“Be diligent in serving the poor. Love the poor, honor them, my children, as you would honor Christ Himself.”
St. Louise de Marillac
Building Community: Sisters of Charity Partner with Bayley University
By Sebastian Isaacs, Communications intern
SC Justice Promoter Mackenzie Doyle leading a session on Catholic Social Teaching and the Sisters of Charity Charism.
This fall, the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati are partnering with Bayley University to offer three courses designed to deepen understanding of critical social justice issues and inspire community engagement.
Two courses have already been held this fall. On Sept. 18, SC Justice Promoter Mackenzie Doyle led a session on Catholic Social Teaching and the Sisters of Charity Charism. Participants explored the principles of Catholic Social Teaching, the charism of the Sisters of Charity, and the work of the Sisters’ Justice Circles.
On Sept. 25, S. Cj Willie led a session on Laudato Si’: Ten Years Later, reflecting on Pope Francis’ encyclical and the global responses it has inspired. Attendees discussed ways individuals and communities can respond to environmental and social challenges today.
A third course, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23, and will be taught by Kevin Finn in collaboration with the Poverty, Homelessness and Food Insecurity Justice Circle. Strategies to End Homelessness will examine homelessness in Cincinnati and share approaches to support those affected and prevent future homelessness.
The collaboration with Bayley University was initiated by Sister of Charity Pat Wittberg, who saw an opportunity to extend the mission of the Justice Circles and engage the wider community. Bayley University – a program of Bayley, the retirement and wellness community founded by the Sisters of Charity in 1990 – promotes lifelong learning and holistic wellness across eight dimensions: intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual, vocational, financial, environmental, and physical.
S. Cj Willie leading a session on Laudato Si’: Ten Years Later, reflecting on Pope Francis’ encyclical and the global responses it has inspired.
Founded in the fall of 2022, the Justice Circles aim to raise awareness and foster action on key social issues. There are currently six Justice Circles:
- Peace and Nonviolence
- United Nations/NGO Impact
- Earth Justice
- Racial Justice
- Immigration and Ending Human Trafficking
- Poverty, Homelessness, and Food Insecurity.
Each circle allows Sisters, Associates and members of the broader community to engage in advocacy and action at a level they can sustain. “Education helps you become more knowledgeable about the scope of an issue,” says Mackenzie. “It’s important to be informed before you take action.”
S. Pat invited Kevin Finn, president and CEO of Strategies to End Homelessness, to participate after hearing him speak, noting, “He was such a dynamic speaker, and his mission to help allay myths about homelessness aligns beautifully with our justice work.”
Mackenzie hopes the Bayley University courses will draw Justice Circle participation from beyond the Sisters’ Community. “Our hope is that we can get more folks involved outside of our Community,” she says.
The Justice Circles plan to offer additional courses at Bayley University in the spring, continuing to share their mission, educate the public, and build connections with organizations and residents throughout Cincinnati.
To register for the Oct. 23 Strategies to End Homelessness course, visit the Bayley Fitness app, stop by the Bayley Welcome Desk, or call 513-347-1400.
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