This conference will explore the life and legacy of Sister Thea Bowman in the Catholic Church, her connection with The Catholic University of America and Washington, D.C., and the status of her canonization. Sister Bowman earned her Ph. D. in English from the University in 1972. As an alum of the University, we want to increase our community’s knowledge of her and to raise her profile on campus and throughout the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan community, including the archdioceses of Washington and Baltimore, and the diocese of Arlington. The conference is being held on the eve of the 35 th anniversary of Sister Bowman’s homegoing.
The conference will include panels focusing on the several Catholic organizations that were influential to Sister Bowman’s introduction to the Church, her formation as a Catholic religious and how they were impacted by her ministry. We will also focus on her time at the University and in Washington D.C. during the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, as well as the importance of the canonization process and its progress. Music will also be featured during the conference to recognize the significant role music played in Sister Bowman’s ministry.
Speakers
Rev. Dr. Maurice J. Nutt, C.Ss.R.
Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Reverend Dr. Maurice J. Nutt, C.Ss.R. is a compelling motivational speaker, award winning author, spiritual director, and social justice advocate. Fr. Nutt earned a doctorate in preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis; a Master of Theology Degree from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans, Louisiana; a Master of Divinity Degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, Illinois; and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Philosophy and Communication from Holy Redeemer College in Waterford, Wisconsin. Fr. Nutt served as pastor of parishes is Missouri and Tennessee. Starting in 2011 he was a full-time preaching evangelist as a member of the Redemptorist Mission Preaching Team based in Chicago, IL. In 2014, he was appointed Director of the Institute for Black Catholic Studies and the endowed Drexel Society Professor of Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. He is a former Convener (President) of the Black Catholic Theological Symposium, an interdisciplinary association of Black Catholic scholars from the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean. In October 2022, Fr. Nutt was inducted into the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College.
Father Nutt is the author of six books, including: Thea Bowman: In My Own Words (Liguori Publications, 2009), and Thea Bowman: Faithful and Free (Liturgical Press, 2019). The latter won 2020 book awards from the Association of Catholic Publishers and the Catholic Press Association.
Dr. Kathleen Dorsey Bellow, D.Min.
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Kathleen Dorsey Bellow is a practical theologian and professor who specializes in Black Catholic ministry, including worship, evangelization, and faith formation. Dr. Dorsey Bellow earned her doctorate from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago; her Master of Theology from Xavier University; a Master of Business Administration from McNeese State University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Loyola College (Loyola University Maryland). Since 2019, Dr. Dorsey Bellow has served as director of Xavier University of Louisiana's Institute for Black Catholic Studies and holds the Drexel Society Endowed Professorship in Black Catholic Studies. She has been associated with Xavier University--the only HBCU in the nation--for three decades running various academic, continuing education, and enrichment programs.
Sister Sue Ernster, FSPA.
Originally from Dubuque, Iowa, Sr. Sue Ernster serves a the president of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration (FSPA)--Sr. Thea Bowman's religious order. Sr. Sue previously served as the congregation's vice-president (2018-2022) and treasurer (2013-2022). She holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies/Counseling from Saint John's University; and a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Loras College. Sr. Sue has extensive experience in campus ministry, parish administration, and faith formation. She represents her order as a board member of various local, national, and international organizations including the Economy of Francesco. This organization is global movement inspired by St. Francis and the pontificate of Pope Francis who has called for a new "economy of friendship with the earth and an economy of peace."
Sister Barbara Spears, SNJM
Originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, Sister Barbara Spears is a Sister of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM), a congregation of women religious dedicated to education. Sr. Barbara obtained her doctorate degree in educational administration at NOVA Southeastern University; a Master of Science from Howard University, a Master of Arts from Trinity College in Washington, D.C.; a Master of Theology degree from Xavier University; and a Bachelor of Science from Howard University. Sr. Barbara is the current president of the National Black Sisters Conference and has held roles in non-governmental organizations at the United Nations. She is a member of the board of directors of the African Sisters Education Collaborative, an organization that educates Catholic women religious in Africa to strengthen their leadership capacity to provide services that address local and global challenges. Sr. Barbara has held multiple roles as an educator, including being a teacher, a principal, and the associate superintendent of schools in the Archdiocese fo Baltimore. She is a recipient of the Archdiocese of Baltimore's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Award.
Rev. Michael K. Barth, S.T.
Originally from Berwick, Pennsylvania, Fr. Michael Barth grew up mostly in Buffalo, New York. In May 2019, Fr. Mike was elected for a second four-year term as the General Custodian (Superior General) of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity. He earned a Master of Arts in Theology from Washington Theological Union; and a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from La Salle University. Fr. Mike journey to priesthood began when he was just a boy, entering the seminary in 1966 and being ordained a Missionary Servant priest in 1979. In 2014, he was appointed director of the Shrine of St. Joseph in Stirling, New Jersey in 2014. Previously, he was the pastored missions in Cleveland, Ohio, and Camden, Mississippi. Besides serving on many nonprofit boards, Fr. Mike served as Vicar General of the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity from 2003-2011.
Rev. Msgr. Raymond East.
Originally from Newark, new Jersey, Msgr. Ray East grew up in San Diego, California. A nationally known speaker and evangelist, Msgr. East currently serves as pastor of Saint Teresa of Avila Parish in Washington, D.C. He was ordained a priest in 1981 having attended St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD; having received a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Theology from Holy Trinity Seminary at the University of Dallas; and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Philosophy from the University of San Diego. Msgr. East has spent his entire ministry working in Black parishes in the District of Columbia, serving for six years as Director of the Office of Black Catholics in the Archdiocese of Washington. Though he felt called to priesthood from a young age, he initially became a businessman and teacher, in California and in Washington, D.C., before entering the seminary. His memberships include The National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus, The National Association of Pastoral Musicians, and Pax Christi.
Mr. Ronny Lancaster, M.B.A., J.D.
A D.C. native, Mr. Lancaster earned a Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University; a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School; and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from The Catholic University of America. A classmate of Sr. Thea Bowman, during their time together at Catholic University, Mr. Lancaster has held serveral senior leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. He has extensive experience in the medical and public health fields, particularly in the development of public health policy and promotion of health education.
Schedule
[Coming soon]
Registration
Individual or group registrations can be done through Eventbrite. Follow this link to reserve your space today.
For questions or accommodations, email us at cua-bowman@cua.edu