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Deb’s Retirement Message

Dear Friends,

Today, I wanted to share that I will be retiring from FutureChurch at the end of 2023 after more than 10 years of service. As the board has already confirmed, my devoted, respected, and gifted colleague, Russ Petrus, will begin service as the Executive Director on January 1, 2024. As you know, Russ and I have worked together for many years and it is certain FutureChurch will continue to build on the legacy begun under Sr. Christine Schenk, Fr. Louis Trivison, and the founding Cleveland parishes. Russ has been pure grace in my life and in the life of our beloved FutureChurch community and the work of justice-making within the institution will thrive and grow under his visionary leadership.

As I move into the next phase of my life, I want to tell you how much each one of you have meant to me as we worked together to open new doors for women in the Church, made Catholic women preaching a weekly reality, recovered our forgotten foremothers in faith, and called the institution to be just in the face of clericalism, corruption, clergy sex abuse, racism within, LGBTQ+ exclusion, and so much more. Together, we have opened new doors for all of God’s people to shape, lead, and minister in the name of the Gospel. Not one bit of this work could have been accomplished without your committed partnership and support. Many of you reached out to encourage both Russ and me with expressions of gratitude and care over the years — notes that made our hearts happy and our workload lighter.

There is no way to thank everyone who has supported me personally and helped guide the work that we have undertaken as FutureChurch, but I want to express my profound gratitude to some of the people who made it possible for me to carry out the work to the best of my ability.

First and foremost, I want to thank the FutureChurch Board of Trustees – an outstanding board who has made our organization effective, strong, and durable. After a lifetime of working for non-profit organizations, the Board of FutureChurch is the best I have ever known. Each member has gifted me and the organization with their passion for justice, their love for the Church, and their wise counsel. They have weathered storms coming from conservative Catholic strongholds and have stood strong as a prophetic Catholic voice in the face of considerable institutional criticism and castigation.

Marie Graf, who was President of the Board when I was hired, was not only a pillar for me as the new Executive Director, but deftly steered the organization through the range of challenges that arise when transitioning from a founding director to the next generation of leadership. Because of her skillful guidance, the changeover was assured, and the organization grew. I admire her immensely and am profoundly grateful for her continuing commitment to FutureChurch.

Board members like James Connell and Todd Ray have always been there, in person or at the other end of a telephone line when I needed advice or guidance. Their constant care for me, for Russ, and for all things FutureChurch has contributed immeasurably to the health and vigor of our organization. I am also deeply indebted to other board members who offered their wisdom, gifts and support during my early years including Rita Houlihan, Sr. Diane Culbertson, Mary Lou Hartman, Jocelyn Collen, Br. Tom Carroll, Bill Daly, Lisa Barczyk, Fr. Gerry Bechard, Arline Nosse, Jane Collen, Bill Wisniewski, Phil Marcin, Annie Burns, Barbara Guerin, Patti May, Gene Kramer, and Bishop Tom Gumbleton. And with the same deep gratitude, I will not forget the generous gifts and commitment of newer board members like Sr. Anita Baird, Joe Miller, Sr. Andrea Koverman, Nontando Hadebe, Sean Gargamelli-McCreight, Vickey McBride, Crystal Catalan, Rose Lue, Yuenen Trujillo, Fr. Andy Switzer, and other board members who have devoted so much time and energy to this important work. It has been a joy to plan, strategize, and work alongside each one of them.

Our weekly volunteers, Maureen Cerny, Fran DeChant, Kathy Rossman, Carol Anders, and Helen Brinich not only folded letters and stuffed envelopes, but they joined us as we witnessed and advocated for Vatican II reforms, women’s ordination, an end to the crackdown on the nuns, clergy sex abuse, and more. I will not forget their quick humor, their keen insights, and their dedication to justice within the Church. Along with these remarkable women are a whole host of other volunteers who serve generously at our online liturgies and events. I am grateful for each one of them.

Ann Marie Nocella and other FutureChurch staff persons have worked diligently behind the scenes keeping our daily operations flowing smoothly and supporting our constituents in all they need. I will miss our daily staff meetings where we not only talked about our long “to do” lists but entrusted our lives to each other as friends. Other colleagues on staff like Olivia Hastie and Martha Ligas are growing the organization with their brilliant, thought-provoking, and Gospel oriented programming ideas. They are an immense blessing to the organization.

My colleagues from Catholic organizations in the United States and beyond have inspired me and worked alongside FutureChurch to create significant change in the Church. The Catholic Organizations for Renewal, Nun Justice Collaborative, Catholic Women Preach initiative, Deacon Chat, Votes for Catholic Women campaign, International Catholic Reform Network, and We Are Church International are just a few examples of this outstanding work. Creating light all over the world, these Catholics have changed the face of the institutional Church and helped it live up to its Gospel mandate for a world in need.

More than any other person, the one who constantly encouraged me, counseled me, and drank a beer with me when I needed one was Sr. Chris Schenk, my predecessor and friend. Her decades of visionary, prophetic leadership and her struggles against the clericalist powers that would silence FutureChurch inspired me to carry on her legacy in whatever way I could. Her constant support, counsel, and encouragement kept me going when I doubted myself.

And lastly, I want to thank Russ Petrus who has been with FutureChurch and me for the last eight years. It has been pure joy to work alongside him as a colleague and co-director. His compassion, vision, creativity, vitality, skill, and work ethic are a rare find. There is no doubt that he will continue to bless FutureChurch and all who are connected to this work with his bright mind, gentle spirit, and unrelenting determination to bring justice in the institution where it is lacking.

Finally, I want you all to know that it has been the honor of a lifetime to work for FutureChurch and with all of you. I have loved this work with all my heart and am grateful that people like Marie Graf, Mary Lou Hartman, Rita Houlihan and the whole board took a chance on me. Everyday has been a gift. Truly.

Deb Rose

Dr. Phyllis Zagano Accepts 2023 Fr. Louis Trivison Award

FutureChurch is honored to present Phyllis Zagano, Ph.D. with our 2023 Fr. Louis Trivison Award in recognition of and immense gratitude for her ground-breaking work researching the history of, promoting discussion and discernment about, and advancing the cause for women in the diaconate.

The Fr. Louis Trivison award is given to a Roman Catholic who exhibits outstanding leadership in advancing FutureChurch’s Vatican II mission or vision in one or more areas of: teaching, administration, research, publication, advocacy, and pastoral care.

 

Kate McElwee Accepts 2023 Christine Schenk Award for Young Catholic Leaders

FutureChurch is honored to present our 2023 Christine Schenk Award to Kate McElwee in celebration and admiration of her uncompromising advocacy for women in the Church and, in particular, for her leadership on the successful “Votes for Catholic Women” campaign, which certainly played a significant role in achieving a historic first for our Church – 54 women participating as equals – with a vote – in the October Synod Assembly.

Named for FutureChurch co-founder and founding executive director, the Christine Schenk Award for Young Catholic Leaders is given to a young Roman Catholic who has demonstrated promising leadership in advancing FutureChurch’s Vatican II mission in one or more areas of social justice, pastoral care, ministry, advocacy, teaching, researching or publishing.

Sr. Nathalie Becquart Accepts 2023 Fr. Louis Trivison Award

* to view the video Sr. Nathalie references, please click here.

FutureChurch is honored to present our 2023 Fr. Louis J. Trivison award to Sr. Nathalie Becquart, xmcj in recognition of her historic role as the first woman to serve as Under-Secretary for the General Secretariat of the Synod and in gratitude and admiration for her work to include women and all lay people every step of the synodal way.

The Fr. Louis Trivison award is given to a Roman Catholic who exhibits outstanding leadership in advancing FutureChurch’s Vatican II mission or vision in one or more areas of: teaching, administration, research, publication, advocacy, and pastoral care.

2023 Fall Event Benefactors

With Gratitude to Our Many Supporters!

*Listing as of November 13, 2023

Scholarship Sponsors ($1,000 +)
Anonymous (1)
Barbara and Wayne Beimesch
Mary Catherine Bunting
Mary Louise Hartman
Rita L. Houlihan
Anne M. Jenkins
Todd and Mary Ray

Ticket Sponsors ($500)
Anonymous (1)
Association of U.S. Catholic Priests
Joan and Richard Beach
Barbara Houlihan Hecht
Mary Ellen McCarthy
Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati
Jan Valder

Classic Sponsors ($300)
Anonymous (3)
Antoinette C. Allen
Regi and Herb Brosnan
Peggy and Jim Connell
Constance Dubick
Tony Gallagher
Virginia M. Giuffre
Marie and Mark Graf
Penelope S. Jeffrey
Las Vegas Catholic Worker
Janet and Jeff Leitch
Carol Ann Lisanti
Mattie McClane
Rita and Jim Mize
Arline and Joe Nosse
Brad and Sue Pritts
Lucy Rieger
Kathy Rinehart and Lisa Frey
Sisters of Providence
Sue and Gene Tozzi
Dorothy and Bob Valerian

Watch Party

Bill and Bette Downing
JCrew
Oratory Women’s Community
Lou Keim

Partner ($150)
Regina Bannan
Martha M. Block
Joe Crotty
Frances Dechant
Eleanor Finlay
Meg Foreman
Constance Herron
Mary Kay Hopkins
Alice Krause
Mary S. Laver
Sue Ellen and Greg Maher
Monica Misey
Julia Nieves
Suzanne Polen
Carol Weiss
Jeff and Kathy Weigand

Donations
Teresa Baustian
Lucy Bloedorn
Elizabeth R. Brown
Ellen Brzytwa
Gloria Callaci
Jorge L. Camuñas
Julie Canepa
Roxanne Ciatti
Joan and Cornelius Cosgrove
Joan Davenport
Patricia Dzurilla
Opal Easter-Smith
Mary Ann Geskie, PhD
Deanna Grahn
Daryl Grigsby
Joseph Guyon, CO
Elaine Hamlin
Beth Hofstetter
Janice Hogan-Schiltgen
Maryann Hudak
Monica Hughes
Ann Hungerman
Lee Jones
Fran Kearney, SNJM
Mary Kessler
Anne Latour
Jane Cruthirds
Rebecca Michel
Monica Morano
Debora A. Murray
Annemarie O’Connor
Jane Pitz
Joan Poulin
Kathleen and Donald Rynbrandt
Eileen Schneider
Gretchen Shilts
Henry Simms
Jeanne-marie Smith
Art Stoeberl
Kay Vine
Nancy Warfield
Mary Warren

2023 Keynote Presentation by Cynthia Bailey Manns

FutureChurch is honored to welcome Dr. Cynthia Bailey Manns, one of 10 non- bishop voting delegates chosen by Pope Francis to represent the North American region at the first general assembly of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality in October.

In her keynote presentation, Dr. Bailey Manns offers reflections on her experience at the synod, details the process, and offers highlights and disappointments, and offers suggestions for moving forward as a synodal Church.

Cynthia Bailey Manns, DMin, is the director of adult learning at Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Community—a community whose vision is to be a visible, progressive Catholic Community, compassionate and welcoming to all. She holds a DMin in Spiritual Direction from the Graduate Theological Foundation in Florida, and has served as professional faculty in St. Catherine University’s Theology Department, as the coordinator of the Spiritual Director Certificate Program, and as co-director of the Thriving Congregations Coordination Program funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc. She has also served as adjunct faculty at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and Drew Theological School, teaching courses in human development, spirituality, spiritual formation, soul care for lay and ordained leaders, and sacred activism. She is a contributor to the anthology, Embodied Spirits: Stories of Spiritual Directors of Color (2014), and she is an experienced soul companion, supervisor, and retreat leader. She lives with her family in Bloomington, Minnesota.

2023 Fall Event Prayers

Night One – November 14, 2023

Prayer for the Synod – Adsumus Sancte Spiritus
Rendered in Expansive Language by Mary Jean Ferry, BVM

You are with us, Holy Spirit,
as we gather together in Your name.
As You guide us,
Make Yourself at home in our hearts.
Teach us the way to go and how to follow Your guidance.
We are attentive and ready. Help us to promote hope and peace.
Holy Wisdom, lead us in a love that influences our actions.
Let us find in You our unity
as we journey together in light.
All this we ask of You,
who are at work in every place and time.
Glory to You, Source of All Being, Eternal Word, and Holy Spirit. Amen

A Non-Traditional Blessing
By Ruth Fox, OSB

May God bless you with discontent with easy answers, half-truths, superficial relationships, so that you will live from deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, abuse, and exploitation of people, so that you will work for justice, equality, and peace. 

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation and war, so that you will reach out your hand to comfort them and to change their pain to joy.

May God bless you with the foolishness to think you can make a difference in this world, so that you will do the things which others tell you cannot be done.

If you have the courage to accept these blessings, then God will also bless you with:

happiness—because you will know that you have made life better for others
inner peace—because you will have worked to secure an outer peace for others
laughter—because your heart will be light
faithful friends—because they will recognize your worth as a person.

These blessings are yours—not for the asking, but for the giving—from One who wants to be your companion, our God, who lives and reigns, forever and ever. Amen.

Night Two – November 16, 2023

For Prophets and Truth Tellers
By Russ Petrus

We give you thanks, O God,
that in every generation,
You raise up prophets and truth tellers.

Their voices call us as Church and society
to conversation and conversion
to reconciliation and restoration.

You have given their words power:

power to move us from ignorance to awareness,
from hard-heartedness to compassion,
from exclusion to inclusion,
from despair to hope,
from fear to courage,
…from death to new life.

And so we pray:
Make us attentive to the challenges they pose, the dreams they share;
Help us to discern the possibilities and obstacles in our midst;
And open our hearts and our imaginations
to love a new Church, a new world into being.

From Pope Francis’ Address Opening the Synod on Synodality
By Pope Francis

Come, Holy Spirit!
You inspire new tongues and place words of life on our lips:
keep us from becoming a “museum Church”,
beautiful but mute, with much past and little future.
Come among us,
so that in this synodal experience we will not lose our enthusiasm,
dilute the power of prophecy,
or descend into useless and unproductive discussions.
Come, Spirit of love, open our hearts to your voice!
Come, Holy Spirit of holiness, renew the holy and faithful People of God!
Come, Creator Spirit, renew the face of the earth!  

Download a copy of these prayers