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Generative Spirits: Conversations with Catholic Sisters

Generative Spirits: Conversations with Catholic Sisters

By Rachel Drotar

“Generative Spirits: Conversations with Catholic Sisters” is a Catholic Sister podcast that explores how members of Northeast Ohio congregations respond to the signs of the times in ways only Sisters can - with personal insights and a collective knowledge of life and ministry over a century old. We will take a look inside the lives of Catholic Sisters in a changing world.

Made possible by the Sisters of Charity Foundation and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.
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Ep. 6: Your Vote is Sacred

Generative Spirits: Conversations with Catholic SistersOct 10, 2020

00:00
47:13
Ep 8: 40th Anniversary - Remembering the Churchwomen in El Salvador

Ep 8: 40th Anniversary - Remembering the Churchwomen in El Salvador

We recognize and remember the 40th anniversary of the murder of four Churchwomen in El Salvador: Catholic Sisters Dorothy Kazel, Ita Ford, and Maura Clarke, and laywoman Jean Donovan. The women served in El Salvador during a time of great political unrest that was fueled by financial support from the United States to the Salvadoran government. On December 2, 1980, the women were abducted and killed by the U.S.-backed Salvadoran military for their ministry to those living in poverty. They were targeted because they accompanied refugee families who were victims of the escalating violence and oppression that eventually led to civil war. The people of El Salvador suffered horrific violence during this time, and many religious men and women who stood in solidarity with them, including Saint Oscar Romero, were killed.
To learn more about the Churchwomen and their courageous story, we interview Ursuline sisters of Cleveland Sr. Martha Owen and Sr. Rose Elizabeth Terrell. In honoring the Churchwomens' legacy, we discuss their lives, their connection to Cleveland, Ohio, and the ongoing work for justice and nonviolence they inspired.
Sr. Martha Owen, OSU, was mission partners with Sr. Dorothy Kazel, OSU, beginning their time in El Salvador in 1974 as part of CLAM (Cleveland Latin American Mission Team). They lived and worked together for 5 years in El Salvador.
Sr. Rose Elizabeth Terrell, OSU, began her time in El Salvador about 30 years after the murder of the Churchwomen and worked in community in a rural mountain town. She also provided opportunities for others to visit the site of the murder and to pray in community, carrying on the legacy of the Churchwomen.
1. Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland: We Remember and Recommit - Information on the Churchwomen and additional events around the 40th Anniversary. www.ursulinesisters.org/we-remember-and-recommit
2. Roses In December Toolkit - Bios of Sister Dorothy Kazel, OSU, Sister Ita Ford, MM, Sister Maura Clarke, MM, and Jean Donovan and resources on the conflict in El Salvador. bit.ly/2L1IzjL
3. Audio clip of Dorothy Kazel, OSU from historyspeaks.com. historyspeaks.clevelandhistory.org/2016/08/22/sister-dorothy-kazel/
Dec 04, 202054:37
Ep. 7: Supporting Immigrant Communities

Ep. 7: Supporting Immigrant Communities

Our seventh episode features a conversation with Sr. Rene Weeks, OP, the Director of Centro San Pablo in Salem, Ohio. Centro San Pablo is a ministry of St. Paul Catholic Church that is committed to creating a safe, welcoming space for members of the immigrant community in the Salem area by providing needed social services and Parish programs. We discuss the work of Centro San Pablo, the challenges facing the immigrant community in Salem, and what Sr. Rene has learned from this ministry.

Nov 13, 202033:57
Ep. 6: Your Vote is Sacred

Ep. 6: Your Vote is Sacred

Our 6th episode will discuss Civic Engagement and Voting, highlighting the JPIC committee, an Op-Ed written by representatives from Northeast Ohio Congregations, and reflections from the Diocese Social Action Office about how Catholics move through election season. We hope this episode will be a way for listeners to continue to be present to the election and consider that their participation is essential, reflective, and (as noted from John Lewis' words) sacred. Links to the following documents can be found by visiting the anchor website from your browser: 

1. Statement from the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) Committee, published October 2020 - http://bit.ly/NEOsistersVOTE 

2. John Lewis' Speech (PBS) - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/rep-john-lewis-your-vote-is-precious-almost-sacred 

3. A reference to the Apostles Creed was mentioned in episode 6 in which Jesus "descended into hell, on the third day he rose again from the dead". This is included in the Catholic translation of the Apostles Creed.  

4. "Conscience, Candidates and Discipleship in Voting", by Bishop McElroy (NCR) -  https://www.ncronline.org/news/opinion/bishop-mcelroy-voting-faith-and-conscience 

Oct 10, 202047:13
Ep. 5: Sisters on the Frontlines

Ep. 5: Sisters on the Frontlines

Sep 18, 202029:33
Ep. 4: Racial Equity in Community

Ep. 4: Racial Equity in Community

The fourth episode will include a conversation with Sr. Eilis McCulloh, HM. Sr. Eilis has worked in immigration, on committees centering racial equity, and is currently in law school with the hopes of pursuing immigration law. We will discuss the work of racial equity as it relates to religious life, especially for younger sisters, and discuss the changing landscape of this work in todays world.
Aug 24, 202037:15
Ep. 3: Sisters Experiences during COVID-19

Ep. 3: Sisters Experiences during COVID-19

Our third episode will continue our theme of exploring the lives of sisters during a global pandemic and how COVID-19 has impacted life and ministry compared to the 1918 Flu. We will be in conversation with Sisters of Notre Dame in Chardon.
Jul 23, 202032:50
Ep. 2: 1918 & 2020- Sisters Response to Pandemic

Ep. 2: 1918 & 2020- Sisters Response to Pandemic

Episode 2 of Generative Spirits explores what life was like for Northeast Ohio sisters during the 1918 Influenza Pandemic, including their response in healthcare and other ministries. We talk with Sr. Cynthia Glavac, OSU and Sr. Elizabeth Wood, SND, archivists from their congregations that tell a story through documents saved through the century.
Jul 08, 202041:49
Ep. 1: Introducing Ourselves

Ep. 1: Introducing Ourselves

Co-hosts Rachel Drotar and Margaret Eigsti introduce themselves and what inspired the creation of a podcast centering on conversations with Catholic Sisters.
May 01, 202008:19
Trailer: "Generative Spirits: Conversations with Catholic Sisters"

Trailer: "Generative Spirits: Conversations with Catholic Sisters"

A trailer for “Generative Spirits: Conversations with Catholic Sisters”, Catholic Sister podcast that explores how members of Northeast Ohio congregations respond to the signs of the times in ways only Sisters can- with personal insights and a collective knowledge of life and ministry over a century old.
Apr 09, 202000:60