by Dave Nimmer,* Guest Blogger When I first heard about Sister Mary Margaret McKenzie’s idea to start a 12-Step Group to deal with the corrosive effects of white privilege on her life and on others, I was skeptical. I’ve been going to 12-Step meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for more Read more…
In this season of Advent, of awe and wonder, we tune into this sacred and holy birth, marveling at God becoming one of us. It’s from this place of the Incarnation, buoyed by our faith, that we pray and act in solidarity, in our unity and oneness. This article in Read more…
by Melissa Borgmann-Kiemde, Visitation Companion “There is a healthy silence that heals and bonds us all.” — S. Mary Margaret McKenzie The Burkinabe freedom seeker with his fist in the air. The Syrian mother lowering her babe into a boat. Pope Francis lifting the Eucharist at mass in Cuba. The police officer Read more…
By S. Mary Margaret McKenzie If the following characteristics gathered during Phase II discussions of the Resident Visitation Lay Community Invitation inspire and call you, think about, pray about commitment: Relational, by being residential and in the midst of the neighborhood; Mutual, in living as well as in decision-making; Dedicated, Read more…
We’ve been meeting every other Sunday since January. In our convening for Phase II* of the Resident Lay Community conversations, lead by Sr. Mary Margaret McKenzie (and the Holy Spirit), there is a richness — a provocative nature to the questions posed, the stories shared. On any given Sunday, as Read more…
by S. Mary Margaret McKenzie, VHM During “Phase One” we gathered listening groups from our various constituents. As we listened, the Sisters’ own call to foster an intentional, residential Visitation community of the laity was more clearly defined by the dedication of the laity to strengthening the church today. The Read more…
The following post is from our Newsletter Archives. It first appeared in our Winter 1994 Newsletter.* by S. Mary Margaret McKenzie, VHM Homelessness happens: tenants have to move because a landlord can’t meet the mortgage payment; a single parent needs more space for growing children; a family of nine cannot Read more…
by Melissa Borgmann-Kiemde, Visitation Companion “I am praying to God, the Father, this Advent. I know he’s not on this list of saints we are invoking, but he’s central to our prayers. Who is God, the Father? He’s a new dad, pacing the waiting room floor, waiting for Jesus to be born. Read more…
Image and text by Brian Mogren Director of the St. Jane House, Visitation Companion “One of the things I love about this time of year is finding a REAL fire burning and a hot cup of tea ready when I stop by to visit the Visitation Sisters. Oh, and great Read more…