By Joyce Rothermel

Celebrate spring’s coming renewal by renewing your spirits and deepening your desire to choose the way of the Gospel with Dr. Carol Zinn, a Sister of St. Joseph from Philadelphia. Dr. Zinn served as the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) representative of her order at the United Nations for eight years, years during which she participated in UN sessions on such issues as human rights, the eradication of poverty, peace and disarmament, sustainable development, health care – and more. Sr. Carol’s visit is sponsored by the Association of Pittsburgh Priests and is open to all.

During her time in Pittsburgh, Dr. Zinn will view the personal, political, and prophetic aspects of our times through the lens of the Christian Gospel message, a wide-angle lens to be sure, one impacted by her extensive, front-line experiences on the global issues noted above when she was at the UN representing 15,000 Sisters of St. Joseph ministering in 57 countries.

Her talk will also remind us of the Gospel’s Way of asking us “to always move toward mercy over judgment, love over fear, and inclusion over exclusion – never counting the cost.”

Dr. Zinn’s UN assignment ended when she was called home to lead her congregation in Philadelphia, after which she served as president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR)for three years.

Join us on Sunday, March 18 at 1:30 PM at Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd. in Allison Park (beside La Roche College and behind the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Divine Providence) to experience Carol Zinn’s encouragement to: “ …embrace these times with confidence, compassion, and courage. Our faith reminds us that wisdom, grace, and hope are always available to us.” Cost of the talk is $20 and can be paid at the door. For information and to register in advance (not necessary), contact Fr. John Oesterle at 412-232-7512.

The Association of Pittsburgh Priests is a diocesan-wide organization of ordained and non-ordained women and men who act on our baptismal call to be priests and prophets. Its mission, rooted in the Gospel and the Spirit of Vatican II, is to carry out a ministry of justice and renewal in ourselves, the Church and the world.

Joyce Rothermel is Chair of the Church Renewal Committee of the Association of Pittsburgh Priests.