Called to Be...

Our Easter podcast is being released on Holy Thursday.  As Catholics, Holy Thursday celebrations around the world focus on the night Jesus celebrated the Passover Seder with His disciples, the Last Supper.  So, this month we focus on the Jewish roots of this sacred celebration with Sister Nancy Stiles, Holy Union Associate, Kathi Jeffra, and a good friend of Holy Union, Saralee Salk, a Jewish woman steeped in her faith and deeply knowledgeable on the traditions, symbolism, and rituals of Passover and the Seder meal.  Our discussion reminds us of the significant overlap between Catholic and Jewish ritual, prayer, and tradition.  It serves to unite us as a faith family who share significantly our, religious practice and spirituality.

This year, as we adjust our podcast's focus to spirituality, Sisters Nancy Stiles and Alice Michael explore the season of Lent and its three traditional practices: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  With insights and observations from Popes Francis and Leo, local priests, a Holy Union Associate, and our own Sisters, this discussion unfolds how these Lenten practices deepen our spiritual journey, help us draw closer to God, and ultimately bring about spiritual growth through change.

This month's episode marks the beginning of our podcast's fifth year!  Sr. Alice Michael hosts Marilyn Crum, Jeanette Borg, and Joan DiMarco, three women with whom she has worked in various capacities associated with Holy Union's ministries in New York over the years.  Though Holy Union's initial ministry was focused on teaching children in the classroom across several schools there, the discussion traces their presence and impact as their work broadened to include new and even non-traditional roles within the parishes where they worked.  These included adult religious education, caring for the homeless, the elderly, the sick, and special needs children.  The episode concludes with a heartfelt remembrance of Holy Union's departure from Astoria, and the sadness the Sisters, parents, parishioners, and children felt as they pulled away.  As with all endings, new beginnings and new opportunities for all lay just ahead.  

As we begin the season of Advent, we hope this episode of "Called to Be..." inspires you to set aside a few minutes to reflect on the simple question: "What does Christmas mean to you?"  We asked our Sisters, Associates and friends to send us their thoughts on this question and we were surprised and delighted by the broad range of responses we received... some profound, others nostalgic, and others were insightful.  Sisters Alice Arsenault and Fran Cavey take turns reading the responses aloud and providing their own as well.  We pray that everyone has a lovely Advent season, and may you all enjoy a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sr. Nancy Stiles moderates a fascinating discussion about a project that spans three countries, two continents, three generations, and multiple cultures.  In this episode we hear directly from Sisters Shallotte Kum and Veronique Metiendjo from Cameroon, and Eugenia Mshana and Scholastica Mhea from Tanzania about their participation in the US Bicentennial Project, a long-time dream which became a reality in August 2025.  Responding to the call from Holy Union's Collegial Assembly in 2023 for new orientations in all stages of formation, the Holy Union US Area created its Bicentennial Project.  Paired with our congregation's celebration of 200 years (1826- 2026), this nine week enrichment program called for four participants to travel to the United States and immerse themselves in an intensive program of study, focused on advanced writing skills, spirituality, creativity, and culture.  Newly completed, the fruits of this project could last decades or even centuries!

This month, Sister Alice Arsenault leads a discussion with Sisters Tess Horvath and Joan Guertin for the first of two sequential episodes on our Bicentenary Jubilee Year of 2026 which marks two hundred years since our congregation's founding in Douai, France by our founder, Jean Baptiste Debrabant.  We will be reminiscing about pilgrimages made by several of our Sisters to significant sites in Lecelles and Douai, France where Fr. Debrabant was born and also where he gathered with the first group of women for religious instruction who became the foundation of our congregation.  Written memories submitted by several of our Sisters will be shared and discussed.

This month's episode teeters on the brink of miraculous.  Sisters Marilyn Gignac and Jane Newcomb, who spent many decades as missionaries in Cameroon, are reunited with a man, who was then a small boy, little Joseph Lukong, from the village of Kumbo where they ministered.  That little boy is now Father Joseph Lukong, and he is ministering in a parish within driving distance of where these Sisters live today in New England!  This astounding story is a testimony to the Good which comes from missionary work, and the global long-term impact of revealing God's love to those in need.  So today, many decades after Holy Union sent missionaries to Cameroon, they are sending them back to help us here in the U.S., the NEW mission territory!

This month, we had the pleasure of speaking with Sr. Cecilia Fukah Echo, SUSC, one of our Cameroonian Holy Union Sisters who is living here in the United States as she attends classes at Devine Word College in Epworth, IA.  Sr. Fran Cavey learns about her experience growing up in Cameroon and her decision to become a Holy Union Sisters, as well as her remarkable academic adventure coming to America to futher her education and how she hopes to use it once she returns to Cameroon in a few years.  Join us in praying for Sr. Cecilia as she continues to use her gifts to continue to reveal God's love both here in the US and once she returns home to Cameroon.

This month, Sr. Alice Arsenault shares the rich story of her vocation, ministries, and life as a woman religious for the last 65 years.  Sr. Alice delivered her talk to a group of Holy Union Associates in Tauton, MA and discussed her family background and how she decided to "answer the phone" when God's call came!  She also discussed her commitment to her vows during troubled times, the painful decision to close a school where she was Principal, and her election to work in Rome with Holy Union Sisters from around the world.  Later, as Provincial of the Groton Province, she oversaw the reunification of our two Provinces (Groton and Fall River) in to one US Province.  Her current ministries involve healing and spiritual formation.  And her journey continues....

As the sadness of Pope Francis' death fades, it has been replaced by the joy of a new Pope from the United States of America.  And this month we share our thoughts on our new Pope, our hopes, our first impressions, and our reflections on what the future may hold given this new reality.  Sister Nancy Stiles leads a discussion which includes Holy Union Associate, Tina Silvestro, and podcast producer, Ken Gustin.  Then we open the discussion to include Sisters Christine Lacroix, and Fran Cavey as well as Fall River Associate, Nancy Dube and New York Associate, Leida Toro.  We are filled with hope for this new shepherd, chosen under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

This month we explore the story of Lighthouse School, originally known as the Holy Union Special School.  From its founding by Sr. Theodora Martel, SUSC (Sr. Gabrielle Lucie) in 1967 in the basement of the Holy Union Sisters' retirement home in Lowell, MA to its current incarnation serving 225 children and their families on their N. Chelmsford campus, Lighthouse has provided specialized services for students who struggled to fit within a traditional learning environment.  Sr. Joan Guertin, SUSC is joined by Scott Bartis, CEO of Lighthouse School in N. Chelmsford, MA, and his Director of Operations, "Jeep" Tarmey, to discuss the remarkable journey of this wonderful school.  Sr. Theodora's deep empathy for children with learning challenges set a tone which continues today, based on kindness, patience, and a commitment to creating a place of belonging for so many children for nearly fifty years.

Are you one of many Catholics who have questions about the Jubilee Year of the Church (2025)?  What is a Jubilee Year?  Why is it significant?  What is asked of us during this year?  How can we participate in it?  Well, in our April episode, Called to Be... 's producer, Ken Gustin, talks with Fr. Edmund Derosier and Sr. Joan Guertin to explore these and other questions.  Fr. Derosier is a longtime friend of Holy Union and his former parish in Ayer / Shirley, MA has been a major source of support for Holy Union's schools in Cameroon, Africa.  We're so grateful for his participation in this rich discussion.

As Lent approaches we're pleased to share with you this discussion among Sisters Fran Cavey, Joan Guertin, and Rita Theresa Goulet on the topic of Silence and Solitude.  We invite you to sit back, close your eyes and be still as you listen to this insightful exchange.  May it bring you some new ways to embrace silence and solitude, not just during Lent but as a part of your everyday spirituality and relationship with God.  Note: Due to circumstance beyond our control we needed to slightly change the order in which our episodes were published (at the last minute) and so please disregard the reference made early on in this episode as to where we are in Lent and Holy Week's closeness.

This month, Sr. Alice Michael shares the story of her vocation and eclectic ministries throughout the years as a Holy Union Sister with our Taunton Associates.  Her very first assignment in New York City was a major adjustment after growing up on the family farm in Rhode Island.  Again and again Sr. Alice placed her trust in God's plan for her, though she often didn't understand why she was being placed on this path or that one.  Her ministries in New York placed her in a culturally rich environment, working with adults and children in a variety of roles, and ultimately traveling extensively nationally and internationally in support of the work being done by our congregation.  We hope you enjoy this story of trust and dedication to the work she was chosen to do.

We're pleased to begin 2025, our fourth year of "Called to Be..." with a recent "My Story" talk from Sr. Barbara Walsh.  This talk was given to our Holy Union Associates Community earlier in 2024, but we were unable to be there to record it.  Happily, Sr. Barbara was kind enough to share it privately for use as a podcast episode.  She has had a truly remarkable life as a Holy Union Sister, marked by a creative problem solving approach to helping those in need.  Sr. Barbara's charisma has drawn people to her many ministries and inspired them to help as volunteers, financial supporters, or simply to be gently swept up by her invitation to draw themselves closer to Jesus.  Her story brings to mind the statement atttributed to St. Francis of Assisi, "Preach the Gospel always, and when necesary, use words."

As advent begins, we're so pleased to share this episode with you.  Sr. Alice Michael moderates a joyful discussion with Holy Union Associate, Tina Silvestro, Sr. Mary Ellen Ryan and Sr. Kathee Corrigan about the various ways Advent and Christmas are celebrated in parishes they are in, or from days gone by.  We all remember the days when our parish was the center of so much in our lives: baptisms, funerals, marriages, holidays, and social events like dances, CYO, and Bingo!  So we thought discussing the ways Christmas and Advent are celebrated in some very creative ways in our parishes would be both fun and perhaps share some ideas for you and your own parishes today to embrace or breathe new life into!   We hope you enjoy this discussion as much as we did!

As the Liturgical Year comes to a close and we prepare to start a new Liturgical Year in December, we pause to take a look back on the wide range of discussions and topics we covered this past year.  Called to Be's producer, Ken Gustin, reviews the last twelve months of episodes and encourages you to listen to your favorites a second time right from our website at www.holyunionsisters.org, or take the time to listen to episodes you may have missed.

Sr. Fran Cavey and Ken Gustin, Called to Be..'s producer, discuss a thought-provoking video by Irshad Manji, a former self-proclaimed "culture warrior" who has changed her perspective and now offers five strategies to overcome division and ultimately help understand where others are coming from while being better understood by them.  In an increasingly polarized nation and world, these strategies can help bring down the temperature and help us better understand one another.  To watch the actual video, click here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0d087daOZY .  Also, a reference is made during the discussion to a scene in The Chosen (Episode 2, Season 4) ... Peter forgives Matthew.  The link to this scene is here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFRt5SI9F0k

This month's episode is the second installment of our "My Story" series, wherein a Holy Union Sister shares her story which brought her to our congregation and the ministries she has dedicated her life to.  This installment features Sr. Ann Kernan, a colorful story teller.  She starts by sharing a unique family history which has many links to Holy Union starting in Ireland in the 1800's.  During her talk to our Associates, she shared a number of family photos which we have posted on our Facebook page for you to see.  We hope you enjoy this facsinating and unique account.

Today's episode is hosted by Sr. Alice Arsenault, who speaks with our current and previous Archivist, Sam McAdoo and Sr. Christine Lacroix about a true milestone in Holy Union's history here in the United States: preparing our archives to be sent to a new and permanent home at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, CA.  They discuss what our archives contain, the work that was necessary to organize and catalog their contents, and the process that was used in selecting Santa Clara University as their permanent home.  A topic that some may expect to be dry or technical is actually moving and wonderful as together we reflect on the impact of Holy Union in the United States and the steps taken to preserve our stories and history.

We are blessed to find, every now and then, deeply caring people who, inspired by a conversation or interaction with one of our Sisters, decides to commit their time and effort to join us in our mission.  Dr. Thomas Krahn, MD, is one of those special people.  This discussion, moderated by Sr. Fran Cavey, reunites Dr. Krahn with Sr. Josephine Nko and Sr. Sylvia Mepha who are both from Cameroon, and who worked closely with him to help create a clinic, blood bank, and other medical services for the people they serve in several areas of Cameroon. Dr. Kahn is a physician who practices medicine in New England and who has taken repeated extended trips to Cameroon to help our Sisters address a series of serious medical needs in their communities.

Sr. Maryellen Ryan moderates this helpful discussion between Fr. Eddie Coriea, Sr. Joan Guertin, and podcast producer, Ken Gustin on the Synod on Synodality.  Most Catholics have heard of the Synod, some have participated in it, and many are filled with questions about it.  What is a synod?...why are we doing it?...what is the goal of it?...how does it work?...what are the anticipated fruits of the effort?  Our hope with this discussion is to answer many of the questions we've heard and help people understand the deep roots and tradition of synods in our Church's history, and how important this effort by Pope Francis is for us all.

Sister Barbara Walsh moderates a stroll down memory lane with fellow alumnae Ann Marie Charette and Joan Gallagher, of Sacred Hearts Academy in Fall River, MA.  Sacred Hearts Academy was Holy Union's first school in North America and it provided a unique educational experience for. so many young women across so many decades.  This discussion features memories of specific Sisters, courses, extracurriculars, life-long friendships, and the lasting impact the school left on them.

Sister Nancy Stiles moderates a discussion with Sisters Alice Arsenault and Alice Michael on the essence of Easter and the Easter Season, specifically transformation and openness to new life.  Jesus' sacrifice and mercy is on offer to all who are willing to accept it and follow Him in the way of this new way of living.  Their discussion spans well known examples of biblical figures who accepted Christ's mercy and some who didn't, as well as our own personal transformations, or opportunities for it, every day.  We pray you had a wonderful Easter as we move fully into the Easter season.

As our journey through Lent continues, we're pleased to share with you this discussion we've called "Putting On the Mind of Christ Jesus".  This rich exchange between Sisters Fran Cavey, Joan Guertin, and Rita Theresa Goulet weaves together scripture passages, theology, personal experiences, and the current state of our nation and world in a way that will leave you much to reflect on and ponder.  May your Lent be a time of growth and reflection as Easter draws ever closer.  

If you've heard of "The Chosen" TV show, but never watched it, this episode is for you!  Sr. Maryellen Ryan and "Called to Be..."'s producer, Ken Gustin, are joined by Fr. Edward Correia to share their thoughts about this extraordinarily popular TV series based on the Gospel and the life and ministry of Jesus.  We're so grateful to Fr. Correia, a well known priest in the Fall River and New Bedford area, for agreeing to join us to explore this remarkable program, whose fouth season is just about to be released.  There are seven seasons planned, so you still have plenty of time to start watching!  And we hope you do!  In fact you can watch every episode of every season by clicking this link:  https://watch.thechosen.tv/#carousels 

As our podcast begins its third year, we're pleased to share with you this discussion, focused on Holy Union's 50th year in Tanzania!  Sr. Nancy Stiles moderates as as Sisters MaryLou Simcoe (US), Annette Farrell (in Tanzania), Jesca Wachanga (Tanzania) and Maria Luvinga (Tanzania) share the history and ministries which have been undertaken since our first Sister arrived there in 1973.  The work which is being done spans so many ministries, including a school for autistic students which they have opened.  Tanzania is one of Holy Union's growth areas, with a number of women in various stages of formation today.

Christmas unites us all!  So this month we explore the Christmas traditions from the cultures of Haiti (Magella Justin - a friend of Holy Union), Italy (Deb Griffin - Holy Union's Office Manager), and The Philippeans (Elma Barranda - a Holy Union Associate), with our moderator Sr. Maryellen Ryan.  May the peace and love of Christmas lighten our hearts as we gather with family and friends to celebrate His coming!  May you have a blessed Advent and a Merry Christmas!

Sisters Alice Michael and Nancy Stiles reached out to ten Sisters and Associates and asked them what their favorite scripture passage is and why it is meaningful to them. This discussion is a sharing of how those Sisters and Associates responded.  The richness and direct applicability of scripture to our lives in 2023 is amazing.  This discussion makes it clear that God's word is timeless and very much alive in our world today. 

We hope you enjoy this first installment of a new series within "Called to Be', which we are calling My Story.  We hope to bring you these episodes periodically wherein one of our Sisters shares her journey to and through religious life.  Sr. Pat Heath was kind enough to share her story with a group of Holy Union Associates at their meeting in St. Jude's parish hall in Taunton, MA in September, 2023.  

Sr. Nancy Stiles moderates a discussion about a much-discussed topic in the church today, evangelization.  Sisters Barbara Walsh, Loraine Sirois, and Rita Theresa Goulet discuss how we are called "to preach the Gospel always, and when necessary, use words", as St. Frances of Assisi is rumored to have said.  Helping people to draw themselves closer to God can be as simple as a kind word or gesture.  Striving to live a life marked by kindness and love may be the most effective form of evangelization there is.  

Our Sisters are taking a well-deserved summer break this month, but wanted to share with you a talk given by Sr. Rita Beaudoin, one of our beloved Sisters who died on January 18th of this year.  In 2003 Sr. Rita delivered this talk to a group of Holy Union Associates about her pilgrimage to Douai, France where the order was founded.  Its purpose was to educate them on our congregation's history and to bring it to life, as only she could.  She references a number of photographs in her talk, and we regret this podcast medium does not accommodate visually sharing them with you.  Regardless, we hope you enjoy this wonderful lesson from a masterful teacher who so many remember with great fondness.  Note: the technology used to record this talk twenty years ago has resulted in a somewhat grainy quality by today's standards.

In 2003 a tragic accident in Cameroon triggered an international call for assistance from our Generalate in Rome.  In this episode, Sr. Fran Cavey moderates a discussion with Sr. Caroline Njah of Cameroon and Sisters Joan Guertin and MaryEllen Ryan of the US who all played a role in this critical period as our Cameroonian Sisters faced what could have been a crisis for the future of Holy Union in that part of the world.  We are so grateful for Sr. Caroline's participation and important perspective on this time in our history. 

Once again, Sisters Laurette DeChamplain, Pat Mulryan, and Barbara Kirkman sit down to share their experiences and insights as they discuss the celebrations of life.  Sitting in for Sr. MaryEllen Ryan this month is our podcast's producer, Ken Gustin.  The Sisters discuss life's celebrations of events and experiences large and small, and how grateful they are for the richness of their lives, and the gifts we have all been given.

Sr. Nancy Stiles moderates this discussion with Sisters Barbara Walsh, Ann Kernan, and Fran Cavey about their continued work in Appalachia.  This is our second episode on the works done in this unique part of our country.  The Sisters served multiple populations including hispanic immigrants, the uneducated, rural women, a self perpetuating corps of youth volunteers, and more.  Sr. Ann summed up her experience there, "We didn't have to look for ministries, the ministries found US."  We hope you enjoy this discussion as much as we did.

As we prepare to welcome new Catholics into our Church at the. Easter Vigil, Sister Alice Arsenault leads a discussion with Sisters MaryEllen Ryan and Alice Michael about their experiences adapting RCIA to the specific community in which it was being offered.  While the experience is based on scripture and Church teachings, the way it is implemented is adjusted to best reach those going through it.  They also discuss the rich beauty and symbolism of the Easter Vigil, and the profound impact in has on those present.

With Easter approaching, we are taking some time to help people (Catholic and non-Catholic) to understand the process of becoming a Catholic through RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults).  This episode is moderated by Sr. Nancy Stiles and features Sisters Alice Arsenault, Fran Cavey and MaryEllen Ryan.  This discussion may be especially interesting to "cradle Catholics", who often have had little visibility to the steps a non-Catholic follows before being welcomed into the church.

This wonderful discussion is moderated by Sr. MaryEllen Ryan, as she speaks with Sisters Pat Mulryan, Barbara Kirkman, and Laurette DeChamplain about the experiences and lessons of living a full life.  Sister Laurette celebrated her one hundredth birthday last year, and all share their experiences as women religious from years gone by as well as those which are still giving them opportunities to grow today.  This remarkable discussion is poignant, funny, inspiring and even includes some gentle trash talk between these Red Sox and Yankee fans!  We hope you enjoy it.

The Virgin Mary has been an important part of our Catholic faith since the early days of the church.  This discussion, between Sisters Rita Theresa Goulet, Barbara Kirkman, and Holy Union Associate, Judy Corliss, is led by Sister Fran Cavey, and explores Mary's role in the church and in our faith.  As a woman, and the mother of Jesus, Mary's perspective is unique.  The discussion fleshes out how the Sisters relate to Mary, how Mary impacts their prayer, and Mary's role in bringing people to her son, Jesus. 

Our special Christmas Episode, Christmas Across Cultures, is dedicated to the loving Memory of Sr. Ann Boland.  Sr. Nancy Stiles moderates a discussion among Holy Union Associate, Margaret Agbese from Nigeria, Holy Union's former Office Manager, Alina Pieprzycki from Poland, and long-time friend of Holy Union, Teresa Aiello from Honduras.  They discuss Christmas traditions and customs in their home countries.  We all have unique ways to celebrate the coming of Jesus at Christmas, and we hope you find this episode fascinating, joyful, and even touching.  Our Sisters wish you and yours a blessed Christmas!

We are dedicating December's episodes in loving memory of Sr. Ann Boland, who envisioned them and planned to moderate them both.  Her intent was to discuss how to more fully embrace the joy of the season through simple reminders of what we are really celebrating.  The Church calls this "Living Liturgically".  Sr. Barbara Walsh now moderates this discussion with Sr. Alice Michael and Holy Union Associate, Tina Silvestro about ways to find the joy we are seeking in the season of Advent and the feasts of Christmas and The Epiphany.  We hope this discussion inspires you to experience this season in a richer, more meaningful way and avoid being swept into the hectic swirl that can often overtake us at this time of year.  Thank you Sister Ann.  May you rest in peace.

Sr. Alice Arsenault moderates a discussion among Sr. Rita Beaudoin, Sr. Marilyn Bearne and Sr. Ann Kernan about the establishment of a Holy Union House of Formation in Brockton, MA in the 1980's which was meant to support both the Fall River and the Groton Provinces.  The number of ministries and works which grew out of this project were numerous, eventually leading to uniting the two provinces into the US Province of today.

Sr. Fran Cavey Moderates a discussion with Sr. Peg McCabe, who has spent over three decades ministering to those men and women who are incarcerated on Rikers Island in New York.  Sr. Peg shares some surprising stories and insights from her ministry helping those who have found themselves on the wrong sie of the law, and the importance of the message that God loves you.

Sr. MaryEllen Ryan hosts this discussion with Sr. Ann Boland and Holy Union Associates Pat Healey and Kathleen Jeffra about their experiences ministering to those with special needs.  This moving discussion recounts several occassions where they were inspired by those who had been given a cross to bear, and who carried it with such grace and dignity as to turn it into a blessing for themselves and those around them. 

Sr. Fran Cavey moderates a second discussion on Holy Union in Cameroon with Sr. Jane Newcomb and Sr. Marilyn Gignac.  Their conversation covers overcoming the challenges of establishing a house of formation, setting up a new ministry in the remote village of Moloundou, and the amazing "rabbit project"!

Sr. Nancy Stiles speaks with Sr. Lorraine Sirois and Sr. Barbara Walsh about the early work of the Holy Union Sisters with the good people in Appalachia.  Sr. Lorraine and Sr. Barbara spent decades in this unique and often poor part of our country, reflecting with joy on those they met and worked with. Producer's Note: At two points in this episode Mr. Mike Morrissey is accidently referred to as "Jack". 

This episode is an extended discussion of Prayer.  Moderated by Sr. Alice Arsenault, it features Sr. Rita Theresa Goulet, Sr. Kathy Corrigan and Holy Union Associate, Nelda Jardin.  It touches on what prayer is, various kinds of prayer, why we pray, God's answers to our prayers and more.  

This episode of Called to Be... features Sisters Fran Cavey, Roberta Desjardins, Terri Theroux, and Marilyn Gignac.  They discuss their early work in Cameroon as our first Sisters journeyed to this beautiful country in Africa many years ago.  Through their efforts, and others, orphanages, clinics, schools and houses of religious formation were built and over the decades thousands were shown God's love.  Today there are more Holy Union Sisters in Cameroon than in the US.

Sr. MaryEllen Ryan moderates a discussion with Holy Union Associates, Margaret Admirand, April Lewis, and Myrna Badillo about what it means to live the Holy Union Charism as an Associate.  All three of these women are New York Associates and each shares her experiences as a part of the Holy Union Associate community, and discusses why they became Associates, and the works they have been involved in.

Sr. Fran Cavey moderates a discussion featuring Sr. Alice Arsenault, Sr. Lorraine Sirois, and Sr. Nancy Stiles about living the Holy Union charism now that most sisters have left the classroom and moved on to other ministries.