Catholic Women Preach

Preaching for the Fifth Sunday of Easter, Claire Lucas offers a reflection on embodying the Living Christ by serving a suffering world:"We are called to act now with boldness–to look amongst us and say–where can we be deacon to those in need? ... Who is most at risk of falling, or being pushed, through the cracks, and how are we, as the Body of Christ in the Church, changed by our encounter with the Living God, called to respond?Claire Lucas is the Program Associate for Formation and Engagement at Discerning Deacons. Claire earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Theology and Religious Studies from Seattle University in 2019 and is in the process of earning her Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry from Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry.Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/05032026 to learn more about Claire, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

Preaching for the Fourth Sunday of Easter, Devon James reflects on the discerning the voice of the Good Shepherd: “We see people who follow modern-day thieves and robbers thinking they will be rewarded with green pastures. But we know the true message of Jesus: love, not hate; peace, not war; unity, not division.”Devon James is a Campus Minister at Xavier University in Cincinnati. A native of Chicago, she earned her undergraduate degree in Theology and Public Relations from Xavier, her graduate degree in Pastoral Ministry at the University of Dayton; and a Certificate in Pastoral Formation from Boston College. She is currently completing a program that will certify her to accompany people through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/04262026 to learn more about Devon, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women preach.

Preaching for the Third Sunday of Easter, Jes Rude offers a reflection on recognizing Jesus in our midst, particularly as we form community with one another: "Sharing a meal helps us to meet people where they are. It opens a space for conversation...Eating together leads us to see the dignity and humanity of those we’re eating with..."Jes Rude is the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in a parish in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. She has previously done work with the Catholic Climate Covenant, and continues to teach about and champion Creation Care. Jes is also involved in a number of non-profit organizations, including Catholic Relief Services and LA Voice, working alongside others to love and serve those on the margins and advocate for more just laws.Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/04192026 to learn more about Jes, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

Preaching for the Second Sunday of Easter, Kelly Sankowski invites us to rethink the story of "doubting" Thomas and to stop defining ourselves or others by our worst moments and to trust in God’s merciful, fuller vision of who we are: "As we enter into this joyous Easter season, may the mercy and love of God empower us to be more like Thomas: to use the brain that God gave us to ask difficult questions, and to be courageous in our following of Jesus."Kelly Sankowski is a writer, lay minister, and mother of two young boys. In recent years, Kelly has focused her writing on women in the Church, contributing to reporting on diocesan maternity leave policies, pregnant and parenting students on Catholic college campuses, and Catholic women who are teaching priests homiletics. Kelly also served as the Editorial Assistant for the Catholic Women Preach book series and writes a monthly Substack, The Moon’s Shadow. Visit https://www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/04122026 to learn more about Kelly, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.

Preaching for Good Friday, Emmjolee Mendoza Waters invites us to choose compassion, justice, and solidarity like Simon, Veronica, and the women instead of joining "the crowd” in condemnation: "Who will we be? Will we be part of the crowd, swept up in fear or anger or even ignorance, crying out for death? Or will we step onto the road; shouldering weight, offering mercy, daring to weep?"Emmjolee Mendoza Waters is Director of the Death Penalty Abolition Program at Catholic Mobilizing Network, bringing more than 20 years of experience in education, advocacy, and ministry focused on engaging young adults in faith-rooted social justice. A former Jesuit Volunteer in Belize, she holds a Master of Social Work from The Catholic University of America and lives in Washington, DC with her husband and five children.Visit www.catholicwomenpreach.org/preaching/04032026 to learn more about Emmjolee, to read her preaching text, and for more preaching from Catholic women.