Called to Be...
Called to Be... is the podcast of the US Province of the Holy Union Sisters, a congregation of Catholic Sisters. Each episode will feature several Sisters discussing a wide array of topics, including spirituality, faith, ministries, social justice, and much more. Our Sisters started and staffed dozens of schools in the Northeast US starting back in the late 1800's, and then branched out into many new ministries helping those in need which span the globe. As of 2021 we have Sisters in 17 countries and on 4 continents. We are "Called to be at the heart of the world revealing God's love".
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Precious Memories of Sacred Hearts Academy
04/27/2024
Precious Memories of Sacred Hearts Academy
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.
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/31011083
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Openness to Transformation and New Life
04/01/2024
Openness to Transformation and New Life
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.
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/30621998
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Putting On the Mind of Christ Jesus
03/01/2024
Putting On the Mind of Christ Jesus
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.
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Have You Watched "The Chosen" yet?
01/31/2024
Have You Watched "The Chosen" yet?
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:
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/29737008
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Holy Union's 50th Jubilee in Tanzania
01/01/2024
Holy Union's 50th Jubilee in Tanzania
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.
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Christmas Across Cultures 2023
12/01/2023
Christmas Across Cultures 2023
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!
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What is Your Favorite Scripture Passage and Why?
11/01/2023
What is Your Favorite Scripture Passage and Why?
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.
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My Story - Sr. Patricia Heath and the God of Surprises.
10/02/2023
My Story - Sr. Patricia Heath and the God of Surprises.
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.
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/28196954
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A Quiet Evangelization
08/31/2023
A Quiet Evangelization
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.
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A Pilgrimage to Douai France where We Were Founded
08/01/2023
A Pilgrimage to Douai France where We Were Founded
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.
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The Blessings of Internationality in Cameroon
06/30/2023
The Blessings of Internationality in Cameroon
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.
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The Celebrations of Life
05/31/2023
The Celebrations of Life
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.
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Continuing to Build a Holy Union in Appalachia
05/01/2023
Continuing to Build a Holy Union in Appalachia
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.
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/26700423
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Adapting RCIA To Meet People Where They Are
04/01/2023
Adapting RCIA To Meet People Where They Are
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.
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Becoming Catholic (RCIA)
03/01/2023
Becoming Catholic (RCIA)
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.
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/26091036
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Growing in Wisdom, Age, and Grace
02/01/2023
Growing in Wisdom, Age, and Grace
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.
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/25796040
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Mary
01/03/2023
Mary
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.
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/25496478
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Christmas Across Cultures
12/14/2022
Christmas Across Cultures
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!
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/25329522
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Finding Joy in The Season
11/30/2022
Finding Joy in The Season
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.
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/25179051
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Establishing the Brockton House of Formation
11/01/2022
Establishing the Brockton House of Formation
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.
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/24865905
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Ministering to Those on the Margins (Rikers Island)
09/30/2022
Ministering to Those on the Margins (Rikers Island)
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.
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/24548787
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Transformational Experiences: Ministering to Those With Special Needs
08/31/2022
Transformational Experiences: Ministering to Those With Special Needs
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.
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/24231540
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Holy Union in Cameroon - Part 2
06/30/2022
Holy Union in Cameroon - Part 2
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"!
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/23597321
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Holy Union in Appalachia - Part 1
06/01/2022
Holy Union in Appalachia - Part 1
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".
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/23291264
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Prayer
05/01/2022
Prayer
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.
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/22966166
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Holy Union in Cameroon - Part 1
03/31/2022
Holy Union in Cameroon - Part 1
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.
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/22635317
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Living the Holy Union Charism as an Associate
02/28/2022
Living the Holy Union Charism as an Associate
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.
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Living the Holy Union Charism Today
02/01/2022
Living the Holy Union Charism Today
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.
/episode/index/show/calledtobe/id/21974990
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Allow us to introduce ourselves
01/01/2022
Allow us to introduce ourselves
This is the introductory episode of the Holy Union Sisters' podcast: "Called to Be...". This episode's moderator is Sr. Ann Boland, who is joined by Sisters Barbara Walsh, Mary Catherine Burns, and Pat Mulryan. They discuss the congregation's founding in France, their call to come to the United States, and the original ministry of the congregation: Catholic education. They also discuss some of their own experiences teaching and being administrators in several of the schools in which they worked.
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