My sad is not your sad. My angry is not your angry. My story is not your story. But we are in this together. And together we can help each other learn and focus in ways that seek to lift up the best of who we are. A week ago, I was at the CVN… Read more »

“We don’t help others because they are Catholic; we help them because we are.” This Catholic Charities principle helps me trust in the power of Christian witness.  It informs my embrace of ecumenism and partnership with secular efforts.  It affirms that faith is strongest when expansive and inclusive. I am in good company because you… Read more »

A Letter from the Executive Director My head is too tired to come up with anything very creative for this letter. But my spirit is joyous. I’m OK holding those two in tension – or maybe just letting them run wild within me.  I know you are tired too. I have heard from you and from CVN staff how much… Read more »

A Letter from the Executive Director Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?’  Jesus said to him in reply, ‘Allow it now, for thus it is fitting… Read more »

A Letter from the Executive Director “Holiness is not a strategy. Structures prevent bad things.” This comment was made last week by a Catholic leader during the Catholic Partnership Summit. The gathering explored what aspects of the current leadership culture led to the twin crises of abuse and leadership failures, and sought to imagine a new future. The comment was made in the context of exploring governance and leadership.    I have been reflecting on this challenge while considering the heart-breaking news about Jean Vanier…. Read more »

A Letter from the Executive Director Catholic Volunteer Network strives to honor community by cultivating spaces, relationships, and supports that help you nurture your soul and strategies. We affirm your vision and creativity, and hope this community can affirm and challenge you to serve even better. A sense of belonging is critical for the demanding… Read more »

A Letter from the Executive Director January 18-25 is the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The text chosen for this year is Acts 27-28, which focuses on Paul being shipwrecked on Malta and being shown “unusual kindness” (28:2).  In reading about this week, I was moved by a reflection by the World Council of Churches which invites… Read more »

A Letter from the Executive Director During opening night of the recent CVN conference, I invited attendees to pay attention to the relationship between calling and desire, especially regarding service. I now invite you to consider how being called by God and having your own desires relate. There is power in that intersection, even if it’s hard to describe. Moreover, fully understanding that place is not as important as learning how to be there and be aware.    … Read more »

A Letter from the Executive Director I have a confession. I’ve done it again. I have let control almost prevent creativity. Our upcoming “Many Rays, One Rising” conference includes plenary sessions seeking to foster practical sharing and engagement of attendees around topics of mission, diversity, communications, and strategies for the future. We have a range… Read more »