Arts / Faith and Humanities / People of SU

Catholic Heritage Series’ Summit on Synod, Women and Leadership

April 27, 2022

Graphic of people dancing, in celebration.

Image credit: Courtesy of ICTC

With speakers from Seattle U and across the country, event will provide a space for women and men to participate in the synod and Jesuit discernment process.

The Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture (ICTC) and the Intercommunity Peace and Justice Center (IPJC) invite participants to “The Basin & Towel: A Summit on Synod, Women and the Future of Leadership.” This in-person event is 9 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday, April 30, at Seattle University’s Campion Ballroom. The summit, part of Seattle University’s Catholic Heritage Series, is free and open to the public.

Pope Francis opened a process of synodality, which states as its purpose: “To search for God’s will on how to be Church and how the Church can best exist and pursue its mission in the world. It is a process of listening, conversingand discerning among all those who manage to participate. Decisions will be made in prayer and received in peace.”

At the same time, the Jesuit Superior General initiated a process of discerning how Jesuits can work more collaboratively with women in their ministries.

Led by ICTC Director Dr. Jeanette Rodriguez, the summit includes a facilitated four-part movement of discernment, discussion, prayer, a shared meal and live art, poetry and music, with a special performance by the Gospel Truth Choir. The summit will also feature the following sessions:

  • A Gratitude and Consolation session, with Jill La Pointe, President of the Lushootseed Research Institute and granddaughter of Vi taqʷšəbluʔ Hilbert
  • A Desolation session, with President Jo Ann Rooney, Loyola University Chicago
  • A Hope and Action session, with Sister Alexandra Kovats, CSJP, PhD, spiritual director and scholar of eco-spirituality
  • A synodal process facilitated by Dr. Sharon Callahan, Seattle University Professor Emerita, School of Theology and Ministry

Space is limited. Learn more and register for the event by end of the day April 28.