Practicing Respect Across Difference: A Lenten Journey 

During this Lenten season, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur are collaborating with other congregations to take concrete steps to strengthen our collective capacity for civil dialogue. The program we’ll be participating in, Practicing Respect Across Difference, is a series of reflections and events for women religious that aligns with the SNDdeN’s mission-centric priority to foster justice and peace in an often-contentious world. We look forward to sharing the journey with you!  

Each week during Lent, we will post a thought-provoking reflection challenging us to learn conversation skills that prioritize understanding and respect over winning. “Civil dialogue” refers to communication about controversial or complex topics that is based on listening, empathy, and the exploration of different viewpoints. The goal is to build community and find common ground. Some of the topics we will explore include “Difference is not a threat to unity” and “Deep listening is an act of faith.”  

Complementing these reflections throughout the spring, we will engage in several events for women religious that offer guided learning opportunities. For example, Kathryn Yanik, director of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation (JPIC) for the U.S. East-West Province, will present as part of a panel on “Healing Relationships through Nonviolent Communication” with the Franciscan Peace Center. In May, the Belmont Province Center will host Bay Area Justice Promoters for a conversation about truth and media discernment.   

The idea for Practicing Respect Across Difference came from ongoing collaboration between JPIC colleagues from several congregations of women religious. At a virtual gathering on Faith in Action, co-led by Yanick and Notre Dame Sisters from Omaha, Nebraska, participants were guided to think critically about how their faith traditions shape their social and political perspectives. The responses revealed a shared longing for deeper listening and mutual respect. Many expressed gratitude for a space that felt safe, thoughtful and spiritually grounded.   

“Even among Sisters, conversations about certain topics can be challenging,” said  Yanick. “We’re all learning.”   

Practicing Respect Across Difference unites and expands the network of congregations committed to civil dialogue.   

“Real peace grows when we are willing to cross the boundaries that separate us,” Yanick said. “Every time we sit down to listen across differences, we take a step toward healing what divides us. This initiative is helping us become the ones who build peace, not just with our words, but with our willingness to understand one another. At the heart of JPIC’s mission is the conviction that peace is possible, and that it begins with us.”   

Sister Maria Delaney, SNDdeN, a member of the U.S. East-West Province Leadership Team, is encouraged that this program will draw congregations together to make a meaningful difference in a world so often divided.   

“As Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, we are called to make God’s goodness known in every place and every encounter,” said Sister Maria. “Practicing respect across difference is one way we live that call today. This initiative offers us a chance to learn from one another, to stretch our hearts and to trust that God’s goodness is always larger than our disagreements.”   

As our shared journey toward justice and peace unfolds this Lent, let it inspire us to become bridges of understanding, prayer and meaningful dialogue. Learn more about our JPIC work on our website. 

Check our website and our Facebook channel for further updates.