The "Center"

Send us a textOn today's podcast, we're joined by Rev. Kelly Dignan. In 2017, Rev. Dignan advocated for, and led her congregation – the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder, Colorado – to become a sanctuary congregation, housing a Peruvian refugee mother and her children. Today's conversation will focus on the resurgence of the Sanctuary Church Movement during the past 10 years, and how this influenced the Unitarian Universalist Church – Boulder to open up their building as a sanctuary space. We will also discuss the difficulties involved with a congregation making the complicated decision to become a Sanctuary Church as well as the victories, joys, and celebrations involved with being a Sanctuary Congregation. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Send us a textOn Today's episode of The "Center", we welcome guest Brian Beals. In 1990, Brian Beals was wrongfully convicted of murder and sentenced to 80 years in prison. Beals was incarcerated within several prisons throughout Illinois, and during his wrongful incarceration became a published author. It was during his incarceration in a prison in Dixon, IL that Brian along with other prisoners developed the Mud Theater Project, a prison-based theater group that has produced several award-winning plays. In December 2023, because of evidence produced by the Illinois Innocence Project, Brian's conviction was overturned, and he was released from prison after a total of 35 years of being incarcerated in a combination of county jails and state prisons. In January 2025, just a year following his release, the Mud Theater Project produced and presented a performance of their production “Searching For Justice” at the Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago. The venue was sold out for the event. It is with great pleasure that I welcome Brian Beals to The “Center.” "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Send us a textOn today's episode of The “Center” we're joined by Sister Janet Ryan, OSF, and Eric Anderson. Our conversation will focus on the impact that restorative justice practices have on those who are incarcerated, and also on the staff working within the prison system in the state of Illinois. As a member of the community of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa, Sister Janet Ryan has been a guest on The “Center” podcast before to discuss the work that she does with Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation in Chicago, IL. Eric Anderson was formerly incarcerated in the Illinois state prison system. Since his release in 2023, Eric has worked with Sr. Janet Ryan to facilitate Circle Keeper and restorative justice trainings in some of the same prisons where he was once incarcerated. Please note: The views expressed here are individual views that do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Send us a textOn today's episode of The “Center” we welcome our friend, Kurt Kreiter. Kurt was a guest on The “Center” in September 2023, when we discussed prairie ecology and the importance of regenerating and maintaining prairie lands in Iowa. Today, Kurt and host Marsha Thrall discuss why every day is Earth Day while they talk a little bit more about prairie ecology and discuss the geological and geographical origins of the Driftless Area that starts in Northern Minnesota and extends south into the Clinton County area of Iowa. Marsha and Kurt will also discuss the origins of Earth Day, and how we can celebrate the beauty and majesty of our common home every day.  "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Send us a textOn today's episode of The “Center” we're joined by Carrie Donaire, the 2024-25 president of the Rotary Club of Clinton, Iowa. Under her leadership, the Rotary Club of Clinton will host its first annual Food Security Summit on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The Food Security Summit aims to bring together Clinton's social service agencies and county organizations to collaborate on developing sustainable solutions to food insecurity, including promoting community planning, and raising awareness about resources available to those who are struggling with food insecurity within the community of Clinton.Carrie's Peace Corps service in Nicaragua focusing on food security and agricultural initiatives has influenced her love and interest for developing this project, and the goal for the project is to “unite local organizations… to influence meaningful progress in the fight against food insecurity in Clinton.” "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Send us a textOn today's episode of The “Center” we're joined by Reggie Russell, Executive Director of Empowerment Through Sports, a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping youth overcome violence through youth sports. Reggie will talk about how youth sports help the youth in Clinton schools overcome violent influences, and contributes to the success of all youth who participate in organized youth sports. Please note: The views expressed here are individual views that do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Send us a textThis week's guest on The "Center" will be Eli McCarthy, Ph.D., a professor in both the Peace and Justice Studies and the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Georgetown University. Currently, Eli serves as the Just Peace Fellow with Franciscan Action Network and on the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative's steering committee, a Pax Christi International project. He has written for the Huffington Post, National Catholic Reporter, and The Hill. During the conversation, Eli will discuss the importance of being nonviolent peacemakers during political unrest and insecurity. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Send us a textWelcome to The “Center” – I'm your host Marsha Thrall. On today's episode of The “Center” we're joined by Dr. George Belitsos, current chair of the Board of Directors for the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery. Dr. George, as he is affectionately referred to by colleagues and friends, is the founder and Executive Director - Emeritus of Youth and Shelter Services (YSS) based in Ames, IA. It was Dr. George's experience with at-risk youth at YSS, including LGBTQIA+ youth who were often forced into situations of human trafficking, that led Dr. George to found the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery, a statewide organization that advocates for legislation that protects those victimized by human trafficking in all of its forms. Since its founding in 2005, INAHT has worked to have 20+ pieces of legislation passed in the state of Iowa, including legislation that increases the number of penalties a person convicted of trafficking can face if convicted under human trafficking charges, and Safe Harbor legislation which protects underage persons victimized by human trafficking.In his retirement, Dr. George lives with his husband Peter at Hobbit's Hill, a 25-acre farm dedicated to housing and raising rescue llamas, goats, and chickens. Welcome Dr. George Belitsos! "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Send us a textOn today's episode of The “Center” we're joined by Deputy Chief of Police Jim Ballauer, and Corporal Joshua Winter of the Clinton Police Department for an update on the landscape of human trafficking in the City of Clinton, Iowa, and its neighboring communities.This week's podcast is one in a continuing partnership with the Clinton Police Department to educate the public about the modes of human trafficking present in Clinton, and how the public can respond to the constantly changing landscape of trafficking within our community.Please note: The views expressed here are individual views that do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Send us a textOn today's episode of The “Center,” we're joined by contemplative activist Leslye Colvin. Leslye is a writer, educator, and spiritual companion rooted deep within her Catholic faith. Leslye writes her blog “Leslye's Labyrinth” and has been published in the National Catholic Reporter and U.S. Catholic. Leslye serves on the boards of FutureChurch, and NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice.During today's conversation, Leslye and podcast host Marsha Thrall will discuss how embodied empathy can direct social equity and advocacy work, and how both the Advent and Christmas seasons can remind us to compassionately live in community with one another beyond the holiday season itself.We hope you find comfort and motivation to advocate for social equity from listening to this conversation. Please note: The views expressed here are individual views that do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Send us a textOn today's episode of The “Center” we'll be joined by Reverend Tamara Siburg. Reverend Tamara is the pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Clinton, Iowa. Since beginning her service in Clinton, Rev. Tamara and her congregation have committed to focusing on issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, and LGBTIA+ recognition and safe practices within our community. Through Rev. Tamara's leadership, St. Paul has committed to sponsoring the first PFLAG chapter in the River Cities area and hosts a monthly meeting at St. Paul church on the third Sunday of each month. Reverend Tamara is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, and comes from a family tradition of ministry.  Please note: The views expressed here are individual views that do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Send us a textDuring this season of Thanksgiving, and in recognition of Native American Heritage month, the Franciscan Peace Center invites members of our community to reflect on land justice, particularly as it relates to our indigenous neighbors. On today's episode of The “Center” we're joined by Eric Anglada, a Catholic Worker farmer, and lay leader at the Sinisinawa Mound Center in Southwestern Wisconsin. Eric co-founded the St. Isidore Catholic Worker Farm in Cuba City, Wisconsin with his wife Brenna Cussen Anglada. When Eric is not farming, or facilitating summer solstice Wild Church activities, he educates communities to advocate for indigenous land justice. Please note: The views expressed here are individual views that do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa.Welcome, Eric! "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Send us a textOn today's episode, we will be joined by international students who are attending Augustana College in Rock Island, IL. These students will openly and candidly share the struggles and difficulties they face as international students, while also celebrating the opportunities that access to a college education has provided for them. Welcome to The “Center” Augustana students, and thank you, listeners, for joining us! "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Send us a textToday, The “Center” podcast returns from its hiatus with a timely message about our migrant neighbors, and how we can better understand the various ways in which refugees can leave dangerous situations and legally enter and live in the United States while waiting for conditions to improve in their home countries.Today's guest on The “Center” is Angela Boelens. Angela is the founder and president of IA NICE, a non-profit agency supporting refugee families from Ukraine who are seeking either Temporary Protected Status or Humanitarian Parole with resettlement and integration into local Iowa communities. IA NICE is a 501(c)(3), providing guidance and necessary resources to community members and sponsors as they support newcomer families in rebuilding their lives in Iowa. Angela lives in Rock Island, IL, and is a professor in the Business Administration department at Augustana College. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

In recognition of Women's History Month, on today's episode of The “Center” we are joined by Leenah Safi. Ms. Safi is the daughter of Syrian immigrants and is currently completing PhD work at Chicago Theological Seminary. As a Muslim woman, Leenah has immersed herself in full time community work as a college chaplain with a Muslim nonprofit called the Felicity Foundation. Inspired and deeply challenged by the necessary work of supporting adolescents navigating educational and community belonging, she transitioned to doctoral studies to further identify the gaps in identity formation of young Muslims and is actively learning and teaching in the fields of pastoral care, theology, and religious education. Thank you for joining us for this important conversation on the importance of women's voices within all faith traditions. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

On today's episode of the “Center” we are joined by Sister Maria Zeimen, OSF and her friend Nancy from Garden Center Services. Garden Center Services is located in Burbank, IL, and provides housing services, day programming, and supportive employment services to people with intellectual and physical disabilities. According to their website, Garden Center Services was established in 1956 as a grassroots movement intended to serve children with developmental disabilities and their families and caregivers. Garden Center Services currently serves more than 150 individuals within their wider community.A goal of active nonviolence, according to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is to create “Beloved Community” – or space where unconditional love holds the power to transform the lives of all. As a mode of this transformative, unconditional love, today's episode of The “Center” holds space for a member of the community at Garden Center Services to share their interests, favorite things, and to help us to understand the important value of love and friendship.Thank you for joining us today for this very important episode. I hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording it for you. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

On today's episode of The “Center”, we'll receive a one year update from members of the Social Justice Committee at St. Ann's Catholic church in Baltimore, MD on the progress made in the campaign for canonization of the “Saintly Six”. As our regular listeners may recall, the cause of the “Saintly Six” is a movement lead by Black Catholics throughout the United States to have six African American Catholics granted sainthood within the Catholic church through the “Santo Subito” or “declare Sainthood now!” process. The candidates in this process include Mother Mary Lange, Father Augustus Tolton, Mother Henriette Delille, Venerable Pierre Toussaint, Julia Greeley, and Sister Thea Bowman.During this podcast, we'll be reminded about how the process of canonization works within the Catholic church, and also the efforts that the Social Justice committee at St. Ann's Catholic church is making to bring the cause of sainthood for the “Saintly Six” a reality. We'll also be reminded about the importance of Black representation within the Catholic church. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

On this week's episode of The “Center”, we'll be joined by Deputy Chief James Ballauer, Corporal Josh Winter, and School Resource Officer Chris Robertson of the Clinton, Iowa police department to discuss the landscape of human trafficking in Clinton and neighboring communities. The conversation will include information about initiatives and partnerships that the Clinton PD is currently engaged in aimed at abating various forms of trafficking within Clinton, northeast Iowa, and Illinois. We will focus on proactive measures that can be taken by any person in response to witnessed suspicious activity, and also how parents and caretakers can protect their families from nefarious activity, including unsafe internet activity.Content warning: This podcast will include mention of sexual abuse, the impact of drug use on communities, and weapons violence. Please take care when listening. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

On today's episode of The “Center” we're joined by Latina feminist theologian Dr. Theresa Yugar. Dr. Yugar is best known for her research and writing work on the 17th century Catholic nun Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, publishing the book Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: Feminist Reconstruction of Biography and Text through Wipf and Stock publishers in 2016. In 2019, Dr. Yugar was invited to co-create the production of “History's Worst Nun” an animated TedEd short film that summarizes the life of Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz. Dr. Yugar's other notable work includes Valuing Lives, Healing Earth: Religion, Gender, and Life on Earth, a festschrift honoring the life, work, and influence of Catholic feminist theologian Dr. Rosemary Radford Ruether.Dr. Yugar earned a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School in 1997, and later completed a PhD from Claremont Graduate University in 2013. Her areas of expertise include ecofeminist theory and praxis and gender in colonial Latin American history. She is the recipient of a Fulbright and Hispanic Theological Initiative Fellowship, and Scholar for the Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program. Yugar teaches in the Chicana(o) and Latina(o) Studies and the Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies departments at California State University in Los Angeles. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

On this episode of The “Center”, we are joined by Dr. Ryan Hansen. Dr. Hansen is an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene, having served churches in Chicago, Nashville, and northeastern Wisconsin. Ryan also serves as the Minister of Visitation at a Presbyterian church in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Ryan has received a PhD from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and his dissertation focuses on images of cosmic upheaval and worship in the Book of Revelation. That work has been published from Fortress Press as Silence and Praise: Rhetorical Cosmology and Political Theology in the Book of Revelation. Dr. Hansen teaches online at several universities and seminaries around the US.On today's podcast, Ryan and I will be discussing the context and metaphorical nature of the book of Revelation, also known as The Revelation of John. Revelation was written in the late 1st or early 2nd century, CE and uses metaphors to illuminate the violence of the Roman Empire at the time, while also asserting that following the nonviolent ways of Jesus is the most effective tool to overcome the violence of empire. Please note: The views expressed here are individual views that do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

On Today's episode of The “Center”, we're joined by Anne Hoiberg, author of the book Tears of War: Stories of Refugee Women. According to the Institute for Women's Policy Research “Status of Women in the States Report, nearly 21 million female immigrants currently live in the United States, making up more than 13% of the entire female population in the US. These women take on multiple roles, including roles as students, teachers, many kinds of professional positions, and also are spouses, parents, and caregivers within their families.During her 25-year career as a Research Psychologist with the United States government, Anne Hoiberg published two books and more than 130 scientific articles, book chapters, reports, and presentations. She currently serves as the President of the International Museum of Human Rights at San Diego, Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition, and La Jolla Pen Women as well as Co-President of the American Association of University Women (San Diego branch), Chairwoman of the Nile Sisters Development Initiative, and Secretary of the Peace Resource Center. She is a past president of the League of Women Voters of San Diego, the Women's Museum of California, the United Nations Association of San Diego, and National Women's Political Caucus. Anne volunteered as an election supervisor in “emerging” countries (eight missions) and has organized local, national, and international conferences. In 2012, she was inducted into the San Diego County Women's Hall of Fame. Her book Tears of War: Stories of Refugee Women, was published by Montezuma Publishing in December 2022. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

On today's episode of The “Center”, we will be joined by Shannon Sander-Welzien, Executive Director of the YWCA in Clinton Iowa, and Michelle Plasschaert, the YWCA's Empowerment Center Director for a discussion about the proposed Supportive Housing program that the team at the YWCA has developed for Clinton, Iowa.Permanent Supportive Housing is an evidence-based housing intervention that significantly reduces returns to jail and homelessness, reliance on emergency health services, and improves overall quality of life for those who participate in this type of program. According to the YWCA, in Clinton County, 1 in 3 people are at risk of homelessness due to poverty, and this has only increased with the impact of COVID-19. YWCA Clinton operates under the Housing First Model. Housing First is an evidence-based homeless assistance approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness, thus ending their homelessness, and serving as a platform from which they can pursue personal goals and improve their quality of life. The Supportive Housing Initiative proposed by the YWCA will provide a wider breadth of opportunity for the YWCA to provide solutions for vulnerable populations within Clinton and Jackson counties; complementing the services that the YWCA already provides to our neighbors facing homelessness.This week's podcast will focus on some of the talking points for the Clinton YWCA's Supportive Housing Project, including information about the updated location for the proposed project, who the project will serve, the importance of the grant and other funding that has been received for this project, and the long-term benefits that this project will provide to the community of Clinton, IA.After listening, if you're interested in supporting the YWCA's Supportive Housing Project, there are two ways that you can help out. The first is to contact your city council person to express your support. Also, on November 14th there will be a board meeting for the City Council. At this time the City Council will go into public hearing for the YWCA's Supportive Housing project, and members of the greater Clinton Community will be able to speak.  After all public addresses, Clinton's City Council will vote on the new proposed site for this Supportive Housing Project. Our listeners are encouraged to make a statement in support of this project; however, if making a statement goes beyond your comfort level, you are invited to stand in support of this project by being present at this meeting. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

On today's episode of The “Center” we are joined by Dr. Christophe Ringer, associate professor of Theological Ethics, and Society at Chicago Theological Seminary.Professor Ringer's research interests include theological and social ethics, African American religion, public theology, religion and social sciences, religion and politics, critical theory and African American religion, and cultural studies. He is particularly interested in African American religion as a site for understanding the relationship of self, society and the sacred as it concerns human flourishing. Ringer's research currently focuses on the religious and cultural meanings that sustain and rationalize mass incarceration and other forms of social death in American public life.Please note: The views expressed here are individual views that do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

On Today's episode of “The Center” we'll be joined by Clinton's Deputy Chief of Police, James Ballauer, who will be talking about alternative policing tactics currently being used in Clinton, Iowa.According to the US Department of Justice, community policing is a philosophy that promotes organizational strategies that support the systematic use of partnerships and problem-solving techniques to proactively address the immediate conditions that give rise to public safety issues such as crime, social disorder, and fear of crime.In Clinton, Iowa, community policing includes social workers and psychologists riding with police officers up to three times per week to attend to non-violent calls including mental distress calls, drug use calls, vagrancy calls and other calls that are non-violent in nature so that help, rather than punitive measures can be administered to community members who need help. Please listen as today's guest talks about the transformative nature of employing non-violent community policing.The views expressed here are individual views that do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

On today's episode of The “Center” the staff of the Franciscan Peace Center will be sharing information about the good work that has been accomplished within the past year, events that are coming up – including the Second Annual Just Living Festival, and plans for future work sponsored by the FPC. Listen in as host Marsha Thrall, Director of Programming, Jennifer Kryszak, Director of Strategic Planning, and Laura Anderson, Director of Digital Outreach and Advocacy for the Franciscan Peace Center share the good news of active nonviolence and peacemaking work, and how it takes shape within their local community and beyond. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

On Today's podcast, we will be joined by Sister Janet Ryan, OSF. Sister Janet has been a Franciscan sister of Clinton, Iowa since 2005, and is originally from Boston. She has been ministering at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation since 2014 and assists adults in earning their high school diploma, offers peace circles in the community and circle trainings at PBMR. Sr. Janet has a Communications degree from UConn and a Master's in Pastoral Ministry from St. John's Seminary in Boston. She is passionate about living and promoting Nonviolence and Restorative Justice.Today's conversation will focus on the ways in which Sr. Janet's community at Precious Blood Ministries of Reconciliation will be celebrating both Campaign Non-Violence from September 21, 2023 to October 2, 2023, and also how Precious Blood Ministries will be celebrating the International Day of Peace on September 21, 2023. Welcome Sister Janet!              "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Today's special edition of The “Center” is a conversation with Sister LaVern Olberding, OSF. Sister LaVern has been a member of The Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa since 1961. During her time as part of the Clinton Franciscan family, Sister LaVern has served as a grade school teacher, a high school teacher, in faith formation and campus ministry, and as the operations coordinator for the oldest solid surface company in Southern California. Sister LaVern's current project is founding and serving as the president of the Franciscan Peace Connection in San Diego.On today's episode, join host Marsha Thrall, and Sister LaVern as they talk about the events that The Franciscan Peace Connection has planned to celebrate the International Day of Peace with their neighbors in the San Diego area.   "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Did you know that Iowa was once 80% covered in tall grass prairie land? But, currently, the amount of tall grass prairie land in Iowa is less than .1%. On today's episode of The “Center”, we'll be joined by Kurt Kreiter and Todd Seifert from Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat Center in Wheatland, Iowa, and also Sister Marie Cigrand from the Sisters of St. Francis in Dubuque, Iowa for a meaningful and informative conversation about the importance of prairie land in the state of Iowa. Join us as we talk about the importance of the prairie for our overall ecosystem, the beautiful habitat that the prairie provides for our brothers and sisters who call it home and appreciate some prairie wisdom from those who are stewards of some of the prairie lands that are left to be cared for here in Iowa. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

On today's podcast, host Marsha Thrall will be sharing with our listeners information about what human trafficking looks like in the state of Iowa, how local communities are working to squash the various problems that are systemic contributors to human trafficking, what work still needs our attention, and how we can work together as a community to bring positive change to the landscape of human trafficking in Iowa. Content warning: There are brief mentions of rape and sexual assault in this episode. Please be careful while listening. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

On today's episode of The “Center”, host Marsha Thrall is joined by Sisters Ida Green, and Jeanne d'Arc Untz of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa to talk about the work that they have done to alleviate the problem of human trafficking within the community of Clinton.This conversation will focus on what motivates these sisters to do anti-trafficking work, the impact that their work has had on their communities, and their hopes for a community liberated from the problem of human trafficking.Content Warning: This episode contains brief mention of sexual assault. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

On today's episode of The “Center”, host Marsha Thrall is joined by Tamra Jetter, Director of the Vince Jetter Community Center in Clinton, Iowa. Marsha and Tamra will talk about the Vince Jetter Community Center's origins, and how the Jetter Center is currently working on beautification and community garden education projects intended to revitalize the neighborhoods surrounding the Vince Jetter Community Center. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

In today's episode of The “Center”, host Marsha Thrall talks about both the restorative and nonviolent nature of both home gardening and community gardening. Within the conversation, she will be joined by Donna Santiago, who oversees programming and enrichment for the Pathways Living Center in Clinton, Iowa. Pathways Living Center provides housing and care for adults living with mental and emotional challenges, and Pathways is one of this year's recipients of a no-cost garden plot at the Clinton Community Garden. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

On today's episode of The "Center" host Marsha Thrall is joined by Dr. Adrienne Krone. Dr. Krone is the Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Sustainability and Religious Studies at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. Dr. Krone's area of academic specialty focuses on Agriculture and Food, Food Justice, Religion and Food, Religion and the Environment, Religion and Animals, Religious Studies, and Jewish Studies. Her research has focused on a historical and ethnographic study of the contemporary Jewish Community Farming movement in North America. Welcome Dr. Krone! "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

This week on The “Center”, host Marsha Thrall is joined by Carmelite Sister JonFe de Torres, as well as Sisters Theresa Judge and Joan Theiss of the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa. Today's conversation focuses on the experiences and expertise that these three women have in growing gardens for both food, and as creative expression. The topic of gardening as an act of nonviolence is explored, including insight on how growing one's own food is a radical act of self-care. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Today's guest on The "Center" is Dr. Joanne Marie Terrell. Dr. Terrell is the Kenneth B. Smith Chair of Public Ministry and Associate Professor of Theology, Ethics, and The Arts at Chicago Theological Seminary. Dr. Terrell had the distinct honor of being mentored by Dr. James Cone while she completed both her MDiv and Doctoral degrees at Union Theological Seminary. In her own right, Dr. Terrell is a brilliant scholar, and author of the book Power in the Blood? The Cross in the African American Experience. As part of her ministry, Dr. Terrell utilizes theater, poetry, and clothing design as both pedagogical process, and expressive nonviolence in response to the violence that is present within our communities. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

For the January 26, 2023 episode, host Marsha Thrall continues the "origin story" conversation with Sister Jan Cebula, Sister LaVern Olberding, and Sister Maria Zeimen. During the conversation, the Sisters share personal stories about their journey towards embracing an ethic of active nonviolence and peacemaking. And also, the Sisters share sources and resources to aid listeners in seeking out ways to explore a "centered" approach to active nonviolence and peacemaking.Please visit our website to learn more about these resources. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

This episode features two guests: Sister Janet Ryan, a Franciscan sister of Clinton, Iowa, and Olivia Hurst, from Chicago, IL. Sr. Janet has been ministering at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation since 2014, where she assists adults in earning their high school diploma, offers peace circles in the community, and circle trainings at PBMR. Olivia Hurst has been actively engaged with the programming at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation for several years, and considers PBMR to be a “home away from home”. During this conversation, we will be talking about how an ethic of nonviolence and peacemaking has a positive impact on the lives of folks who participate in programs like those offered at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation  "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Integrating Franciscan spirituality with action, the Franciscan Peace Center carries out the advocacy work of the corporate public stands taken by the Clinton Franciscans.  That work can take many forms: influencing lawmakers, prayer, educating individuals, mobilizing citizens to participate in the democratic process, and giving a voice to impoverished and marginalized people.  In 2021, the Clinton Franciscans committed to a plan based on the Laudato Si' Action Platform (LSAP) – a call from the Vatican to work toward a more sustainable and just world. This episode of The “Center” is a conversation with the staff of the Franciscan Peace Center: Director of Strategic Planning, Jennifer Kryszak; Director of Digital Advocacy and Outreach, Laura Anderson; and Director of Programming, Marsha Thrall.  Join us as we discuss how we approach the mission of active nonviolence and peacemaking and how the LSAP provides a framework for our efforts. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

Today's podcast is part two of the two part conversation with members of the Social Justice Committee at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Baltimore, Maryland.Join host Marsha Thrall, and guests Delores Moore, Ralph Moore, and Mary Sewell as they discuss  St. Ann's initiative of Santo Subito (or "Saint right away") canonization for six African American candidates for sainthood.This initiative has received national attention, and has been the focus of a November 2021 Washington Post article.To learn more about the six Santo Subito candidates, and to read and sign a copy of the letter that St. Ann's has composed to Pope Francis, please visit:https://clintonfranciscans.com/the-center-podcast"Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

The “Center” is in its final weeks of summer hiatus. This week, we are re-airing part one of the two part conversation with members of the Social Justice Committee at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Baltimore, Maryland.Join host Marsha Thrall, and guests Delores Moore, Ralph Moore, and Mary Sewell as they discuss  St. Ann's initiative of Santo Subito (or "Saint right away") canonization for six African American candidates for sainthood.This initiative has received national attention, and has been the focus of a November 2021 Washington Post article.Since our initial airing in February, there has been an important development in the canonization process of one of the six candidates. On June 22, 2023, Mother Mary Lange, founder of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, was declared venerable by Pope Francis. This declaration of venerable moves Mother Lange a step closer to being one of the first African Americans from the United States to be granted sainthood.To learn more about the six Santo Subito candidates, and to read and sign a copy of the letter that St. Ann's has composed to Pope Francis, please visit: https://clintonfranciscans.com/the-center-podcast "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.

During the month of July, The “Center” podcast will be on hiatus from producing new episodes.This hiatus will allow us to plan for creating new content for the upcoming months during the second half of 2023.For today's installment of The “Center”, we will be celebrating our podcast by re-airing our very first episode, “The Origins of the Center – Part 1”. In our first episode, Sisters Jan Cebula, LaVern Olberding, and Maria Zeimen discuss how the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton Iowa began their journey towards living into an ethos of nonviolence and peacemaking, and how the seed of the “Center” – a metaphorical place held within the hearts of the Sisters of St. Francis as they explored the concepts of nonviolence and peacemaking – into what is now known as the Franciscan Peace Center. Thank you for listening – and we hope that you enjoy this special re-airing of this truly wonderful episode of The “Center”. "Sweet Times" is by All Bets Off, and is provided by Adobe Stock.