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Current Nuns on the Bus information can be found at www.nunsonthebus.org.

News from the Road

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Winding up the Bus Trip

By Sister Barbara Pfarr, SSND

November 4, 2014

As we wait for election returns, the wrapper on the Nun Bus is being removed. We left the extra food and office supplies with Sister Pat Rogers at the St. Ann Center for Women, which was our last stop, where they were encouraging voters and canvassers with a party. Materials are being sent back to the NETWORK office in Washington, DC. It seems that Melissa Etheridge has rented the bus for next week.

Eleven states, 58 nuns, over 5,000 media hits (including an interview of me on WTMJ at the end of this post).

By Sister Richelle Friedman, PBVM

November 3, 2014

An enthusiastic crowd awaited us in a parking lot in Madison. The usual cheers greeted us as we exited the bus. Our presence always seems to energize the volunteers. Friar Phil and Sister Simone’s inspiring words brought applause of affirmation. Julie, a campus minister in a Catholic high school, declared, “I’ve been waiting for a long time to be in the same city with Nuns on the Bus.”

By Sister Barbara Pfarr, SSND

November 2, 2014

Sunday afternoon we pulled up to an energized, faithful community of activists waiting for us on a frosty Houdini Plaza in Appleton, Wisconsin. Who are these people who would bundle up to welcome a group of strangers with such warmth and enthusiasm and then go off on a Sunday afternoon to knock on doors and make phone calls to mobilize voters? There's something of Houdini's magic that can make such a sense of shared community, solidarity, faith, urgency, cooperation, hope, inspiration happen so quickly.

By Sister Bernadine Karge, OP

November 2, 2014

Sunday, November 2, dawned a brisk 31-degree day in Green Bay, Wisconsin. At St. Matthew Church, there was a Get Out the Vote table in the parish center lobby. The pastor reminded the congregation that since there was no Packers game, folks didn’t have to say “Go Packers” and instead they could say, “Go vote!”

At the WEAC Region 3 headquarters, not only were the grills fired up for Wisconsin hot dogs and brats for the 10:30 am cookout and rally, but more than 100 folks were fired up for canvassing and calling voters to get out the vote this football-free Sunday.

By Sister Richelle Friedman, PBVM

November 1, 2014

It was a beautiful crisp day in Dubuque, perfect for going to the polls at the annex to the courthouse for early voting. Five weeks earlier, a number of the Iowa Nuns on the Bus had committed their religious communities to the goal of getting 100% of both the sisters and lay staff at their motherhouses to vote – Presentations, BVMs and Humilities. So the bus was filled with sisters and off to the courthouse. There was a sense of pride and enthusiasm as the sisters went to cast their ballots. After returning the sisters to their home, we said ‘goodbye’ to the BVMs who’d been so hospitable, providing us with wonderful food and lodging.

By Sister Mary McCauley, BVM

November 1, 2014

Halloween brought a special treat to Dubuque and in particular to Mt Carmel, the Motherhouse for the Sisters of Charity, BVM, as the infamous Nuns on the Bus “BUS” drove into the Mt. Carmel property around 6 p.m. Mary Martens, BVM, and Mary McCauley, BVM, welcomed them. It was a special joy for Mary McCauley, who had experienced the first Iowa trip, to not only greet the five “Nuns on the Bus”: Marti McCarthy, SSS; Bernardine Karge, OP; Richelle Friedman, PBVM; Jeanie Hagedorn, CHM; and Elaine Hagedorn, CHM – but also to reconnect with members of the staff….Ashley Wilson, Abbey Watson, Melissa Regan, the documentary filmmaker, and of course Bill, the affable and competent driver! After a simple supper, wonderful sharing and reliving of the past few days, all were pleased to rest and prepare for the voting experience on the following day.

By Sister Marti McCarthy, SSS

October 30, 2014

With cell phones in hand, sisters began the morning calling Mason City registered voters with absentee ballots to ensure that their ballots would be in. Encouragement went to those who had not sent them in and thanks went to those who had just mailed them in. For both there was a reminder of the importance that all our voices be heard in order to keep our precious democracy strong.

Later in Cedar Rapids, sisters partnered with local volunteers with the same message.

By Sister Bernadine Karge, OP

October 29, 2014

The Nuns on the Bus rolled into Council Bluffs, Iowa, on this sunny cool day to energize and be energized by dozens of folks gathered at the Madison Avenue Shoppes Mall. After an introductory session Iowa canvassers paired up with a Nun on the Bus to visit different neighborhoods to collect early voting ballots. We knocked on doors and were warmly greeted by voters who had already returned their ballots by mail. A mom with a 10-month-old babe-in-arms reported that she and her husband received their ballots yesterday and would complete them tonight to be collected by the canvasser. The commitment of the canvassers was inspirational to us. They, in turn, were delighted and grateful that NOTB visited their town a second time and support their efforts this week before the midterm elections.

By Sister Benita Coffey, OSB

October 29, 2014

I've voted early before, but this mid-term experience will go down in my "book" as pretty memorable.

After being part of the blue-shirted background for Sister Simone's press conference, it was fun watch the WGN TV cameraman walk backwards trying to get our expressions, as we moved quickly across the street into the Public Library...to vote early! I wasn't sure whether to look serious for his camera (doing my duty as a good citizen), to look giddy (about all the attention), to look proud (that to be part of another NOTB event), or simply to look happy (because I was).

By Sister Jan Cebula, OSF

October 28, 2014

As the “We the People, We the Voters” tour of Nuns on the Bus wraps up, one aspect of my experience riding on the bus still intrigues me. From the very first day, what mystified me was the amount of energy we were feeling. “One huge swoosh of energy” was what I wrote at the end of that first day. One time, one day, I could understand. But every day and at every stop? I just kept wondering about it: Why was it happening; what was generating it? What was the meaning of it?

By Sister Betty Voss, BVM

October 20, 2014

How gratifying to see the hall fill up and then have to send out for chairs three times before the 7:00 p.m. starting time.

This was the case Monday night at Regis University in Denver for the “Town Hall for the 100%.” The meeting began with an introduction of each of the eight “Nuns on the Bus” who joined “We the People, We the Voters” here in Colorado.

By Sister Anna Koop, SL

October 20, 2014

What a delight to visit the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. I happened to be on the founding board of this organization over thirty years ago and it was so good to see the incredible ways in which it has grown.

The organization focuses on housing, healthcare and support services, and did so for some 18,000 people last year.

By Sister Mary Kay Brannon, SL

October 20, 2014

It was so heartwarming to talk to so many people excited about voting and casting their ballots today. When I put my ballot in the box, I was so aware of the privilege to be able to vote and to live in a democracy.

There were several young people who were taking seriously this privilege and were working in the Denver Election Commission. A man who had moved to Colorado about three months ago was so proud of voting since he was 21 that he wanted to vote this first day.

By Sister Mary Priniski, OP

October 16, 2014

At the Plaza Fiesta in Atlanta, a group gathered to meet the bus and welcome the message of “We the People, We the Voters.” As I listened to the stories of families who have been affected by detention of immigrants, my heart broke.

A young mother who was put in jail and, despite her paying her fine within the first three days, was told that ICE put a hold on her release. It was not true!!

By Quincy Howard, Dominican Candidate

October 16, 2014

I joined the Nuns on the Bus group this evening to support an effort that is near to my heart. These women of faith provide hope to people on many levels, and it's desperately needed now in the political arena.

I fear that—continuing the trajectory of money's influence on politics—the window of opportunity for voters to have a real impact on decision-makers is narrowing. Now, more than ever, there needs to be a groundswell of civic participation if we're ever going to regain control of our governance, and the biggest obstacle to that engagement is a massive sense of hopelessness and despondency.

By Sister Jean Marie Lehtinen, OP

October 16, 2014

It was also my first experience with Nuns on the Bus and speaking to the need of encouraging people to vote in the upcoming elections.

I was surprised at the warm welcome. People seemed honored that that the Nuns stopped to bring them the message about the importance of getting out the vote, that they can make a difference. The folks took materials, signed the pledge-to-vote cards and talked about their experience as ordinary people.

By Sister Mary Lou Specha, PBVM

October 15, 2014

In New Orleans, Louisiana, there is always some type of event happening. The locals live between seasons—Football, Carnival (Mardi Gras) and Festival seasons just to name a few. These seasons/events bring happiness, laughter and delight to all who attend.

The Spirit is contagious and is often difficult to contain. The “Nuns on the Bus” captured this spirit as we traveled around the city.

By Sister Julie Marsh, PBVM

October 14, 2014

On Tuesday evening, the City of New Orleans was filled with a plethora of events for people to attend such as “The Night Out Against Crime” which promotes neighbors to meet neighbors in all parts of the city, “the Senate Debates” which would enlighten voters in this close Senate race, a city-wide Inter-faith Prayer Service for Peace that gathers monthly, various ball games of variety of colors…and “the Nuns on the Bus!”

Though the crowd was small, the enthusiasm brought by those attending was energizing. Sister Clare, president of Saint Mary’s Academy, welcomed Sr. Simone Campbell, SSS and her entourage of NETWORK staff to New Orleans and the school. After a brief introduction from sisters of various religious communities and from the men and women interested in learning more about today’s political challenges,

By Sister Simone Campbell, SSS

October 14, 2014

Because of dramatic weather conditions that caused travel delays I was the only Nun on the Bus in Baton Rouge. How I missed my Sisters. It really made me realize the invaluable nature of our community on the bus. I felt twice as responsible for hearing the stories of the people we met. First we went to Gardere district to a new organizing effort that focuses the efforts of volunteers to build up their neighborhood. We saw the tutoring and computer classes, and heard from residents what a difference people can make when they work together. Some of the volunteers told me that it was the Just Faith program in their parish that got them to ask what they could do to make a difference in their city. Seeing the relationships that have grown in a few short months delighted my heart.

By Sister Mary Beth Hamm, SSJ

October 7, 2014

When one dines at Friendly’s, a restaurant chain on the East Coast, one of the items on the menu is called a “happy ending dessert”. Today, our final day of Nuns on the Bus in North Carolina, we feasted on a “happy ending” treat as we visited the YWCA Central Carolinas and met the passionate, caring staff and the courageous residents who live there.

For 112 years, the YWCA in Charlotte, North Carolina, has been dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

By Sister Mary Beth Hamm, SSJ

October 4, 2014

On Saturday evening, the people of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Durham, NC warmly welcomed the Nuns on the Bus, first to Liturgy and then to their annual Multicultural Festival, which included an opportunity for Voter Registration. Commemorating the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Father Chris Vanhaight, OFM and Deacon Gerardo Chavez presided at what was truly a celebration of the ethnic diversity of Immaculate Conception Parish.

By Sister Phyllis Tierney, SSJ

October 5, 2014

We were warned ahead of time that we would have a long day ahead of us on Sunday. We were in Raleigh and Greenville, and would arrive in Asheville later in the evening. What we experienced was high energy, southern hospitality, and the desire to make a difference. It permeated the two communities we visited.

The day began with a potluck breakfast at Pullen Memorial Baptist Church. We enjoyed good community and sharing time with members.

By Sister Mary Beth Hamm SSJ

October 6, 2014

Following a spirited Press Conference at the YWCA of Asheville, we “walked the walk” of the message we have been proclaiming on the Nuns on the Bus tour and got out to encourage others to register to vote. Collaborating with the Mountain People’s Assembly, a grassroots group that encourages voter rights, the Nuns on the Bus (Simone Campbell SSS, Phyllis Tierney SSJ, Margie Hosch OSF and Mary Beth Hamm SSJ) and many others descended on Aston Park Tower, a public housing residence, to assure that every resident has an opportunity to register to vote for the November election.

By Sister Margie Hosch, OSF

October 6, 2014

The enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to lift people out of poverty permeated throughout our lunch discussion at Laurey’s.

The Laurey’s general manager lifted up the spirit of their founder, who recently passed away. Her goal was to bring food from the soil to the table. All workers at Laurey’s receive a living wage. The manager explained that many people in Asheville receive a minimum wage, which keeps people in poverty. Just economics is the goal, which is a long distance from being a reality.

By Sister Phyllis Tierney, SSJ

October 4, 2014

We had been “on the bus” for 10 minutes when we arrived at the government plaza in downtown Greensboro. I looked out and saw the faces of many friends. I had lived in Greensboro for ten years, 1995-2005. The crowd came to see Sister Simone and the Nuns on the Bus and hear our message, and we all received a great welcome!

We walked to the Civil Rights Museum where the famous “Greensboro Four” integrated the Woolworth’s lunch counter in 1960 and began a movement which rippled throughout the south.

By Sister Margie Hosch, OSF

October 4, 2014

Atmosphere: electric, high energy

Thoughts shared which remain alive in me:

Join hands together
Create imagination
Bless us with enough foolishness to believe we can make a difference

By Sister Pat Murray, CSJ

October 3, 2014

Our afternoon stop was at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Charleston. After enjoying a wonderful meal from Bluegrass Kitchen, a local restaurant which serves dishes made from ingredients naturally grown/raised within West Virginia and the Appalachians we began greeting those gathering for the Town Hall Meeting. About 75 people gathered (a number who had travelled well over an hour) to participate in the forum. There was high energy in the room as people shared in small groups about their hopes and concerns for the future.

By Sister Rose Ann Hefner, CSJ

October 3, 2014

After breakfast and morning prayer, we were off to visit some of the programming provided by the YWCA in Charleston, WV.

I can’t imagine having to live out of my car. Where would I shower; where would I find a bathroom; how would I eat? How do I keep warm or make a cup of soup? I can’t imagine how I would feel about using make-up to try to cover large bruises on my face. What will people think if they knew someone I cared about did this to me? How embarrassing!

By Sister Jean Ann Zappa, OSU

October 2, 2014

If you did not know about the important issue of raising the minimum wage before the rally in Lexington, KY, you would sure know how important it is after the rally.

When the “Nuns on the Bus” pulled into the Courthouse Square about 12:30 p.m. we were greeted by an enthusiastic crowd of about 200 supporters and at least 4 TV crews.

After Father John Rausch welcomed us and Rev. Esther Hurlburt prayed, Sister Simone gave some opening remarks. Councilwoman Attica Scott from Louisville and Mr. Bill Londrigan, president of the AFL-CIO, both spoke about the raising of the minimum wage to help folks gain a decent standard of living.

By Sister Loretta Spotila, CSA

October 2, 2014

The Nuns on the Bus stopped at the Community Inn in Lexington, KY Thursday morning. There we met with Fr. John Rausch, a Glenmary priest, leaders representing over 6 different unions, volunteers and others. In convening this Labor Forum, Sr. Simone Campbell, SSS asked the group what concerns they had about Kentucky’s working conditions and what could be done to resolve related problems.

Some concerns mentioned were the low minimum wage, the Kentucky Right to Work bill, wages without benefits, corporate exploitation of the worker and company greed, and lack of skilled trades people to fill jobs.

By Sister Robbie Pentecost, OSF

October 1, 2014

“Hotel Louisville,” as locals refer to it, was our last stop of the day. We arrived, unloaded our luggage and proceeded into the lobby. While it certainly resembled a regular hotel (and it is), it is also a training ground for people who are homeless. On some of the floors there are rooms that serve as transitional housing. Some of the upper floors are reserved for guests – thus they serve as an opportunity for those in training to practice their skills. They also work with a local community college that provides classes and assists the trainees in getting their GED. We enjoyed our evening meal in the café before joining the crowd at the Town Hall we held in this same building.

By Sister Julie Driscoll, SCN

October 1, 2014

The bus stopped at Americana Community Center Wednesday afternoon. The Center serves refugees and immigrants from 92 countries. They offer a range of programs including family education in the mornings and evenings.

When parents take ESL classes, their young children attend preschool or the nursery, if the little ones are 2-3 years old. After school, older children come for tutoring and help with homework.

By Sister Joetta Venneman, PBVM

October 1, 2014

Our first stop of the day is Shively Area Ministries, one of several in a network of community ministries supported by local churches, private organizations and the federal government.

Located in the 40216 zip code, the poverty rate has climbed from 11% to 18% since the last census. The center shares food both from local and federal sources. It provides financial assistance to individuals in need for utility services, rent and medications. Lastly, it offers Meals on Wheels, counseling and education in health and finances.

By Sister Carol Coston, OP, and Sister Nancy Sylvester, IHM

September 29, 2014

We began our last day in Michigan, as we had every day, sitting together in prayer. Toward the end of our prayer we shared how the days’ events were like a kaleidoscope with the faces of hundreds of people coming into focus. These Michiganders shared similar stories of suffering, frustration and some hope, but in their own unique perspectives.

Our first stop was in front of the 36^th District Court, where we joined with M.0.S.E.S., a faith based community organization, to do voter registration.

By Sister Linda Werthman, RSM

September 28, 2014

The town hall meeting in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan School of Social Work was for me the finish of a day of contrast and yet similarity of desire for our democracy.

Sister Mary Ellen Gondeck CSJ has captured our time in Flint, Michigan, with people who are using their creativity and energy to earn a living, feed their families, and contribute to the common good of their community. The concerns I heard from them were employment, security and drugs.

By Sister Mary Ellen Gondeck, CSJ

September 28, 2014

Flint finds itself in time of great poverty, unemployment and crime. In the center of this reality we visited the St. Luke Women’s Center, the fulfilment of a dream one woman had during a retreat and the urgency of another who was the sponsor for her niece in a Confirmation Preparation program to the need to do something.

It began as an outreach program providing clothing at a soup kitchen. It continued to grow from a one-time “project” to a regular program.

By Sister Nancy Sylvester, IHM

September 27, 2014

Trees were already changing as we drove north to Traverse City. It was a lovely ride with time to reflect on our earlier breakfast which served over 500 people in need in Muskegon which was a rich experience for us all. Although we were a bit delayed because of road work, the crowd was exuberant as we came off the bus and came into the auditorium. Over 160 people spent the bulk of this beautiful fall Saturday discussing ways to strengthen democracy.

By Sister Carol Coston, OP

September 27, 2014

At 8:15 am in Muskegon, MI, where the "Nuns on the Bus" and their brightly wrapped bus spent the night, we headed out to our first event of the day, being held at the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ.

When we arrived, there was already a huge line of children, women and men waiting to eat.

By Sister Linda Werthman, RSM

September 26, 2014

Our first event in Lansing, Michigan, was so energizing and inspiring. We listened to people’s hopes, seen:

By Sister Kris Vorenkamp, SLW

September 25, 2014

What a profound and exceptional experience for me and all of us, I imagined, to share lunch in the break of our NUNS ON THE BUS day in Chicago this way: listening with Gov. Pat Quinn of IL, Simone Campbell, Rev. CJ Hawking of ARISE Chicago, and my fellow sisters to three stories of struggling employees.

We heard stories that "break open your heart,” as Simone says so that we can be opened to their pain and let the Holy Spirit lead our response:

Rally for the 100% in Chicago - Nuns on the Bus

By Sister Bernadine Karge, OP

September 25, 2014

The sun shone upon the hundred-plus folks gathered for the 2:00 p.m. rally in Union Park on the near southwest side of Chicago, for the last event of this “espresso” day with Nuns on the Bus, September 25, 2014.

Voter Registration - Nuns on the Bus in Chicago

By Sister Nancy McCarthy, BVM

September 25, 2014

University of Illinois – Chicago First of all, my reflections are influenced by the fact that I studied on this campus nearly 30 years ago, and the memories that came back along with the GREAT changes that have taken place were astounding.

I tried to imagine how I'd react if I were approached by a 'Nun-on-the-Bus' and asked if I'd registered to vote!

By Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, and Sister Joellen Sbrissa, CSJ

September 25, 2014

Sister Simone:

From my perspective, the business round table was one of the most interesting and creative discussions I have had about the common good. We met with six successful business leaders (one woman and five men) to talk about their experiences.

By Sister Kerry O'Reilly, OSB

September 24, 2014

Our third and final day was full and combined what we did in the two previous days. We talked to students about being part of the 100% and the importance of their voice at the table. We also had a Town Hall.

Table discussions at the Town Hall for the 100%

By: Sister Eunice Antony, OSB

September 22, 2014

The Spirit was a-movin’ at St. Benedict’s Monastery and we had about 150 in attendance for the evening’s Town Hall for the 100%. Most of those present were middle-aged to elderly, but the quality of SJU students present with their enthusiasm and commitment, more than made up for the quantity. People came from the nearby cities as well as from St. Joseph’s.

By Sister Alice Zachmann, SSND

September 22, 2014

We’ve just begun in Minnesota. The people who came in Mankato had this “unknown” expression on their faces. “What is this about?” This “unknown” soon disappeared after Sister Simone gave her enlightened presentation. The faces changed to “can you tell us more?” It happened as people shared the answers to the questions prepared—the buzz increased as the eagerness to share became evident.

By Sister Maurita Bernet, OSF

September 22, 2014

A roar of welcome followed by a royal breakfast at the Rochester Franciscans got us off to a warm start in Minnesota. What was ahead? People were waiting, eager to listen and share. Three young women at one table did not hesitate to start to list off real concerns: war, partisanship, media roaring to citizens wondering how to know the truth.

Sister Simone receiving the Pacem in Terris Award

By Sister Simone Campbell, SSS

September 21, 2014

The last stop on the bus in Iowa was in Davenport at St. Ambrose College for the Pacem in Terris award. I was so humbled and awed that the consortium of interfaith groups in the Quad Cities area had agreed to give me their 2014 award. When I saw the list of past recipients, tears sprang to my eyes. Seeing the names of Dr. Martin Luther King, Dorothy Day, Helen Caldecott, Jean Vanier (to name just a few) helped me remember so many leaders who nourished my roots of activism and peace building.

By Sister Jan Cebula, OSF

September 21, 2014

It was a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon and people were abuzz, pledging to vote and signing the bus which was parked right in front of the doors to the chapel of St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa. But they weren’t coming just for that. They were streaming in for the presentation of the 2014 Pacem in Terris Award. To our very own Sister Simone Campbell. What a fitting way to conclude Day Five and the Iowa leg of Nuns on the Bus!

By Sister Kathy Thornton, RSM

September 20, 2014

We traveled on to Bettendorf, Iowa where we partnered with Iowa CCI (Citizens for Community Improvement) to canvass neighborhoods to engage folks to vote. It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon in September and many people were out of their homes. However, when the whole group came back together, we had forty-four voting pledge cards and had distributed issue information to many houses!

The last event of the day was a debate watching party.

By Sister Jan Cebula, OSF

September 20, 2014

Cedar Rapids, Iowa. “They’re helping me find my strong woman inside. It had been crowded out by negativity.” Words of wisdom from Deborah, whom we met at the Catherine McCauley Center on Day Four. We were all deeply moved by Carlotta, Amy and Deborah as they shared their personal journeys of transformation from abuse, addiction and prison. “My past doesn’t define who I am today. I’m responsible, acceptable, healthy,” Carlotta told us. We could feel her strength and courage. “I have a passion for change” Amy, who serves on a state commission on homelessness, declared.

By Sister Marge Clark, BVM

September 20, 2014

The Nuns on the Bus were welcomed to visit the educational and the transitional housing programs, meeting and talking with students and residents, as well as with staff. There are many men and women learning English, history and otherwise preparing for citizenship exams. Many continue work to improve their English beyond that level, even after becoming citizens.

They are enthusiastic about the prospect of voting, once they are citizens.

By Sister Marge Staudt, OSF

September 19, 2014

Patience and Awok are Clarke University students from Cameroon who participated in the evening Town Hall for the 100% at St. Patrick’s Church. When the subjects of student debt and college loans were discussed, these young women shifted the focus to the reality of aid/economic development in foreign countries. Therese may be good intent, but far too often such assistance does not reach the people in greatest need.

By Sister Marge Staudt, OSF

September 19, 2014

Our afternoon in Dubuque held a visit to the CARADCO building in the Millwork District. This is an example of an abandoned structure that has been reclaimed for significant use: a food co-op, office space for non-profit organizations, apartments, and ritual space. A significant aspect of the tour was the visit to the Lantern Center where ESL classes and related opportunities are provided for many new residents of the city.

By Sister Jan Cebula, OSF

September 19, 2014

Dubuque, Iowa. We’ve been gathering around tables as we move from town to town, engaging one another in conversations about what concerns us, what is important for our democracy and how we might move forward together.

Significant things happen around the tables in our lives. We share our stories, renew friendships, play games and are nourished. Carry on business, make decisions, broker deals.

Sister Jeanie speaks with people in Waterloo

By Sister Jeanie Hagedorn, CHM

September 19, 2014

Our bus arrived this morning at the Waterloo River Plaza Building for a “Town Hall for the 100%” with the Americans for Democratic Action. Again, an enthusiastic group welcomed the bus and we all proceeded inside for a very energetic sharing!

By Sister Richelle Friedman, PBVM

September 18, 2014

Our second town hall today was held at the Sanford Center in Sioux City, Iowa. The venue was fitting as the Center’s mission is to create interracial understanding and better community living. The lively discussion that permeated the room centered on the challenging issues that face our nation – from excessive spending on war, the environment, the safety net, living wages, to the empowerment of women. The town hall meeting participants represented diverse ages, races, ethnicities, and genders.

By Sister Jan Cebula, OSF

September 19, 2014

Heading east on U.S. Highway 20 near Sac City, Iowa, on the road to Waterloo. As we travel along, seeing the corn and soy bean fields, farms, small towns, and larger ones rolling by, bumping along with the tires humming, I suppose it’s natural that road images start coming to mind.

By Sister Mary McCauley, BVM

September 18, 2014

By 9:00 a.m. on Thursday morning the “Nuns on the Bus” arrived at New Horizon Presbyterian Church in Council Bluffs, IA. We were greeted warmly by a number of Mercy and Notre Dame Sisters from Omaha, as well as supportive and curious residents of Council Bluffs.

Sister Claudia Robinson, the Director of Interfaith Response welcomed us. A number of the people present were long-time volunteers for this service agency, whose major goal is to prevent homelessness.

By Sister Jan Cebula, OSF

September 17, 2014

Des Moines, Iowa: “Vote people first! Vote people first!” shouted the folks gathered at Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement as our bus pulled up. Stepping off the bus to cheers was both humbling and energizing. The moment captured what we’re really about. Joining together, encouraging one another, to do what we really care about: putting people first.

September 17, 2014

What a day! Because we had such a high emotion and jam-packed day today (events with Progress Iowa, Iowa CCI, and of course our kickoff with Vice President Biden), we decided that we would all offer a few words of reflection how we are feeling after 24 hours of being Iowa’s “Nuns on the Bus”:

By Sister Jan Cebula, OSF

September 17, 2014

Des Moines, Iowa. Last night the sisters boarding Nuns on the Bus gathered for our orientation, in preparation for the kick off rally today. Ten of us from six different communities of women religious in Iowa greeted old friends and met new ones. Whenever sisters gather there is an immediate bond. We’re all in this together.