistant Provincial as well as the Director of Housing and Programs for Viator House of Hospitality. Br. Michael talks about his background, the Viatorian community, and ministry. To find out more about the Viatorians, visit www.viatorians.com/. To volunteer or support Viator House of Hospitality that provides a safe home to young immigrant men seeking asylum in the U.S., go to: viatorhouseofhospitality.com/

Back to Back: Volunteer & Food Ministry; Older Vocations & Spiritual Development for Women

Thursday, May 6, 2021
Sister Connie Bach, PHJC, Vocation Director for the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ poorhandmaids.org Talk about the charism of her congregation, their volunteer program and Food Ministry phjcvolprogram.org. Ph. 574-340-6409 Mrs. Kathy Brady Murfin, Vocation Director for the Sisters, Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary talks about how as a married woman she met the Sisters and became their vocation director, including her ministry of helping women grow in their spirituality. Part of this congregation’s aim is to welcome older vocations and help women explore other options other than the vowed vocation. Contact Information: website: Servants of the Holy Heart of Mary (sscm-usa.org; YouTube; Facebook Ph: 815-814-1414 email: [email protected]

Chicago’s Got (Religious) Brothers!

Thursday, April 1, 2021
Today’s guests are Alexian Brothers from the Immaculate Conception Province: Brother Tom Klein, C.F.A, Director of Ministry Development, and second-year novice, Brother Carl Sisolak who will be professing his first vows later this year. Br. Carl shares his vocation story while Br. Tom talks about the Brothers and their ministry since their foundation in Germany in year 1245. Today, the Brothers continue their Gospel response to the poor, the sick, the dying and all others who are marginalized and isolated from the society. The brothers ask for prayers for Br. Carl on his vocation journey and for the congregation’s ministries and continued growth in membership. Visit www.alexianbrothers.org to find out more.

A Call to Transformative Love in Religious Life, Part 2

Thursday, March 4, 2021
Sr. Anita Baird, DHM (Religious Congregation of the Society of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary ) and Sr. Maria Cimperman, RSCJ (Religious Society of the Sacred Heart) return as guests to promote their upcoming event, “A Call to Transformative Love in Religious Life: Stories of Race, Place and Grace – Series 2”. This is a 3-part series, jointly sponsored by the Center for the Study of Consecrated Life and The National Black Sisters’ Conference on three Mondays this month: March 8, 15 and 22. Sr. Maria also talks about her experience as presenter to an international audience with the Union of International Superiors General (UISG) about her book, “Religious Life for Our World: Creating Communities of Hope” (available from Orbis Books and Amazon). Sr. Lovina invited everyone to celebrate Catholic Sisters Week (March 8 to 14), women discerners to participate in Chicago’s Got Sisters on March 20, and everyone to join CAVA for the 12-Hour Prayer Marathon on March 24. Visit www.vocationscava.org for details.

A Call to Transformative Love in Religious Life

Thursday, February 4, 2021
Back with us is Sr. Maria Cimperman, RSCJ (see January 7, 2021 show), joined by Sr. Anita Baird, DHM (Religious Congregation of the Society of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary www.dhm.org). Sr. Anita served as late Cardinal George’s Chief of Staff in 1997 and founding director of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Racial Justice in 2000. Sr. Anita was past president of the National Black Sisters’ Conference and continues to serve on the Board of Directors. She has been given various awards and recognitions for spiritual and community leadership both locally and nationally. Sisters Maria and Anita talked about their collaboration on the 3-part series, ”A Call to Transformative Love in Religious Life: Stories of Race, Place and Grace,” (videocast accessible from https://learn.ctu.edu/?s=race) during Black Catholic History Month in November. Another 3-part series will be offered on three Mondays: March 8, 15 and 22, 2021, which we will hear about next time on Dare to Love.

Sr. Maria Cimperman, RSCJ: An Introduction

Thursday, January 7, 2021
Our guest today is Sr. Maria Cimperman, RSCJ (Religious Society of the Sacred Heart - https://rscj.org/), who is a faculty member at the Catholic Theological Union (CTU) in Chicago and founding director of the Center for the Study of Consecrated Life (CSCL) at CTU. The goal of the Center is to dynamically engage in research and dialogue on contemporary issues in consecrated life today. For more information, visit: https://ctu.edu/cscl/ In this half-hour glimpse, Sr. Maria talks about her journey that brought her from Slovenia, to Cleveland, Ohio, through her travels abroad, and currently to Chicago and the experiences that led her to her current ministry. She wrote a book called “Religious Life for Our World: Creating Communities of Hope” and co-edited with Roger Schroeder, SVD, the book, “Engaging Our Diversity: Interculturality and Consecrated Life Today,” that features various presenters on intercultural topics. Both books are available from Orbis Books and Amazon.

Discovering Identity and Dispelling Misconceptions in Religious Life

Thursday, December 3, 2020
Vince Gerasole, Director of Multimedia Content in the Archdiocese of Chicago and program host Sr. Lovina Pammit, OSF engage in a conversation with guest Sr. Joni Luna, S.P., (Sister of Providence of St. Mary of-the-Woods, Indiana) who tells a beautiful story of how she discovers her ancestry and finds kinship among the native community gathered in protest against the Access pipeline in North Dakota. Sr. Joni talks about what vocation discernment is truly about to dispel some of the misconceptions and encourage both discerner and their family and friends. The show concludes with Sr. Joni’s spirit filled prayer. To contact Sr. Joni, visit www.SistersofProvidence.org or call 812.595.2954

The Scoop on Intercultural Living and Catholic Sisters Curriculum for Schools

Thursday, November 12, 2020
Sister Elizabeth Ann Guerrero, MCDP, Missionary Catechists of Divine Providence Talks about the “Weaving Cultures” (“Entrelezando Culturas”) program based on going beyond the theory of intercultural relationships as Fr. Anthony Gittins, C.Ss.P explains, “living interculturally goes beyond mixing people of different cultures to live together and maybe letting each person cook an authentic meal from their culture once a month. It’s a mutual, authentic and intentional exchange between people. One where we break down the barriers not the differences.” To find out more, visit: Weaving Cultures: Responding to the Signs of our Time Sister Ann T. Oestreich, IHM, reports that the Catholic Sisters curriculum has been completed. “Called and Consecrated is a bilingual online curriculum designed for use with middle and high school students. Units cover what sisters do, how sisters pray, how sisters are called, and more. Llamadas y Consagradas: Explorando las Vidas de las Religiosas: El plan de estudio en línea está diseñado para ser usado con estudiantes de escuela primaria y preparatoria. Las lecciones cubren lo que hacen las Hermanas, cómo oran, cómo es su llamada y más. Visit here: National Catholic Sisters Project

Checking in with Fr. Adam and the Society of the Divine Word

Thursday, October 1, 2020
Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD gives an update on how his vocation ministry team has collaborated with the Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters in providing discernment programs during the pandemic and how his community continues to work on JPIC – Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation globally and the ongoing conversation to confront racism and systemic injustice. Fr. Adam also talks about the joyous experience of harvesting the fruits of his vocation ministry labors while witnessing the ordination of Fr. Marlon Vargas, SVD, “Pinoy” priest from the Philippines. Contact the congregation at: www.svdvocations.org

Archdiocese of Chicago Vocations

Thursday, September 3, 2020
Fr. Timothy Monahan, Vocation Director of the Archdiocese of Chicago provides some updates on seminarians in initial formation and shares helpful tips for those recognizing a call from God and how to invite and encourage them. For more information and for upcoming events, visit Fr. Timothy Monahan, Vocation Director of the Archdiocese of Chicago provides some updates on seminarians in initial formation and shares helpful tips for those recognizing a call from God and how to invite and encourage them. For more information and for upcoming events, visit www.chicagopriest.com

Sister Vocation Stories

Thursday, August 6, 2020
Listen to the vocation journey stories of Sr. Mary Jo Curtsinger, CSJ (www.csjoseph.org) and Sr. Maria Victoria Cutaia, OSB (www.benedictinesisters.org). Learn about the particular gifts their respective congregations offer to the people of God and how your particular gifts as someone seeking to respond to God’s call might match theirs or other congregations. Visit www.vocationmatch.com now!

School Sisters of Notre Dame - Continued

Thursday, July 2, 2020
The conversation continues with the Sisters of Notre Dame. Sisters Stephanie Spandl and Carol Jean Dust share their vocation stories and the SSND charism of seeking unity amidst diversity, their mission and social justice work. Sisters Stephanie and Carol Jean are part of a team who accompanies women exploring their call to religious life. Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] Visit: https://ssnd.org | https://www.sturdyroots.org/

School Sisters of Notre Dame

Thursday, June 4, 2020
Sister Lovina checks in with guests Sr. Bridget Waldorf and Sr. Jill Lazsewksi, School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) who are part of a vocation ministry team. Sr. Bridget and Sr. Jill share their vocation stories - journeys that took time to unfold, how their congregation was formed in response to the need for education for young women, and then left some words of wisdom to listeners about the importance of being open to God’s call in our lives by taking time to pray and journeying with others because discernment is a step by step process. The SSND vocation team offer accompaniment to help sort out the sense of call from God in their hearts. Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] Visit: https://ssnd.org | https://www.sturdyroots.org/

Religious Brothers Day

Thursday, May 7, 2020
On the feast of St. Joseph the Worker, we celebrate the vocation of religious brothers. Sr. Lovina’s guests Brother John Eustice, CSV and Brother Peter Lamich, CSV talk about their mission and ministries as Clerics of Saint Viator, otherwise known as “Viatorians.” Click here for more information about the Viatorians. To find out more about religious brothers, go to: http://religiousbrothers.org/ and to download the guide, click: here.

Checking in Amidst the Covid-19 Crisis

Thursday, April 2, 2020
Sr. Lovina checks in with guests Fr. Adam MacDonald, SVD (Divine Word Missionaries) and Sr. Connie Bach, PHJC (Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ) on how our day to day lives have been affected by the pandemic, prompting us to use our time in a different way and be more creative with our events when we can’t host in-person gatherings. Reflection and prayers are offered to bring hope to this world.

Chicago’s Got Sisters for Women Discerning Religious Life

Thursday, March 5, 2020
Chicago’s Got Sisters for Women Discerning Religious Life Today’s guest is Sister Kara Davis, Daughters of Charity, who first met her community at a “Nun Run” (Indy’s Got Sisters) in Indianapolis and again at a Chicago’s Got Sisters event. Now one of the coordinators, Sister Kara talks about what this 24-hour “no strings attached” event involves, including meeting several congregations and opportunities for prayer and gathering information. The next Chicago’s Got Sister is April 17-18, 2020. To register, visit https://www.vocationscava.org/. Sr. Lovina also promotes a Catholic Sisters Week event on March 11 at CTU. For more info: click https://catholicsistersweek.org/event/stories-of-spirit-and-heart-conversations-with-catholic-sisters/
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