During the COVID-19 pandemic, in Clancy, Montana, Linda McCray, a Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Associate (SCLA) found herself feeling isolated from the broader SCL Community. That sense of disconnection sparked an initiative that has since evolved into a vibrant virtual gathering connecting Associates and Sisters across the continent.
From Small Beginnings to Nationwide Connection
With limited in-person gatherings, Linda joined forces with Sister Mary Jo McDonald, SCL, and fellow Associate Bobby Lavinder to launch a monthly Zoom gathering for SCL Associates in Butte and the Northwest United States.
“We modeled it after how Sister Paula Marie Tweet had monthly gatherings in Butte when she was here,” Linda explains. The format followed a familiar structure—opening prayer and song, followed by a presentation, discussion, and fellowship—all within a 90-minute timeframe that worked well in the virtual environment.
Two years after its inception, the group expanded its reach, broadening the invitation to include all Sisters and Associates. For the 2023-2024 season, the gatherings featured a retreat on discipleship, stand-alone presentations on topics such as “Season of Creation” and “Discerning Our Mission,” and a spring book study of Joan Chittister’s The Time Is Now. This past year, the initiative evolved further with the launch of a dedicated monthly speaker series that runs from September through May.
Building Bridges of Faith and Fellowship
The monthly gatherings have become a new staple of SCLA activities. “The goal truly is to connect Sisters and Associates from anywhere,” Linda says. “And we do have people coming from the East Coast all the way to the West Coast.”
Last year, gatherings averaged 16 attendees. With the introduction of the Speaker Series for 2024-2025, participation more than doubled, now averaging 35 people per gathering.
As attendance has grown, the format has adapted. Open discussions have transitioned to breakout rooms, allowing for more intimate conversations even as the number of participants increases. May 2025’s gathering drew nine Associates and 21 Sisters.
Through shared prayer, presentations, and the technology that connects them, participants find spiritual nourishment and human connection, which, for many, is a critical need in today’s often fragmented world.
An Open Invitation
The speaker series embodies the SCL spirit of inclusivity. “We want to invite everyone,” Linda emphasizes. “Truly, all are welcome.” This openness to all welcomes not only current Associates and Sisters but also introduces newcomers to the Associates.
Each month brings new perspectives and insights as different speakers share their stories. The 2024-2025 series has featured diverse topics, including “Living in Hope” with Father Kevin Cullen, S.J., “Coping in a Divided World” with Tina Carpenter, and “Representing the Charity Federation as NGO Representative at the UN” with Jimmy Walters, PhD. Seasonal spiritual themes are also incorporated, such as Sister Maureen Hall’s reflection on the Advent season and Sister Phyllis Stowell’s “Lenten Journey through the Lens of the Commandments.”
Behind the scenes, a planning team meets monthly to develop future programs. This team, comprising Katie Kilbourne, Bobby Lavinder, Linda McCray, Sister Mary Jo McDonald, Tish Starbuck, and Don Stubbings, is already working on programs for the upcoming 2025-2026 season.
While distance creates barriers to in-person gatherings, the SCL Associate Speaker Series builds bridges of connection, ensuring that no Associate or Sister feels isolated, regardless of their location. By bringing together faith sharing and modern communication tools, the series is an expression of serving people with available resources.
This article appeared in the 2025 Summer Edition of Voices of Charity.
