by Nancy Corcoran
Contributor
The term queer has come to mean unconventional folks who demonstrate how maleness and femaleness are social constructions rather than divinely assigned categories. Believing that one cannot minister with humans we believe to be "other" than ourselves, I began reflecting on how sisters have also challenged the binary.
by GSR Staff
"Buds giving way to the small bursts of color pulsing through their veins, as the newness of blooming begins."
Nancy Corcoran is a Sister of Saint Joseph of Carondelet (St. Louis Province). A New Englander by birth, her first degree was in political science. After college, she served as a lay apostle in Hawaii before entering the convent at a time when many women were leaving. She has taught Grades 3-12 in rural and urban settings, established literacy clinics in Alabama and Mississippi, and after graduate work at Harvard Divinity School ministered as chaplain at Regina Dominican High School in Chicago and Wellesley College in Massachusetts.
Catholic News Service
Human Rights and Environment, a human rights organization co-founded by a Maryknoll sister has won the Letelier-Moffitt human rights award for its work with indigenous farmers high in the Andes Mountains of Peru.
World Refugee Day - Who is an official refugee? What makes a migrant? United Nations' definitions govern policy and practice for member countries, and these particular definitions haven't been updated in recent decades. With so many people moved away from their homes — 68.5 million — countries are working on setting up new binding provisions. Negotiation meetings on two new compacts continue next month, with the hope to have them finalized and signed by year's end.
It all started with a note pinned to the convent's bulletin board. "Urgent! Refugees arriving at SFO from Southeast Asia. Volunteers needed to assist at the International Terminal."
Causing irreparable harm. Unconscionable. Immoral. These are some of the words sisters levied against the Trump administration in light of current policies as they called for protection of the integrity of the family structure.
by GSR Staff
"As long as there are wars and persecution, there will be refugees. On World Refugee Day, I ask you to remember them. Their story is one of resilience, perseverance and courage. Ours must be of solidarity, compassion and action."
Brenda Peddigrew is a Religious Sister of Mercy of Newfoundland, Canada. A writer, speaker, high school teacher and director of adult faith development for her archdiocese, she collaborated with Diarmuid O'Murchu on Religious Life in the 21st Century. She facilitates chapters for congregations around the world.
Letta Mosue is a member of the Congregation of St. Brigid in the Rustenburg Diocese, South Africa. An educator, clinical psychologist and specialist in trauma counselling, she ministered in university and police correctional services. She is now in private practice while serving as Superior General of her congregation.
