In the Company of Charity

Sr. Liz sits down with speaker and podcaster Eve Rosemary to discuss her faith journey, prayer, art, and God’s life-changing love.  Eve inspires us to move toward love and freedom in our relationship with God.Check out her website and art at https://www.theeverydaysaint.com/

Welcome back to a Cohost Chat with Sister Elizabeth and Sister Liz!  From the recent camping trip with young adult women to the Artemis II Mission to Holy Week and surprising moments of grace.  We delve into the universal call to holiness and the challenge to uphold the dignity of the human person.  

This is Part II of Sr. Elizabeth’s interview with Fr. John Dear, a longtime peace activist and founder of the Beatitude Center for the Nonviolent Jesus. They discuss our citizenship in Heaven, the mission of nonviolence, and grieving the state of the world. Take part in our Zoom discussion on Sunday, April 19, at 2 p.m. CT. Registration Link: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=jD6utn_pp0KvEHI0qypgl9aWZNVHyoZKg_QAuNwSpmBUREpLUDhEVEQ0NE45MlBYVFFPRVpGVDlaWi4u&route=shorturl

In this first episode of a two-part interview, Sr. Elizabeth talks with Fr. John Dear, a longtime peace activist and founder of the Beatitude Center for the Nonviolent Jesus. They discuss the nonviolent message of Jesus in the Gospels and a call for His followers to commit to a life of nonviolence as well.   

Check out Sister Liz Sjoberg‘s Lenten reflection for women at St. Anthony Parish.

Sr. Liz sits down with Dr. Kristin Witte to discuss global poverty issues through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, charity and justice. She highlights the importance of empowering women because, when equipped with the right resources, they can help whole families and entire communities escape poverty.

Before becoming a deacon, Deacon David Billing never expected his ministry to include prison pods, death row vigils, and rural villages in Guatemala—but each has become a place where he encounters Christ. In this episode, he joins Sister Elizabeth to share how his vocation as a deacon has led him to each of these ministries. Together, they explore how faith calls us beyond comfort and into relationship with those society often forgets.

In this episode, Sister Elizabeth speaks with Heidi Moore, longtime advocate for the abolition of the death penalty and a Catholic convert whose faith was shaped through service to incarcerated men. Drawing on Catholic social teaching, personal testimony, and firsthand experience inside Missouri’s prison system, Heidi unpacks the moral, legal, and human costs of capital punishment. This episode invites listeners to wrestle honestly with mercy, justice, and the Church’s call to protect human dignity—without exceptions.

What is prayer really? In this episode, Sister Liz is joined by Father Jonathan McElhone, TOR, Franciscan friar and vocation director, for a dynamic and practical conversation about prayer as a living relationship with God. Together they explore the difference between reciting prayers and truly entering into dialogue with the Lord, how to listen for God’s voice, and why silence is essential for spiritual growth.Father Jonathan shares the PRAY method—Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield—as a simple framework for deepening prayer, along with wisdom on distractions, discernment, praying in the Holy Spirit, and cultivating availability to God throughout daily life. Whether you’re new to prayer or longing to go deeper, this episode offers encouragement, tools, and hope for growing in an authentic, heart-to-heart relationship with God.

Welcome to our first Cohost Chat of the season! Today, Sister Elizabeth and Sister Liz look back on the past year and ahead to 2026. While Sister Elizabeth has been embracing a quiet, reflective side approach to faith, Sister Liz has been attending conferences and experiencing the loud and charismatic ways of expression. No matter the form of expression, we touch on the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of the faith and being artisans of hope and peace.

Father Patrick Griffin, CM, is back on the podcast and this time, he's talking about angels. Father Patrick leads us through instances in the Bible in which we hear about angels, explains the significance of these encounters, and even gives examples of times he himself believes he has experienced angels. 

Today, our host, Sister Liz Sjoberg, DC, sits down with her friend and housemate, Sister Cecilia West, DC, to explore a vocation shaped by simple beginnings, unexpected turns, and God’s persistent whisper.Sister Cecilia shares her story of growing up in small-town Mississippi, discovering the Daughters of Charity through a series of quiet nudges, and spending more than two decades teaching preschoolers despite never wanting to become a teacher. Her path then led her into hospital ministry, where she found deep purpose accompanying people in psychiatric crisis and offering calm in chaos. She even notes some unexpected parallels between calming a classroom of three-year-olds and de-escalating emergency situations.Throughout the episode, Sister Cecilia reflects on learning her gifts through others, trusting God one step at a time, and the power of small acts of love.

In this episode, Sister Elizabeth welcomes back Father Patrick Griffin, C.M., for a conversation on what it means for the Word of God to be “unchained.” Drawing deeply from St. Paul’s life, conversion, and captivity letters, Father Pat explores how Paul transforms the chains meant to silence him into instruments of proclamation.Together, they trace Paul’s journey from persecutor to apostle, reflect on the meaning of suffering for the sake of the Gospel, and examine how Scripture continues to break through our modern-day limitations. Father Pat challenges listeners to reflect on where we allow the Word to be chained in our own lives and what it means to proclaim the Gospel fearlessly today.

Sister Elizabeth and Sister Liz are together this episode to welcome Matthew Terry, a man whose life story reveals how God can guide us in both ordinary and extraordinary ways. From a near-death experience as a child to a calling that took him from Chicago to China, Matt shares how faith, perseverance, and the Holy Spirit shaped his path as a teacher, husband, and storyteller.Listen as he recounts how a simple encounter led him to his wife Pearl, how teaching English in China became a mission, and how moments of hardship revealed God’s grace and purpose. Matt also talks about transforming his journey into a film project, English Corner, created to touch hearts and bring others closer to God.

In this reflective episode, Sister Liz welcomes back Father Patrick McDevitt, C.M., now President and CEO of St. Luke Institute. Drawing from his decades as a Vincentian priest and counseling psychologist, Father Pat explores how healing, faith, and human wholeness are intertwined. Together, they unpack why true growth requires letting go of the fight, embracing pain as a teacher, and recognizing that God is already present in every moment of our lives. With stories of grace, vulnerability, and encounter, this episode invites listeners to see life not as a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived.

In this week's episode, Sister Elizabeth Greim, DC, is joined by fellow Daughter of Charity, Sister Chris Mura. You may remember Sister Chris from a couple of episodes in season 7, but this time, she's back to talk about her ministry of working with immigrants. Sister Chris was originally missioned to New York 16 years ago to work at a local hospital and help the Latino population in any way they may need. While the beginning was a bit unclear, Sister Chris managed to find a niche, becoming a medical interpreter at the hospital and helping the patients navigate the American health system. Listen to hear Sister Chris talk about the progress she's made in her 16 years and some of her favorite stories from along the way!

Welcome back to Season Eight of In the Company of Charity! To kick off the new season, Sister Liz Sjoberg is joined by Father Luis Romero, a Vincentian priest. Together, they dive into the inspiring life and legacy of St. Vincent de Paul, from his humble beginnings to his transformative ministry. They reflect on his conversion, his impact on the Church, and his call to serve the poor while also touching on how St. Vincent's teachings on affective and effective love continue to guide the Vincentian mission today. Whether you're discerning your vocation or seeking ways to make a difference, this heartfelt conversation will inspire you to ask, "What must be done?" 

In the season finale, Sister Elizabeth Greim, DC, and Sister Liz Sjoberg, DC, reflect on a summer packed with ministry, travel, and mission. This episode, we talk about topics from youth service camps and retreats to deep diving into the early history of the Daughters of Charity in the U.S. You’ll hear about prison ministry at a game of capture the flag, the joy of walking with young people in discernment, and the legacy of Sister Eliza McDonough—the first seminary directress sent from Paris to Emmitsburg in the 1850s.

Last episode, Sister Chris Mura, DC, joined us to explain how to pray the Liturgy of the Hours, why they are so important to us as Daughters of Charity, and some more of the nuances of the prayers. This week, Sister Chris is joined by Sister Sharon Horace, DC, and our host, Sister Elizabeth Greim, to demonstrate these prayers. Listen along or join in as we pray a Morning Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours.

Today, Sister Elizabeth Greim, DC, is joined by friend and follow Daughter of Charity, Sister Chris Mura. Sister Chris has long held the Liturgy of the Hours in a special place in her life. In this episode, she shares with listeners why they are so important to her, what they mean in the greater scheme of the Church, and how to pray them. For beginners, Sister Chris gives tips on how to get started navigating a potentially intimating practice. Stay tuned for the next episode when we give an example of the Liturgy of the Hours in practice!

Sister Elizabeth Greim welcomes back Ellen Hogarty from the Lord’s Ranch for a conversation around Pentecost. They talk about the gifts of the Holy Spirit and how they manifest in everyday life. Together, they explore the journey from Lent to Pentecost and what it means to live in the post-Resurrection church. Ellen shares moving stories of faith in action, from miraculous meals to simple Thursday gatherings for the elderly, showing how small acts of service can grow into transformative ministries. This episode invites listeners to discern their unique gifts, embrace community, and allow the Spirit to “splash over” in unexpected ways.

In this episode, Sister Liz welcomes longtime friend and fellow minister, Father Matt Himes. From college memories at Mount St. Mary's to leading young adults at UMBC, Father Matt shares his journey of faith, service, and vocation. They explore the challenges facing today's digital-native generation, from loneliness and woundedness to hunger for authentic community and healing. Father Matt talks about the transformative power of real prayer, the importance of discernment, and how building relationships can guide young people to God. 

This episode was originally recorded for the Flourishing Sisterhood podcast. In this podcast, Sister Kathy Overmann, DC, reflects on her life, her vocation, and her various ministries. She touches on the roots of her call to the Daughters of Charity, the hardships in her life, and how she has served those in need throughout the country. She notes that through all of these experiences, she has discovered the importance of recognizing everyone as human and embracing everyone for who they are.

As we near the end of Lent, people begin to get excited about Easter. While the Easter season is certainly something to celebrate, many of us want to skip over Holy Week. But, Holy Week, specifically the Triduum, is important to the story Easter. On today's episode, Father Patrick Griffin, CM, explains why the Triduum is so vital and how we can take the time to appreciate these days. 

Lent is a season of quiet focus. We do challenges, we make sacrifices, and we pray more. But, what about after Lent is over? Today, Father Pat McDevitt, CM, joins us to talk about the "after." He tells us it shouldn't end with Easter. We should continue through the Easter season, into Ordinary Time, and for our whole lives.

We're almost halfway through Lent and today, we're checking up with Sister Mary Ellen Thomas, DC. Sister Mary Ellen shares with us what makes this Lent different from all the others and how she's using it to get deeper in the presence of the Lord. Spoiler alert, it involves a lot of prayer and a lot of listening! Share with us how you are using this Lenten season to grow deeper in your own relationship with God.

Today, we're joined by Sister Sharon Richardt, DC, to talk about the art of Spiritual Direction. Having a good spiritual director can help you with more than just your spiritual life and can help to guide you toward God's call for you! We talk about tools that Sister Sharon uses and more!

**This episode contains talk of addiction, pornography, and problematic sexual behaviorToday we're joined by Lauren Scharmer, a licensed clinical social worker who has a specialty in treating sexual addiction. We dive into not only sexual addiction, but other forms of addiction and how any form can hinder our relationships with not only others, but ourselves and God as well. Lauren offers helpful stats, history, and advice as well as reflection on these topics.Connect with Lauren: https://www.laurenscharmerlcsw.com/If you or anyone you know needs help, there are resources available.- Fight the New Drug: https://fightthenewdrug.org/- Catholic in Recovery: https://catholicinrecovery.com/- Covenant Eyes: https://www.covenanteyes.com/- Recognizing Rituals: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxaPL0v9YD0&t=649s- Recovering Masculinity in a Pornified World: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM2X9ATUJMA

Welcome back to another cohost chat with your favorite podcast hosts, Sister Elizabeth & Sister Liz! This week, we're touching on our side hustles, our passion projects, our unofficial ministries...whatever you want to call them, we're talking about them! From prayer groups to anti-human trafficking work, Sister Elizabeth is keeping busy! We also get an update on Sister Liz's fifth marathon and the most recent discernment retreat.

400 years ago, St. Vincent de Paul gave a world-changing sermon in France which formed into the Congregation of the Mission (or Vincentian priests). Today, one of our favorite Vincentian priests, Father Patrick Griffin, CM, is back to give us a little history on St. Vincent de Paul and how exactly he began forming all of the organizations that came after.

Today, we're talking all things St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. With her feast day just having passed and the 50th anniversary of her canonization taking place this year, it's a special time to dig into her life and legacy. Becca Corbell from the Shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Emmitsburg, Maryland is helping us to do just that. From reflecting on St. Elizabeth's life to how her life has impacted others today, including Becca and Sister Liz, we note just how far spread St. Elizabeth's legacy has grown.

We're at the end of 2024 and getting ready to welcome in the new year. As Daughters, December 31 is a day of retreat to spend time in silence with God, reflect on the year we've had, and prepare for what He's calling us to do in the coming year. In this podcast, Sister Mary Jo Stein talks about the importance of this day and how it helps her in the fresh year.

We're in the midst of Advent, a season of waiting and a season a business. As we reflect on the season, we're asking ourselves how we're creating the space for Jesus to enter our lives more deeply. Today, our cohosts share a little on Advent, Christmas, and life in general as well as give a little peek into what to expect in the new year.

For today's episode, we're headed back to Santa Barbara, California. Our guest, Sergey Salushchev, is the Archivist for St. Vincent's in Santa Barbara. He joins us today to give us a background on the Daughters' westward expansion into California and the history our services there. He highlights how the Sisters were able to adapt to the changes of the time and continue to provide for those most in need in new ways throughout the years there.

When the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Catherine Laboure with the request to create the Miraculous Medal, Mary said that "anyone who wears the medal will receive great graces." Throughout the years since, many stories have been told of those who have received those graces. While living and serving in Taiwan, Sister Martin Dehlinger, DC, witnessed one of these events. This is her story.

This episode, we're joined by Chuck Levesque, Director of Depaul USA, a national nonprofit organization inspired that addresses homelessness in innovative ways. Inspired by St. Vincent de Paul, Depaul USA has grown to 11 different cities, tackling the homelessness crisis in unique ways in each place according to the needs of the community.Want to learn more about Depaul USA? Check out their website and see how you could get involved: https://depaulusa.org/

If you had the opportunity to leave everything behind and live on a ship to serve those in need, would you? Today's guest, Reanne Newquist, and her family did. The family of five left their lives in California to serve the sick in West Africa with Mercy Ships. For a year, they lived onboard the Africa Mercy Ship, a vessel docked in Senegal. Now, Reanne is sharing with us not only her story, but the mission of Mercy Ships and how they are working to serve those most in need.To learn more about Mercy Ships:www.mercyships.org/servewww.facebook.com/MercyShipswww.instagram.com/mercyships/www.twitter.com/mercyships

Sister Rocio Briones, DC, has only been out of Seminary (novitiate) for six months, but she's already making an impact in Santa Barbara. Sister Rocio dove in headfirst at her first mission, working at the Father Virgil Cordano Center where they serve the homeless population, as well as on the St. Vincent Campus, where she has been working on an inter-generational program for the seniors and children to get to interact. On this podcast, we hear about all of these programs and ministries, their history, and how Sister Rocio fits into their stories.

Today we're joined by our friend and vocation director, Sister Lisa Laguna, DC. She's answering some of our most frequently asked questions about religious discernment. From spiritual director vs. vocation director to family to social media, we covered it all! 

Happy Feast of St. Vincent de Paul! If you've been a listener for awhile, you know that means it's time for the new season to begin! Welcome to season SEVEN!To kick off the season, we have Sister Theresa Sullivan, DC. Sister Theresa is the Director of Daybreak, a ministry of Depaul USA, that operates as a day resource center for those experiencing homelessness in the area. Sister Theresa is the third director of Daybreak and our very own Sister Elizabeth Greim, DC, just so happens to have been the first. Between the two of them, we hear all about the founding of Daybreak and just how much it's grown since it's founding in 2011. Between adding new buildings and gaining the support of the whole community, it's clear there's been a lot of love poured into this ministry!

This week, we're chatting with our cohosts! We touch on our recent activities, our missions, where we've been finding Jesus, the history of the Daughters in the US, and more! You won't want to miss this final episode of season six.

How blessed it is to find a life-long friend! It can be even more special when that friend is also your Sister in Community. This week, we're joined by two Sisters who have found such a friendship within each other, Sister Ann Marie Butler, DC, and Sister Mary Beth Kubera, DC. They chat with us about how they met, how they became friends, and how they maintain such a close bond living far apart. They also discuss the realities of friendship within community and more!

Everyone's path to holiness is unique. The Lord calls us all to live in different ways and to give ourselves to him in our own way. Breanne DeMarco has discovered this throughout her life and now tries to help others on their paths. Today, she sits down with Sister Liz Sjoberg, DC, to discuss the path that she's on and the lessons she has learned along the way.You can get in touch with Breanne at: [email protected]

After being reunited for a Provincial Meeting, our cohosts are back on the podcast to recap the meeting and more! Sister Elizabeth and Sister Liz chat about how they feel reenergized by the togetherness and enthusiasm of the meeting and what their key takeaways were. They also discuss their missions, both previous and upcoming, as some major changes are happening for one of them.

Father Patrick Griffin, CM, joins us again in part two of our feature on Barnabas. This time, we talk specifically about how his encouragement of Paul changed Paul into the man we know him as. From this, Paul wrote letters of encouragement to his followers, which we still read today!

Repeat Episode: As we read the Acts of the Apostles and other parts of the Bible, we read about Barnabas. However, we never get any quotes from him. Who was Barnabas? How is someone who never speaks so influential to the Church? Father Patrick Griffin, CM, joins Sister Elizabeth Greim, D.C., to break down Barnabas's character and dive into who he was and the impact he made.

Today, Sister Liz Sjoberg is joined by Christian singer, songwriter, and author, John Michael Talbot. John Michael Talbot is also the founder of the monastic community known as the Brothers and Sisters of Charity. Today, he shares about his upbringing, what led him to Catholicism, and what good he is seeing in his community. He also shares his own recent conversion story and how it has impacted him ever since.

This episode marks the end of our Carville series. To wrap up our feature on the National Leprosarium, we're joined again by Wendy Chin-Tanner (author of King of the Armadillos) and Walter Chin (Wendy's father and inspiration for her book), as well as Sister Loretto Gettemeier, Sister Ellen Kron, and Sister Mary Louise Stubbs. Each of the three Sisters has her own tie to Carville and each shares her stories of the Daughters of Charity who served there.

In this third episode of series on the National Leprosarium in Carville, Louisiana, we get to meet Walter Chin, the real king of the armadillos. Walter is Wendy Chin-Tanner's father who inspired her to write her book, King of the Armadillos. We also have Elizabeth Schexnyder, Archivist for the National Hansen's Disease Museum, back to join the father-daughter duo. In this episode, we talk about Walter's time at Carville and how the Daughters serving there shaped his nine years in residence as well as the rest of his life.

Sister Elizabeth Greim is joined in part two of our series on the National Leprosarium in Carville, Louisiana by Wendy Chin-Tanner, author of King of the Armadillos and daughter of a former patient. The pair are joined this time by Scott Keefer, Archivist for the Daughters of Charity, Province of St. Louise, and Elizabeth Schexnyder, Archivist for the National Hansen's Disease Museum. The four discuss the history of the Leprosarium, what all still exists from the time of operation, and how these artifacts can help to destigmatize Hansen's disease. They also discuss the vital role the Daughters played not only in running the hospital, but of saving the information for us to have still today.