Beyond the Habit: Recent Episodes
Sister Erin McDonald and Sister Colleen Gibson
A podcast moving beyond everyday assumptions of what it means to be Catholic, find common ground, create unity, and talk about real life issues, hosted by two Catholic Sisters.
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Sister Eilis McCulloh, a Sister of the Humility of Mary. Sister Eilis serves as the Grassroots Education and Organizing Specialist for NETWORK, and also is the co-host of the podcast, Just Politics. The sisters talk about "bottom drawer issues", the importance of civil discourse, and being a part of Nuns on the Bus!
Resources:
- Learn more about NETWORK.
- Find a Nuns on the Bus stop near you!
- Listen to Just Politics or hear Sisters Erin and Colleen on an episode of Just Politics here.
- Check out the book Called to Action: NETWORK's 50 Years of Political Ministry
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Christopher Kerr, Executive Director of the Ignatian Solidarity Network, a lay led national social justice education and advocacy organization grounded in Catholic social teaching. They talk about the Voting is an Act of Love campaign, the importance of civic engagement, and how we are called to stretch our imaginations in terms of God's love. Listen today!
Resources:
- Learn more about the Ignatian Solidarity Network.
- Take the Voting is an Act of Love Pledge.
- Learn about the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice.
In our first episode of Season Five, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Father Greg Boyle, a Jesuit priest, bestselling author, and the founder and director of Homeboy Industries, the largest and most successful gang intervention, rehab, and reentry program in the world. They talk about the "combo burger" of joy and fearlessness that drew Father Greg to becoming a Jesuit, the importance of creating a community of cherished belonging, and why he'd rather be faithful than successful. Sisters Colleen and Erin also talk about the journey the last four seasons of the podcast has taken them on. Listen today!
Resources:
- Learn more about Homeboy Industries
- Find Father Greg's Books.
In our final episode of Season Four, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Max Kuzma, a transgender man who writes about the intersection of queerness and faith. They talk about finding the beauty in messiness, the importance of seeking out voices from marginalized groups, and the gift of diversity. Listen today!
Resources:
- Read Max's published works here.
- Find LGBTQ+ Resources for Catholics at Outreach
- Learn about Catholic LGBTQ+ outreach, advocacy and more from New Ways Ministry
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Father Dave Kelly, Founder and Executive Director of Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago. They talk about restorative justice, the importance of sitting in uncomfortable spaces, and what reconciliation really means. Listen today!
Resources:
- Learn more about the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation.
- Find out more about Restorative Justice from Catholic Mobilizing Network.
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Father David Neuhaus, a Jesuit priest who is a scholar and professor of Theology in the Holy Land. Father David talks with the sisters about what life is like right now for him living in Jerusalem, the importance of building bridges instead of walls, and why we all must be connected to the suffering of the world. Listen today!
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Kayla August, a dynamic preacher and doctoral student of theology and education at Boston College. They talk about the importance of women preachers, how our stories can ignite something in others, and how making the world better starts with each of us. Listen today!
Resources:
- Learn more about Kayla.
- See Kayla preach.
- Here more from women preachers at Catholic Women Preach.
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen are joined by Sister Sarah Simmons for a conversation about books! The sisters talk about some of their favorite genres, the importance of the media we consume, and how stories let us connect with other peoples experiences. Listen Today!
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Dr. Tia Noelle Pratt, a sociologist of religion who is currently working on a book entitled Faithful and Devoted: Racism and Identity in the African American Catholic Experience. They talk about Tia's research on how systemic racism impacts African American Catholic identity, her work as the curator of the black Catholic syllabus, and about the importance of showing up to do the work. Listen today!
Resources:
- Learn more about Dr. Tia Noelle Pratt.
- Find the Black Catholics Syllabus here.
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Eric Clayton, author of the books Cannonball Moments: Telling Your Story, Deepening Your Faith and My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars. They talk about what cannonball moments can look like, the importance of each of our own stories, and finding God in media, from Star Wars to Ted Lasso. Listen today!
Resources:
- Find Eric's Books Here.
- Learn More About Eric Here.
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Sister Elizabeth Johnson, a Sister of St. Joseph of Brentwood, and a renowned professor and writer. The sisters talk about feminist theology, the importance of personal integrity, and channeling righteous anger in positive ways. They also talk about Beth's new book, Come Have Breakfast. Listen today!
Resources:
- Find Come Have Breakfast, Beth's new book, here.
- Learn more about Sister Elizabeth Johnson.
In our Lenten episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Sister Joyce Rupp, a sister of the Servants of Mary, and a renowned author. The sisters talk about different types of prayer, self-compassion, and little nuggets of inspiration that can carry you through the day. Listen today!
Resources:
- Learn more about Joyce
- Joyce's most recent book, Jesus, Guide of My Life: Reflection s for the Lenten Journey
In our first episode of Season 4, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview artist and iconographer Kelly Latimore. They talk about how art can allow us to see our neighbors in new ways, the impact community can have on creativity, and how art can be a window to understanding God, but also to understanding ourselves. Listen today!
Resources:
- Find Kelly’s Art Here.
In our final episode of Season Three, Sisters Erin and Colleen have a conversation with Sister Betsy Conway, a Sister of St. Joseph of Boston, about Advent. The sisters discuss their Advent practices, ways to stay grounded during an often hectic time of year, and their favorite Advent songs. Listen today!
Resources:
- A Spotify playlist of Advent songs, picked by the team of Beyond the Habit
- Advent offerings from the Congregation of St. Joseph.
- Information about Advent from the USCCB
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Dr. Craig Ford, Assistant Professor of Theology and Religious Studies at St. Norbert College. They talk about queer theology, the importance of asking questions, unexpected vocations, and their shared love of the movie Sister Act. Listen today!
Resources:
- Read more about Dr. Craig Ford
- When Craig's book, “Works of Art: Sexuality, Gender, Race and a New Theology of Embodiment,” is published, we will link it here!
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview composer and musician Sister Sally Koch, a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet. They talk about how music can connect us to our spirituality, the importance of women lifting each other up, and the creative process. Sister Sally also shares some of her songs. Listen today!
Resources:
- Listen to Sisters Sally's music here.
- Find more about Sister Kathy Sherman, Sally's mentor, and her music here.
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Krista Chang and Nina DuBose, who both took part in the St. Joseph Worker Program in Los Angeles from 2021 to 2022. They share what it's like to take part in a year of service, what they learned from living in intentional community, and why you're not you when you're spiritually hungry. Listen today!
Resources:
- The St. Joseph's Workers Program in Los Angeles
In this episode, Sister Erin and Colleen interview Sister Griselda Martínez-Morales, a Sister of St. Joseph of Lyon, who is a sought after speaker and facilitator throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and the United States. They talk about interculturality, the importance of words, and vulnerability. Listen today!
In this episode, Sister Erin and Colleen have a conversation about the Sisters of St. Joseph Maxims, the "spiritual fortune cookies" that have offered wisdom to St. Joseph sisters since the 17th century. They share some of their favorites Maxims, some Maxims that challenge them, and how the Maxims can get you through a long car trip. Listen today!
Resources:
- The Maxims from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Philadelphia
- Maxim Resources from the US Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Paul Campion, an Organizer for the Sunrise Movement, a youth movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process. They talk about advocating for a more just world, the importance of finding your community, and what we can all do in light of the climate crisis. Listen today!
Resources:
- Learn more about the Sunrise Movement
- Find ways that you can take action.
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Lisa Amman, the Deputy Director of Engagement for Discerning Deacons. They talk about the questions being asked around the diaconate during the Synod, the importance of St. Phoebe, and how Lisa's young daughters brought her to her engagement around women's roles in the Catholic Church. Listen today!
Resources:
- Learn more about Discerning Deacons
- Read Sister Colleen's Article about St. Phoebe
- Learn how you can celebrate St. Phoebe Day
- Find Sister Chris Schenk's book, Crispina and her Sisters
In our first episode of Season 3, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Shannon K. Evans, the author of the books Feminist Prayers for My Daughter: Powerful Petitions for Every Stage of Her Life and Rewilding Motherhood: Your Path to an Empowered Feminine Spirituality. They talk about the prayers we don’t even realize we need as women, the weird and wonderful joy of finding the sacred in nature, and finding ways to pass on delight in God. Listen today!
Resources:
- Learn more about Shannon and her books.
- Find Shannon on National Catholic Reporter
In our final episode of Season 2, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Bob Shine, who serves as the Associate Director of New Ways Ministries. They discuss how LGBTQ+ ministry has evolved, the problem with thinking of individuals only in terms of their sexual or gender identity, and the importance of advocating for the dignity of all people. Sisters Erin and Colleen also talk about the 2023 Outreach conference, which Sister Erin attended. Listen today!
Resources:
- Learn more about New Ways Ministry.
- Check out Bondings 2.0, the New Ways Blog.
- Learn more about the Outreach 2023 Conference.
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Sister Jeannine Gramick, a Sister of Loretto and co-founder of New Ways Ministry, a Catholic outreach and advocacy ministry with the LGBTQ+ community. They discuss what inspired Sister Jeannine to start this ministry, the importance of dialogue, and her pen pal, Pope Francis. At the end of the episode, we also have a quick chat with Bob Shine, who shares some of the resources New Way Ministry offers. Listen Today!
Resources:
- Learn more about New Ways Ministry.
- Check out Bondings 2.0, the New Ways Blog.
Happy June! You know what that means? We're celebrating Pride Month. As Sisters of St. Joseph. We believe that all are one. And so, to celebrate with the LGBTQ+ community this month, we're featuring special guests to celebrate Pride. Tune in for both of our episodes this month, where we'll talk to sister Janine Granick, a Sister of Loretto and co-founder of New Ways Ministry, a Catholic outreach and advocacy ministry with the LGBTQ+ community, as well as Bob Shine, Associate Director of New Ways, and co-author of the book A Home for All. So join us in June, and Happy Pride!
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Sister Nathalie Becquart, a Xavières Missionary Sister originally from France, who currently serves as the undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops in Rome. Sister Nathalie is playing a pivotal role in the current Synod on Synodality, and is the first woman to ever hold her position. They discuss women and youth in the church, sailing, and what it's like when you get a call from the Pope! Listen today!
Resources:
- Learn more about the Synod on Synodality here.
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Father Michael Rossmann, SJ, a Jesuit priest, digital minister, and the author of the book The Freedom of Missing Out: Letting Go of Fear and Saying Yes to Life. They discuss the importance of proving opportunities for dialogue, mushroom hunting, and if Jesus would have a Twitter account. Listen today!
Resources:
- Find Father Michael Rossman on Instagram.
- Learn more about Father Michael's book, The Freedom of Missing Out
- Check out One-Minute Jesuit on YouTube
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen invite Sister Sarah Simmons of the Congregation of St. Joseph and Sister Thuy Tran of the Sister of St. Joseph of Orange to have a conversation about saints. The sisters discuss the people who are saints in their lives, their favorite canonized Saints, and everyday holiness. Listen today!
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Beth Knobbe, author of Finding My Voice: A Young Woman’s Perspective and Party of One: Living Single with Faith, Purpose, and Passion. They discuss vocation, especially Beth's passion about her vocation to the single life, the many kinds of important relationships we have in our lives, and considering your own path. Listen today!
Resources:
- Learn more about Beth, her books, and joy in the single life.
In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Sister Tracey Horan, a Sister of Providence of Saint Mary of the Woods who currently serves as the Associate Director of Education and Advocacy for the Kino Border Initiative. They discuss the issue of immigration in our world today, including the many individuals and families that Sister Tracey has met at the border, and talk about ways to overcome the paralysis of feeling overwhelmed about what we can each do about issues of justice. Listen today!
Resources:
- Information on the Kino Border Initiative
- Advocacy information and action alerts from the Ignatian Solidarity Network.
- Act Now Cards opposing the asylum ban from the Congregation of St. Joseph's Ministry of the Arts
In this episode, Sisters Colleen and Erin have a conversation about Lent with Sister Marcella Clancy, CSJ. The sisters discuss their Lenten practices, share stories of how Lent can be transformative, and discuss social sin. Listen today!
Resources:
- Read Return to Me with Your Whole Heart, a reflection by Sister Marcella referenced in this episode.
In our first episode of season 2, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Maka Black Elk, Executive Director for Truth and Healing at Red Cloud Indian School, a former Indian boarding school, about the difficult history of these boarding schools, the work he is doing in truth and healing, and his Catholic Faith. Erin and Colleen also talk about social media, Tik Tok, and building community online. Listen today!
Resources:
- Learn more about Maka and the Truth and Healing Project.
- Read Guilt, Responsibility, and Purgatory by Brett Salkeld, which Maka references in this interview.
Who are Sister Erin McDonald and Sister Colleen Gibson? And who are the Sisters of St. Joseph? In this mini episode, we learn more about our hosts and the sisters they are a part of, and answer some common questions our hosts are asked. Find out more about the sisters of St. Joseph at the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of St. Joseph. You can also find out about Sister Erin’s congregation here and Sister Colleen’s congregation here.
In the last full episode of our first season, we interview author and Ignatian-trained spiritual director, Becky Eldredge. Becky talks with us about finding ways to pray, shares her experiences with spiritual direction, and offers a look at her long history with the Sisters of St. Joseph.
This week we speak with Anna Johnson and Tere Flores Onofre, both from the Laudato Si' Movement, about what the movement is, and what it means to care for all creation. We also talk about the recent film, The Letter, and ways we all can reconnect with the Earth. Sister Thuy Tran from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange joins us to unpack the episode.
This week we speak with Elizabeth Garlow, one of the co-founders of the Francesco Collaborative, about building a new kind of economy and what it means to live a simple life. Sister Sarah Simmons joins us to unpack the episode as we consider our relationships with money and our communities.
In this episode we speak with Mary Novak, Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, about her experiences working in social justice in DC, the difficulties of being a woman in the church, and the importance of community.
In part two of our interview with Sister Helen Prejean, we talk about the vows, especially the vow of chastity, as well as Sister Helen’s upcoming plans. We also ask a series of lightning round questions, where Sister Helen keeps us on our toes. Finally, we unpack the episode along with guest Sister Sarah Simmons.
In our first episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Sister Helen Prejean, renowned anti-death penalty activist, about sisterhood and her work. Learn more about Sister Helen and listen to part one of this two part episode today!