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Audio Files (audio file)

Interview on Intentional Discipleship

eScribe Newsletters (html format)

Paper Newsletters

Siena Scribe, March 2005 issue	Text	PDF
This issue contains a review of the Institute's mission. Sherry Weddell writes about the Charism of Service, and about the newly-available Called & Gifted process for Small Groups. George Sim Johnston reflects on John Paul II's articulation of the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, and especially what they say about (and to) the laity. Barbara Elliott writes about the work of Kids Hope USA, a remarkably effective model for outreach to at-risk kids and their families. See the "Happenings" column and calendar for our latest doings, comings and goings. Also find information about the newest materials from the Institue: Called & Gifted on CD, and Called & Gifted II: Discernment In Depth.

Siena Scribe, January 2004 issue	Text	PDF
In the January 2004 issue of the Siena Scribe, Sherry Weddell writes about our God's disinclination to play dice with redemption; it is crucial that our parishes attend to the formation of conscious and deliberate apostles. Fr. Michael Sweeney offers some challenging and insightful reflections on the surprisingly counter-cultural nature of the Church's social teaching. You'll find updates on the goings on at the Institute, a calendar of events, announcement of the new Faith Formation Seminar, and a new CD offering, Friendship With God.

Siena Scribe, June 2003 issue	Text	PDF
Sherry Weddell's article "Disciplines of Hope" highlights our need for this theological virtue, and offers valuable suggestions for cultivating it. Br. Robert King reflects on serving God in the secular world in his article "God's Will and Murphy's Pub". He also describes the new Young Apostles workshop, a version of Called & Gifted especially tailored for youth. Fr. Michael Sweeney reminds us of Christ's insistence that we make the judgments necessary for taking responsible action in the world. Take a look at more of what's new and what's coming in the "Happenings" column.

Siena Scribe, January 2003 issue	Text	PDF
You'll find Sherry Weddel's thought provoking and challenging article, "Sola Psyche and the Sacramental Ecomony," which examines the growing concern of and consequences to indifference to the objective nature of the Sacraments. Fr. Michael Sweeney reflects on his experiences in Jakarta and the vitality of their parishes. Br. Robert King introduces the youth version of the Called & Gifted Workshop. Read about the latest happenings, updated calendar, and books on St. Catherine of Siena newly available.

Siena Scribe, June 2002 issue	Text	PDF
Father Michael reflects upon redeeming the scandals in the Church. Sherry Weddell looks at the strengths and weaknesses of Evangelical formation, theology, and programs. The Happenings column highlights what is going on with the Institute, including an upcoming trip to Indonesia. Finally, Sherry highlights some Web resources for prayer and spiritual life.

Siena Scribe, February 2002 issue	Text	PDF
Father Michael reflects upon a Catholic response to September 11th and offers insights into how we might consequently understand the working of God in the world. Also considering the tragedy, Sherry Weddell looks at the heroic actions of the laity in the light of lay apostleship. There is also an article on the move of the Institute to Colorado Springs while gleaning some lessons on discernment in everyday life. Finally, Sherry highlights some Web resources for Peace and Social Justice concerns.

Siena Scribe, June 2001 issue	Text	PDF
Father Michael continues his series on lay participation in the priestly, prophetic, and kingly or royal office of Chirst by writing on the Prophetic dimension of lay apostleship. Sherry Weddell discusses some Internet resources for proclaiming the word along with some apologetic resources and ideas. Also, read about the Apostles to the World conference and some of the talk given by Cardinal Stafford.

Siena Scribe, February 2001 issue	Text	PDF
Articles on the priesthood of the lay apsotle, Offering Our Work and Play, by Fr. Sweeney, O.P., the San Fransicso conference on the Laity, Apostles to the World, and Internet links on formation resources. Also reports grants given to the Institute.

Siena Scribe, October 2000 issue	Text	PDF
Issue focuses on the current Vocation Crisis and what we can do about it. Many are called, but few are vocations are discerned! When vocation discernment for all Catholics is taken seriously, then vocations odained and religious life will abound.

Siena Scribe, June 2000 issue	Text	PDF
Issue focuses on RCIA through personal experiences, implications for apostleship, and the importance of a receiving community.

Siena Scribe, Winter 2000 issue	Text	PDF
Articles on the Called and Gifted Workshop in Diocesan lay formation, the role of wonder, and one parish's experience with the Called and Gifted Workshop.

Siena Scribe, Fall 1999 issue	Text	PDF
Articles on lay formation, overcoming fear by embracing the folly of the Cross, Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, and one woman's experience with using her gifts in the world.

Siena Scribe, Spring 1999 issue	Text	PDF
Articles on joining together in mission, sharing our "vast resources", getting ready for the Jubilee, and taking the plunge into gifts discernment.

Siena Scribe, Winter 1999 issue	Text	PDF
Articles on Saint Catherine of Siena, discerning your vocation, and the role of lay Catholics in our society.

Siena Scribe, Fall 1998 issue	Text	PDF
Issue centers on stewardship and the charisms of the Holy Spirit. Also contains Sherry Weddell's article on St. Margaret Clitherow and Fr. Michael Sweeney's meditation on Pope John Paul II's apostolic letter, The Day of the Lord.

Siena Scribe, Summer 1998 issue	Text	PDF
Contains a report on the Institute's efforts to deliver the Called & Gifted Workshop up and down the West Coast, Sherry Weddell's explanation of the difference between charisms and natural gifts, and Fr. Michael Sweeney's discussion of the common priesthood of lay and ordained Catholics. Also download "An argument for argument's sake," below.

Siena Scribe, Spring 1998 issue	Text	PDF
Our first issue. Contains an overview of the Institute, an article on the recent Vatican teaching on the laity by Fr. Michael Sweeney, O.P. and Sherry Weddell's story of a homemaker empowered by the charism of missionary to bring Christ to the women of an oppressive society. Also download "The role of the parish in the new evangelization," below.

Articles & Essays

The Parish: Mission or Maintenance?	Text
A ground-breaking presentation by Fr. Michael Sweeney and Sherry Weddell given to priests, seminarians, and lay students in Rome in February, 2000. The Parish: Mission or Maintenance? offers a challenging, comprehensive, and pratical look at the Church's teaching about the apostleship of the laity, the essential part of the priestly office in forming lay apostles, the importance of gifts discernment, and the untapped potential of the local parish in making real apostolic formation and support available to every Catholic. (Also available bound, in a 40 page book, at nominal cost. Order your copy by phone (toll free) 1-(888) 878-6789).

"An argument for argument's sake," Fr. Michael Sweeney	Text	PDF
Article from the summer 1998 newsletter.

"The role of the parish in the new evangelization," Fr. Robert Christian, O.P.	Text	PDF
Article from the spring 1998 newsletter.

Collaboration with the Laity, Fr. Michael Sweeney, O.P.	Text	PDF
According to Pope John Paul II and the Second Vatican Council, the proper role of lay men and women in the Church is a collaborative one: by virtue of baptism and confirmation, all Catholics are called to bring Christ into every human situation and to be co-responsible for this work of the Church in the world. Fr. Michael takes a look at what work needs to be done toward the Christian formation of the lay faithful before this goal can be reached.

Government in the Church, Fr. Michael Sweeney, O.P.	Text	PDF
A look at the implications for the Church's government and for parish life of Church teaching about the role of the lay faithful.

In the beginning: the unlikely adventures of the Catherine of Siena Institute, Sherry Weddell and Fr. Michael Sweeney, O.P.	Text	PDF
What do you get when you mix a shoestring with some midnight oil, then spice it with a daring, last-minute rescue? Find out in this illustrated account!

Pope John Paul II speaks on charisms	Text
From a 1994 general audience.

The strategic role of lay Catholics in the Dominican mission, Sherry Weddell	Text	PDF
What can Dominican parishes (and all Catholics) learn from the experience of evangelical Protestants in mobilizing their laity for the work of the Church?

Dominican freedom and responsibility: towards a spirituality of government, Most Rev. Timothy Radcliffe, O.P.	Link
A letter on governance written to the whole Dominican Order, by Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, O.P., Master General.

Institute brochures

Called & Gifted Workshop Brochure		PDF
The Institute's program to teach lay Catholics about their role in the Church and its mission to the world. See also our workshops page.

See also our workshops page.

Charisms of the Holy Spirit FAQ		PDF
See also our online FAQ.

Spiritual Gifts Discernment Program FAQ		PDF
See also our online FAQ.

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