Quarterly news & updates

Fall 2024

Highlights from summer retreat

Thirty-five persons gathered at Saint John’s Abbey from July 25 to 28, 2024 for a Bridgefolk retreat focused on spiritual practices for peacemaking that support resistance and resilience. Six additional persons participated remotely through Zoom.

Abbot Doug Mullin welcomed the group to the Abbey on Thursday evening and BearPaw Shields, from the Native American Studies Center at St. Cloud State University, provided a welcome on behalf of the local indigenous community.

Beginning on Friday morning, each session began with a time of prayer, led by Abbey Dupuy, choral director at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud, Minn. These times were marked by thoughtful presentations of scripture, which included the two children who were present, as well as sung refrains that repeated throughout the retreat. Many participants expressed appreciation for the “simple yet profound” character of the worship. A retired pastor shared his appreciation for the engaging ways that scriptures were shared.

The introduction of a spiritual practice followed each worship period, with time for individual practice. These included spending time in nature, artistic expression, compassionate listening, and a labyrinth walk, which took the form of a chapel walk among the pews at Saint Benedict Monastery when the afternoon heat moved the group inside. ...

Board Profile:

Michelle Sherman

Michelle Sherman came to Bridgefolk two years ago, at the invitation of outgoing board member Elizabeth Groppe. Upon hearing more information about Bridgefolk, Michelle exclaimed, “How have I NOT heard about Bridgefolk before?!” After all, many of its core values -- commitment to peacemaking, contemplative spirituality, and an ecumenical sense of proceeding through friendship -- deeply resonated with Michelle.

Michelle is a Catholic and is part of Pax Christi USA, the national Catholic peace movement. She is also involved with the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative, a global initiative of Pax Christi International that unites theologians, activists, ministers, and practitioners who affirm that active nonviolence is at the heart of the vision and message of Jesus, the life of the Catholic Church, and the long-term vocation of healing and reconciling both people and the planet.

Prior to her work with Pax Christi USA, ...

The time is now, the chosen are us: a story of land justice

By Rosanne Fischer

Associate of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, Minnesota

Rosanne Fischer (far left) with other Associates and Members of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls during a Repair Community workday. (Photo by John Kellen)

I don’t believe in ‘chance’ encounters. I believe that Spirit connects us, increases our understanding and calls us to action.

In 2022, seven members, sisters, and associates of our Franciscan Community in Little Falls, Minnesota, registered for a Land Justice Futures course. The course coincided with our intentional efforts to act upon Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si to respond to both the cry of Earth and the cry of People. We had just committed to the Dream Project, seeking to create an environmental learning center with healing and restoration of Land that the Franciscan Sisters inhabit. We realized that the healing of Land inherently involves healing of Peoples upon Land, with priority for those who have been displaced, mistreated, and denied access. Their healing is integrally related to our healing and the healing of Land: we are all connected. We chose to enter into a year-long program with the national Land Justice Futures team which, thankfully, has extended to a second year.

What a journey!! The capable and talented Land Justice Team, along with their BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) partners, have guided our learning about ...

Note: We would like to feature other collaborations that are happening in Canada, the US — and beyond! If you are involved in such a relationship in your local community, please let us know by sending a message to info@bridgefolk.net.

Can you help?

Bridgefolk is a low-budget, mostly volunteer organization. We appreciate donations of any size to support our operations and to provide financial assistance to make our annual gatherings affordable for all. All gifts are deductible for tax purposes. Thank you for your generous support in whatever manner you share.

Donate online