Colleen Dulle Preaches for the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, offering a reflection on the ongoing nature of conversion:   "Each of the conversion stories we heard today were preceded by doubt and a sense of unworthiness...Each of these people, all towering figures in salvation history, need a word of encouragement to overcome their hesitancy and begin their work. So here’s a last question to reflect on: If we are to be Christ to one another, what can we do to encourage and empower the prophets of our day to speak, or the saints of our day to minister?"   Colleen Dulle is a multimedia journalist covering Catholic and Vatican news. In her current position as Associate Editor at America Media, Colleen writes and edits Vatican news and analysis pieces, along with hosting and producing the weekly news podcast Inside the Vatican. She creates Vatican explainer videos for America Media’s YouTube channel and contributes to Sacred Heart University’s “Go, Rebuild My House” blog.  Her forthcoming biography of the French author, social worker and mystic Madeleine Delbrêl will be published by Liturgical Press.   Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/02062022 to learn more about Colleen, to read her text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

Catholic Women Preach

Being Worthy with Colleen Dulle

Flora x. Tang preaches for the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, offering a reflection on loving and belonging:   "At the end of our gospel reading, Jesus passed through the midst of the people and went away. In walking away, he began his ministry, found his new family in his disciples and friends: friends who gave him room to proclaim the gospel, friends who do not underestimate him or reject him for who he is. We learn from Jesus’ leaving Nazareth that in situations where we are not accepted at all and are experiencing harm, that it is okay to set boundaries, walk away, and find new communities of belonging."    Flora x. Tang is a doctoral student in theology and peace studies at the University of Notre Dame, where she writes and researches about post-traumatic sacramental theology, queer theology, and literature of the Asian diaspora. Flora has previously worked as a hospital chaplain, a campus ministry fellow, and a service-learning program coordinator for college students. Her writings appear in the National Catholic Reporter and America Magazine, and her book of poetry is published in Mandarin Chinese. She is originally from Beijing, China. Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/01302022 to learn more about Flora, to read her text, and for more preaching from Catholic women. 

January 30, 2022: On love and belonging with Flora x. Tang

Jennifer Reyes Lay Preaches for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, bringing the readings into conversation with her work to end human trafficking:    "Go, and be the Body of Christ in the world, proclaiming Good News to the poor and the vulnerable, liberating those held captive and oppressed through human trafficking, and opening the eyes and hearts of those who would rather not see this wound that is harming our collective body and wellbeing."   Jennifer Reyes Lay is the first Executive Director of U.S. Catholic Sisters Against Human Trafficking (USCSAHT). Jennifer has a Master of Divinity from Eden Theological Seminary, and an honors B.A. in Theology and International Studies from St. Louis University.  She currently lives in St. Louis, MO with her husband Roger and their dog Bella where she enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening, singing, dancing, reading, and writing.   Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/01232022 to learn more about Jennifer, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

January 23, 2022: Ending Human Trafficking with Jennifer Reyes Lay

Preaching for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Paige Byrne Shortal offers a reflection on God's abundance and revisits her "Prayer for the Missing Instruments":   "Like the overflowing abundance of wine at Cana,   there is an abundance of gifts, of voices, of vocations.   The poverty we live with is not necessary,   and I dare say, is not from God.       Pray for the Masters of the Hall.   Pray for the voices that are silenced.   Pray for the people who are permitted to hear only     a part of the great music written for them.    Pray for all of us."   Paige Byrne Shortal is enjoying semi-retirement after forty years in pastoral ministry for two parishes and assisting various organizations with their regional and national worship services. She holds a BA in Theology from Saint Louis University and an MA in Pastoral Studies from Aquinas Institute of Theology, She has written for various Catholic publications, including the National Catholic Reporter, Liguorian, Ministry & Liturgy, and National Pastoral Music.   Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/01162022 to learn more about Paige, to read her text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

January 16, 2022: Prayer for the Missing Instruments with Paige Byrne Shortal

Preaching for the Feast of the Baptism of Jesus, Mariángel Marco Teja offers a reflection on living into our identities as beloved children of God:    "Celebrating the baptism of Jesus is a good opportunity to renew our own baptism, to listen again in the intimacy of our hearts, until it is engraved in fire in our hearts: 'You are my beloved daughter/son'; and to know that we are sent like Jesus to proclaim God's love and to practice justice. We are all beloved sons and daughters of God, missionaries on the move."   Mariángel Marco Teja was born in Asturias, Spain. She is sister of the Congregation Ursulines of Jesus. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and History from the University of Oviedo, Spain. She has always been linked to the world of human rights, in some stages at professional level and in others as voluntary. The six years prior to coming to Canada in April 2019, she lived as a missionary in Ecuador, where she worked with REPAM (Pan-Amazonic Ecclesial Network), whose collaborative ties she maintains to this day. She is eager reader with a constant desire to learn.   Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org.preaching/01092022 to learn more about Mariángel, to read her text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

January 9, 2022: God's Beloved Children with Mariángel Marco Teja

Preaching for the Feast of the Epiphany, Genie Natividad, MM offers a reflection on today's standing with seekers and refugees:    "To stay in their homes and in their own land, therefore, is not an option. They must leave. But where?...Like the Magi who follow the star, the asylum seekers too must follow their own star hovering over them, trusting, believing, and moving forward and onward to what is life-giving. They must choose life, not death. They rise and go meet the One who comes, Jesus the Christ who gives them life."   Sister Genie Natividad, born and raised in rural Philippines, is a Maryknoll Sister. Her most recent mission was in 2021, when she responded to the call for volunteers at the U.S. Mexico border providing aid to migrants. Genie was recently elected to serve in her congregation’s leadership team for the next six years.   Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/01022022 to learn more about Genie, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

January 2, 2022: The Magi and Today's Seekers with Genie Natividad, MM

Anne Arabome, SSS preaches for the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God:   "As I see it, Mary’s contemplative posture teaches us that the quality of our presence to one another, the depth of prayer in which we hold one another, and the expanse of our love for others can be life-giving beyond words and healing beyond all remedies, especially at times of anxieties and worries, loss and pain, uncertainty and despair, such as we have experienced during the pandemic. Her contemplative poise draws us into the loving embrace of the Divine, who loves and enfolds us in Christ. Her contemplative openness reveals God’s desire to touch and transform our lives with God’s light. Not only is Mary a missionary disciple, an apostle of joy, she is – to use a phrase from St. Ignatius of Loyola – a contemplative in action."   Anne Arabome is a member of the Sisters of Social Service in Los Angeles, California. She is presently the Associate Director of the Faber Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which provides faculty and staff with support and guidance in leading a reflective life. Of Nigerian parentage and origin, she is a naturalized US citizen and holds a PhD in Systematic Theology from the University of Roehampton in London, UK and a Doctor of Ministry in Spirituality from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois.   Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/01012022 to learn more about Anne, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

January 1, 2022: Mary as Contemplative in Action with Anne Arabome, SSS

Preaching for the Feast of the Holy Family, Emily Garvey offers a reflection on complicated people and complicated relationships:   "Today celebrates Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, complicated people who behaved in complicated ways. But they loved God, they loved one another, and they loved others. Their humanity probably leaked out in some messy ways. But they kept trying - they kept putting on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. They bore one another and forgave each other."   Emily Garvey currently works for the University of Notre Dame in a program that brings together a summer long justice learning immersion for undergraduates with tenets of Catholic Social Teaching. She is a lifelong Catholic and a mother to two sons, one of whom is transgender. Since 2015, Emily has engaged in respectful dialogue, in public and in private, about Catholicism and gender diversity. She holds Master’s degree in Systematic Theology from the University of Notre Dame.    Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/12262021 to learn more about Emily, to watch her video or to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

December 26, 2021: Complicated People and Complicated Relationships with Emily Garvey

Ann M. Garrido Preaches for Christmas:   "And Christmas and Easter are two sides of the same coin.  Both tell us that there is nothing—nothing—that is human that God is not willing to enter into in solidarity with us. Neither conception and birth, nor life and death.  None of this is foreign to our God.   Yes, Christmas and Easter are two sides of the same coin: the coin with which our salvation is paid."   Ann Garrido is associate professor of homiletics at Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO.  While her first passion is teaching, Garrido has also served the school in a number of administrative roles including (at varying points in time) as Director of the Doctorate of Ministry in Preaching, Director of MAPS Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Director of Field Education, Director of Distance Learning, and Director of the Aquinas Ministry Integration Project. Most recently, Garrido served as the Marten Fellow in Preaching at the University of Notre Dame.   Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/12252021 to learn more about Ann, to watch her video or read her text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

December 25, 2021: Christmas with Ann M. Garrido

Preaching for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dr. Nontando Hadebe offers a reflection on the history-making relationship between Mary and Elizabeth and its power for women today:   "There was another power operating in the most unlikely place - that is in the lives of these two women from an oppressed nation who had no significance, status or power. The two women had no male presence or authority to mediate their experiences for them; they were left on their own to make sense of the extraordinary events that were happening in their lives. Left to themselves, they discovered their power borne out of their relationship with God and with each other to face with courage, resilience and faith the uncertain future that lay ahead of them."   Dr. Nontando Hadebe is a lay woman theologian and International Coordinator for Side by Side, a faith movement for gender justice. She was previously senior lecturer at St. Augustine College of South Africa. A member of the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians, she is passionate about gender equality, Africanization, and social justice.   Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/12192021 to learn more about Nontando, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

December 19, 2021: Mary & Elizabeth - A History-making Relationship with Dr. Nontando Hadebe

Carmen Nanko-Fernández offers a reflection on the intersection of the readings for the Third Sunday of Advent and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe:   "We need to remember that today is a day of rejoicing, of fiesta—a time to affirm the gift of life, no matter how fragile; a time to confirm that we are indeed accompanied by the divine. Fiestas are not escapes from daily misery, but necessary acts of resistance to suffering, acts of re-membering and restoration en lo cotidiano (in the everyday). Fiestas are responses of gratitude for the God que nos acompaña (who accompanies us) and rejoicing for the protections offered us wrapped in the embrace of maternal arms."   A self-described Hurban@́ (Hispanic and urban) theologian, Carmen is Professor of Hispanic Theology and Ministry, and the director of the Hispanic Theology and Ministry Program at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, USA. Carmen created Theology en la Plaza column for the National Catholic Reporter. Some of her recent essays are available there as well as in Commonweal. She is also the founding co-editor of the multivolume series Disruptive Cartographers: Doing Theology Latinamente  (Orbis).   Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/12122021 to learn more about Carmen, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

December 12, 2021: Fiesta as resistance with Carmen Nanko-Fernández

Catherine Mooney, Ph.D., preaches for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of Mary:    "Mary”s Magnificat foretells of a magnificent future already happening. It is being borne into our Fallen world by every person who, like Christ, lives in solidarity with the outcasts and fights for a world of love and justice."   Catherine Mooney teaches church history and the history of Christian spirituality at Boston College’s School of Theology and Ministry.  She has a Master’s in Theological Studies (M.T.S.) from Harvard Divinity School, and an M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in  medieval history from Yale University.   Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/12082021 to learn more about Dr. Mooney, to read her text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

December 8, 2021: The mothers of life - human and divine with Catherine Mooney, Ph.D.

Preaching for the First Sunday of Advent, Crista Carrick Mahoney offers a reflection on “staying awake,” even when we’re already tired:   “We’ve been on high alert for nearly two years, so sometimes these Advent reminders to stay awake, pay attention, be ready, only feed the weariness.  It’s ok to feel tired!  In that barely awake state, in those moments when we feel more anxious, less patient, or we are just having an 'off day', we can still meet the world with love and compassion, because we, too, are being met as we are by a God who fulfills promises out of love and fidelity.  Even in our tiredness, we can meet the world as it is with a posture of openness that will help wake us up and participate in the hope, peace, joy and love of this holy season of preparation.”   Crista Mahoney earned her Master of Divinity from Boston College School of Theology and Ministry.  Her professional ministry began in campus ministry at Emmanuel College in Boston, MA, then as the Catholic Chaplain on a multi-faith team at Babson College in Wellesley, MA, before returning to her alma mater, the College of the Holy Cross, to work with students on retreats and women’s faith sharing groups. Crista also coordinates and edits the Return To Me: Lenten Reflection Series at Holy Cross.   Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/11282021 to learn more about Crista, to read her text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

November 28, 2021: Staying awake even when you're tired with Crista Carrick Mahoney

Preaching for the Solemnity of Christ the King, Jordan Denari Duffner offers a reflection on experiencing and enacting the Reign of God - even in unexpected places:   "God’s reign is not only something that we look forward to at the end of time, nor is it simply a realm that we will someday reach. It is also something that we can experience here, even if only in glimpses, and that we can work to build now. We experience the kingdom whenever we choose to live as if the justice, peace, and love of God’s reign are already present. Whenever we love our neighbor, give of ourselves to honor their dignity, or put ourselves on the line for their sake, we enact the kingdom. It may not be present in its fullness, and we may not see the fruits of our labor, but this experience of the kingdom is very real nonetheless."   Jordan Denari Duffner is an author, educator, and scholar of Muslim-Christian relations, interreligious dialogue, and Islamophobia. Her books are Finding Jesus among Muslims: How Loving Islam Makes Me a Better Catholic (2017) and Islamophobia: What Christians Should Know (and Do) about Anti-Muslim Discrimination (2021). Ms. Duffner is currently pursuing a PhD in Theological and Religious Studies at Georgetown University. A former Fulbright scholar in Amman, Jordan, she is also an associate of the Bridge Initiative, where she previously worked as a research fellow. She currently teaches an undergraduate introduction to Islam course at Georgetown.   Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/11212021 to learn more about Jordan, to view her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

November 21, 2021: The inter-religious Reign of God with Jordan Denari Duffner

Preaching for the 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sr. Christa Parra, IBVM offers a reflection on accompanying each other - and especially asylum seekers - through terrifying times:   "Life is not as terrifying when we know that we are not alone.  The Psalm today is similar to the song Stand By Me as it emphasizes that with God at my right hand, I will not be disturbed.  My heart, body, and soul are confident because God does not abandon me.  These words resonate with the stories from our families seeking asylum.  There is a deep trust in God’s constant presence and faith that God will continue to lead us on the path of life.  We are God’s beloved ones, God’s darlins’, called to 'stand by' one another knowing that God always 'stands by' us."   Sister Christa Parra, IBVM is part of an inter congregational and intercultural community in El Paso, Texas where she loves and serves God's beloved people at the U.S./Mexico border. A third-generation Mexican American, she earned her Master of Divinity and a certificate in Hispanic Theology and Ministry at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. She professed final vows with the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 2016.    Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/11142021 to learn more about Sr. Christa, to read her text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

November 14, 2021: Stand by Me with Sr. Christa Parra, IBVM

Catholic Women Preach offers the theologically informed perspectives of Catholic women on the Sunday readings readings and on some feast days. Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org to view preaching videos, to read preaching texts, and to learn more about the preachers.