Beyond the Habit

Catholic and Feminist Oct 29, 2024

In this episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen interview Samantha Povlock, founder of FemCatholic, an organization that seeks to educate, encourage, and empower Catholic women. They talk about the advocacy and education FemCatholic has been a part of around paid maternity leave within Catholic Institutions, the female centered sex education courses they offer, and the importance of creating community based spaces for women to have important conversations. Listen today!
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Formed as Founders Oct 15, 2024

Happy Founders Day! Every October 15th, we celebrate the day all Sisters of St. Joseph were founded in Le Puy, France. This years Founders Day also begins the celebration of the sisters 375th anniversary. In today's episode, Sisters Erin and Colleen have a conversation with Sister Deirdre Griffin, a Sister of St. Joseph of Springfield, about the first six Sisters of St. Joseph, what "founders" they look up to in their lives, and how we each continue to act as founders today.
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Learn more about the Sisters of St. Joseph in the United States through the Sisters of Saint Joseph U.S. Federation website.

Freedom is for All of Us Oct 01, 2024

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!
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Seeking the Common Good Sep 17, 2024

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!
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Love with its Sleeves Rolled Up Sep 03, 2024

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!
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Beyond the Binary Jun 04, 2024

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!
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Reconciliation May 21, 2024

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!
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Build Bridges Not Walls May 07, 2024

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!

Called to Preach Apr 23, 2024

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!
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What Sisters Read Apr 09, 2024

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!

Owning Identity Mar 26, 2024

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!
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Finding God in All Stories Mar 12, 2024

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!
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Playful and Prayerful Feb 27, 2024

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!
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Boundless Compassion Feb 13, 2024

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!
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Painting as Prayer Jan 30, 2024

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!

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Find Kelly’s Art Here.

Light in the Darkness Dec 05, 2023

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!
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Magnifying Love Nov 21, 2023

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!
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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!

Shine Bright Nov 07, 2023

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!
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The Gift of Being Known Oct 24, 2023

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!
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The St. Joseph's Workers Program in Los Angeles

The Dance of Dialogue Oct 10, 2023

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!

Cracking Open Spiritual Fortune Cookies Sep 26, 2023

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!
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Making the Change Sep 12, 2023

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!
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Active Hope Aug 29, 2023

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!
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Heart & Soul Aug 15, 2023

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!

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Where is the Spirit Calling Us? Jun 26, 2023

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!
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Love One Another Jun 13, 2023

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!
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Happy Pride! Jun 01, 2023

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 Jeannine Gramick, 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!

Journeying Together May 29, 2023

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!

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Learn more about the Synod on Synodality here.

Sharing the Good News May 15, 2023

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!
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Let the Saints Come Marching In May 02, 2023

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!

Joy in the Single Life Apr 18, 2023

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!
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Learn more about Beth, her books, and joy in the single life.

Holding Space Apr 04, 2023

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!
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More Whole and Holy Mar 21, 2023

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!
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Read Return to Me with Your Whole Heart, a reflection by Sister Marcella referenced in this episode.

Standing in the Tension Point Mar 07, 2023

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!
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Bonus Episode: Who Are These People? Dec 30, 2022

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.

Big Bold Things Dec 20, 2022

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.

When You Can't Do Everything, Do Something Dec 14, 2022

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.

What is Enough? Dec 06, 2022

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.

I'll Pray On It Nov 29, 2022

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.

Lightning in a Bottle Nov 22, 2022

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.

Sneaky Jesus Nov 14, 2022

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!

Coming Soon: Beyond the Habit! Nov 07, 2022

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