By Sister Nancy Gilchriest, SSND
On February 10, the "NEW" in New York City was a gathering of Nuns & Nones, who held its first meeting in the metropolitan area that day. This Nuns & Nones movement has been becoming more and more popular, so it was just a matter of time for it to happen in New York City. I participated in this inaugural event at St. Joseph's High School in Brooklyn, New York. The event was co-sponsored by the Brooklyn Center for Sacred Activism, the St. Joseph the Worker program, and the Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood. The afternoon was spent with young adults sharing faith, fellowship and food with religious nuns from a variety of congregations.
The young people who are attracted to these gatherings are earnest in their search for a meaningful way to live out their faith, yet they do not identify with any religion. During the conversations, they expressed gratitude to the Nuns with whom they can honestly share because, as one None said, "sisters have been most open."
I was honored to be a part of the afternoon, and was particularly touched by the Nones' desire to follow the God of their hearts. In some ways, it reminded me of discerning the call to religious life. Who knows where these conversations throughout the United States will go? These millennials are seeking the best way to live their lives, perhaps by choosing to follow God. As all Nuns know, in terms of choice, there is "None" better.
For more about Nuns & Nones, visit their website.
